Page 46 of Crash Course Omega
Even though Jaxx is an asshole, he’s on point with safety after the major crash years ago where he lost his friend. So I know he’ll take care of her.
“It looks like you’re going to be the one owing me a favor.” Jaxx purrs over the comms to her.
“I’ve still got two laps, Jaxx. Don’t write me off just yet.”
It’s the way she says his name, and the smile in her voice, and that confidence I’ve only ever heard from her in races until I started watching her movies.
“Okay, Harmony, we’re resetting the clock for you. Are you ready to go?” Jacob asks.
“I was born ready,” she laughs, reminding me of the bright omega I fell in love with.
She shoots past the comms booth in her pink car, her engine roaring as Jaxx follows close behind.
Harmony
Jaxx peeled back to give me space to drive. After eighteen laps with the pair of us, I feel like I have a good handle on the track. I want to push myself hard, especially with the cameras on me. I need to show people that Harmony Grace is still here, and I’m not running away. It doesn’t matter what they say, I know who I am. And Ross McLean can go fuck himself.
“Okay, Harmony, we’re resetting your time. This is your last chance.”
“What was my average lap time?”
“To be honest? You were at 1.49.”
I press my lips together. What are the chances of beating that? I’ve never gained four seconds in one lap. Now that Jaxx isn'tthere to keep me in check, I can give it a proper go, but it’s going to be hard.
“Just don’t do anything stupid, okay?” Jacob says.
“You’re talking like I’m crazy or something.”
“I’m talking to you like I care if you end up in a crash because you like taking those corners too hard.”
“Spoilsport.”
“Brat.”
I laugh as I hear the grin in my brother’s voice. It helps me relax as I come out onto the straight and crank through the gears. I have enough battery to power forward; I just need to make sure I don't waste it before I get into Sector 2.
“Hey, Jaxx, I hope you’re ready to give me that favor. I’m already planning to collect.”
His deep purr rumbles in my ears, setting off another round of perfume. My slick is so thick that there’s no way they won’t find out.
As soon as I pull up, I have to get out of here.
But for now, I’m going to give it my all.
I can already feel the car lagging by the time I hit the final corners in Sector 3. The battery is showing 9%, fuel at 13%, and there is no way I can keep it up, but I don’t care. I’m having too much fun.
“Time?” I say as I pull onto the final straight. One more corner and I’ll be at the finish line. But there’s silence on the other end.
“Jacob, give me my time!”
“I’m sorry, Harm. You’re at 1.40 already.”
“Dammit!” I hiss. But I won’t let that stop me. I still want to get below 1.60, so I slam my foot down, the car screeching as I spin into a sharp ninety degrees.
I’m not letting up, timing the seconds with my heartbeat as I hurl into the last straight.
Me and my big pink baby fly under the lights as fast as we can, and they even bring out a checkered flag just for good show.
