“You heard the man.” Skylar chuckles. “Time to get moving, pretty boy. You ready?”
“Let’s do it,” Mackie agrees, and then we lapse into silence. I keep my eyes on their stats, as well as their car information. It’s totally different this side of the race, but as I hear their engines roaring past, I can’t help but tighten my hands into fists.
It’s always hard listening to them and seeing them on the screen. For a long time, I was behind the wheel, but now I’m at the comms,and I’ll admit there’s always a sliver of envy. Watching my boy and Skylar own that course, though, is all the victory I need. It’s better than any race I could drive now.
“That’s it, keep moving,” I encourage as they pull off a quick overtake on the fifth corner, moving them up. They keep going, overtaking other cars until they are in second and third. Only Blizzard is in front of them now.
“I’m thinking slingshot,” Skylar suggests.
Mackie groans, but we all know he’ll join in. The next lap, as soon as they are on the straight, they pull that stunt, one I would never teach them. It isn’t my fault they watch my old race videos. It’s dangerous, and I’m worried, even more so now that I am in a relationship with Mackie. My heart skips a beat as I move closer to the monitors, wishing I could be there, but I have to trust them. I don’t blink, watching as Mackie slingshots around Blizzard, using Skylar as his push off. The next corner is close, and he almost rolls, but he manages to gain control and right the car, shooting into first as Skylar follows him to second.
“That’s it, baby!” I roar before realizing what I said, my cheeks heating as I clear my throat. “You’ve got this.”
“I hope you weren’t calling me baby,” Skylar jokes. “My boy wouldn’t like that.”
“You wish,” Mackie scoffs.
“Nah, I like them young. You’re the one who’s into volunteering for the elderly,” Sky teases.
“Alright, enough. Bring it home,” I urge, embarrassed by my outburst.
It’s only then I breathe out. The rest of the race is in the bag, and when they cross the line, nobody is surprised. They are the best racers out there, but that also means there’s a long way to fall.
That is something I know all too well, but I keep it to myself, happy with their rankings. It’s always good to start strong, and we just showed the whole world what we are made of. If they keep this up, they will be champions.
No one deserves it more.
“Good job, boys,” I call, but they aren’t listening, their whoops filling my ears.
Yanking off my headset, I hug Alek as Sky and Mackie climb from their cars and rush over to celebrate. I yank them both into a hug, not wanting to show favoritism, and Mackie grins when he pulls back.
“Told you both, that title is ours.” I grip each of their faces. “You were incredible.”
“Thanks, old man, but only my man handles me like this.” Skylar shrugs me off, and Mackie laughs as he steps back.
“Fine, fine. Next time focus on your third turn?—”
Skylar groans as I start to give him feedback, but I notice Mackie isn’t listening, which isn’t like him. He’s searching the crowd.
His face drops as he looks at the stands, and his eyes lower to the ground. His heartbroken look pisses me off. Skylar grabs him and spins him around, and some of his smile returns, but it’s too late. I saw it.
I’m going to kick Conan’s ass.
I glance between them, and Skylar nods, sensing the issue. “Let’s go celebrate.” Sky drags him off, and I turn to my team and give them their duties before looking at my dad.
“I need to handle work stuff. Can you find your way out?” I ask.
“Of course. I’ll give Mackie’s grandma a lift,” he promises before hesitating. “You did incredible, Noah. Mackie and Skylar did well, of course, but watching you in action . . . it reminds me of when you raced. I’m so proud of you.” He slaps my shoulder before offering Mackie’s grandma a hand. “My lady.”
She flutters her eyelashes as she smiles. “Tell Mackie I’ll call him later. I know he’ll be busy.” She winks then takes my dad’s hand. I shake my head as she squeezes his arm muscles before he leads her away.
She’s incorrigible.
Pulling my phone out, I walk into the garage and find a quiet place. I hit his name in my contacts before I can second-guess myself.
CONANTHECUNT
“Noah?” He seems hesitant at first. “Is Mackie okay?” he asks, no doubt worried.
