Page 93 of Send It
I decide to stand in a different spot today, so I don’t get to see the holeshot but I’m not surprised when the first bike I see is Lincoln.
She’s fucking moving, too. She’s got at least three seconds on second place, who happens to be Landon Tate and by the way he rides by, I can tell he’s out for blood.
I watch intently for the next few laps and Lincoln’s lead just keeps getting bigger. She’s riding like an absolute maniac.
She’s riding like I used to.
With absolutely no fear. She’s doubling up on the breaking bumps, leaving no space for error. There’s no way anyone is catching her. Not unless she makes a mistake on the last lap. I watch as she continues to kickeveryone’s ass and when the checkered flag goes out, she takes the win.
Several people slap her back as she rides off the track and she goes straight to the trailer like she’s supposed to. When I get there she’s just taking her helmet off, a dirt ring under where her goggles sit.
The giant smile on her face is my soft spot. I take her face in my hands and bring her mouth to mine, kissing her so deeply that her back slams into the side of the trailer.
“You were amazing,” I say, pulling back to look at her. “That was the definition of sending it.”
She places her hand in the middle of my chest and pushes me back, “Let me in before Reiss gets here and catches us.”
I nod, because honestly I forgot anyone else existed when she pulled her helmet off. I only saw her.
“Talk later,” she whispers before disappearing inside. “Go do your interview before someone notices.”
I put a Bane Racing hat on and leave my goggles around my neck. Straddling the bike, I fire it up and head over to the Monster Energy victory tent. When I get there, everyone is waiting for me. Ryan, my dad, and Lincoln’s dad.
Everyone gives me a look that sayswhat the hell?and I just shrug. I whisper to Ryan, “I had to use the bathroom.”
They put my bike on the stand in the middle of the tent.
“Here he is, your winner, Colson Raines.” The announcer says. “What a picture perfect race and amazing lead and finish. Guys put your hands together because he is also your holeshot award winner.”
They hand me a metal and a plaque. “Colson, telleverybody back home how amazing that felt to be in first place after that first turn.”
“It felt great,” I say. “It was a good start out of the gate. I knew I had to focus on the line and put down some good early laps and by then I had enough of a gap to settle in.”
“Well, you did what you came out here to do on that one and showed everyone that you are still in it after that brutal injury last year. Congratulations on a great race man, I know you have an amazing team behind you. Anyone you need to thank?”
I look out into the crowd and notice Lincoln standing in the back.
“Yeah, man. I just want to thank everyone at Bane Racing and all the sponsors. My dad who came out today, my teammate Reiss, my trainer Ryan, and Lincoln…” I say the words and instantly explain, “My friend Lincoln who helped me train after my injury. Thanks.”
Our dad’s share a look and I know when I get back to the trailer I’m gonna be cooked for mentioning her but seeing her standing there in the back, and knowing she was the reason I was standing here, I had to acknowledge her.
I look around as I step down off the podium for Reiss but he’s already stepping up to take the silver.
Which means he beat Landon. So that puts Reiss in the chase for the title tomorrow.
I watch as Reiss gives his interview and I continue to sneak glances at Lincoln. Each time, she’s looking right back at me.
47
Lincoln
After my big win yesterday, I seem to settle in. I am less nervous about going into the final today and more focused than I have ever been. I know exactly what I need to do to secure the final win.
It also helps that Colson snuck into my bunk last night. He didn’t say a single word, he just crawled in and held me. He was gone before anyone else got up, out working on my bike before I woke up.
My phone buzzes against the blanket next to me so I pick it up.
Colson
