Page 90 of The Player Penalty
After all these years, I’m finally moving from a one-bedroom guest house all the way across the driveway. The place is smaller than the one Boone Rivers owns, but it’s more than enough for me. I want Lily to come, too, and she will, eventually. Right now, we’re moving slowly. She’s not ready to leave her father behind, and I’m a patient man. Mostly.
“I need to go. I’m running late.” Lily stays still, not moving.
“My flight is in two hours.”
“We need to go.”
It’s four and a half days apart. “Three more minutes,” I say, pulling her in for a final kiss.
∞∞∞
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
“Seventh place, not bad.” I slide through the window and flex my arms.
“Good race, man. You managed not to wreck even once,” Matteo says.
“Appreciate the feedback. In exchange, I’ll work you even harder next week.”
It’s my second time back in the Xfinity race this season, and another blast of fun.
Sarah slips from the crowd to lean against the pit wall. “Good race.”
“That’s the emerging consensus,” I say.
“Jake was interviewed today.”
“That happens a lot.” Why should I care?
“He was asked who would be voted most favorite driver this season, and he guessed you. You know what else?” She grins and doesn’t wait for my answer. “The reporter said your name came up several times.”
I rub my temples. “What?”
“You heard me. One of the reporters was asking quick questions during practice earlier. Your name came up. Don’t look surprised,” she says.
“Why?” Like every other driver, I keep my sponsors happy and have my share of fans, but I’m not the most popular—not even close.
“Everyone loves a comeback story, Julian, and you are the racing definition of a comeback story. You’ve won the most races, you’re top in points for the playoffs, and stories are getting out.”
“Stories about what?” Lily, that’s the story.
“Your extra efforts off the track and your growing role. Plus, Lily. She’s Pete’s daughter, after all. She isn’t famous, but he is. The bad boy is caught.”
“Not a fan of that title.”
“Why? It’s better than fu-”
“Going to stop you right there.” Her grin annoys me, and it’s meant to. “Well, catch me later in the season, and let me know how I do.”
In the meantime, I’ll forget the vote even exists.
“You want to go eat?” Matteo asks after witnessing the entire exchange.
“As soon as I change.”
With Lily on her summer camp trip, I offered Matteo the trailer’s sofa bed so he could stay the entire weekend.
We wind up at one of the infield’s bars, which means alcohol and race day food.
