Page 135 of Trading Paint

I wasn’t sure what to make of it all. I was leading a pack of cars at Daytona International Raceway, in a race. Yeah it wasn’t the Daytona 500 but it was even better, it was a race with the best of the best, the Budweiser shootout. I shouldn’t have even been in the race but by setting the fastest time, I was picked as the wild card. So there I was, racing with past winners, pole sitters and past champions.

“Is this the last lap?” I asked Kyle when we crossed the start/finish line.

“Yeah,”

Tate and his teammate, Austin Yale, teamed up beside Bobby and me on the inside. They had the preferred line coming out of turn two. “Inside on the line, ten cars got a run...inside at your door...clear.”

Tate took over position but he did something I least expected him to do; he shot over in front of me on the outside instead of teaming up with Austin again. I wasn’t sure what to do so I drafted with him. Bobby stayed right behind me and Austin swung in line behind him creating a four-car line coming to the green.

I had two options. Stay where I was, or try to pass. I knew Bobby would follow but I wasn’t sure my car could pass Tate, he was strong. He did just pass me outside of the draft, there wasn’t enough time to make a move so I stayed where I was, second place.

I grinned when I saw the checkered flag. I just ran a race with the legends of stock car racing and placed second.

I’d say that’s respectable.

I hated not winning, I don’t know of any racer that didn’t, but when you think about, what experience did I have in race trim on a track like Daytona?

None.

I’d never raced a cup race before this and to finish second, I shouldn’t be complaining. I think the part that upset me the most was the fact that I could have won, there just wasn’t enough time.

Tate waved when I pulled up next to him, as did I. I’d finish second to a guy like him any day. This just goes back to my feelings about that Triple Crown Championship over Justin, you want to win so badly but you also know that means beating a guy who wants it just as badly.

When I pulled down the grid, still smiling, I removed my helmet while Spencer pulled my window net down. That’s when I heard a familiar giggle. My head shot up, my eyes glancing around figuratively; no one else had that giggle.

Sway.

I’m almost certain I got out of that car quicker than I would have if it was on fire and had her secured in my arms.

“You lied to me.” I breathed against her neck.

“No, I didn’t.” she giggled. “I just didn’t tell you the whole truth.” She pulled back to look at me. “I was in Atlanta, getting ready to board the plane, when you called.”

I still hadn’t let go of her. Instead, I pulled her against my chest tighter.

“Thank you...thank you so much for coming honey.”

“Did you honestly think I’d miss Daytona two years in a row, let alone,” Her eyebrow arched derisively. “yourfirst cup race?”

“No but...you’re busy these days.”

“I’m never too busy for you.” She assured me kissing my cheek.

Dad was at my car after that so I couldn’t kiss her the way I wanted to. “Good job kid.” He smiled.

“Thanks.” I pulled Sway closer and tucked her under my arm.

She giggled. “You’re wet.”

“I’m sweating.” Her eyes focused on mine when I spoke. “It happens.”

She didn’t say anything for awhile,just stood there beside me as I did a few post-race interviews. When the last reporter left she reached up and kissed my cheek again.

“I’m so proud of you!”

I had other plans and pulled her aside out of the public eye. We walked back to my motor coach; I kicked Spencer and Aiden out and brought Sway inside. After a few beers, I wasn’t thinking, neither was she and before we knew it we were making out on the bed in the back.

She deserved so much better than this and I couldn’t just have sex with her.

---