The cacophony of engines revving and sound systems blaring brought the adrenalin up several notches for Max.
It was late in the evening, and the only light came from the streetlights that flickered down the long strip of road where the race would take place.
It was race time.
But before the events could get under way, Max was eyeing up his muscle car. Judd had apparently sent it for a full repair, although the paint job was clearly rushed and looked nothing like the pristine standard that Max was used to.
Max was in no position to complain though. He was at the race to do as he was told and get the whole sorry experience all over with. The fact that his beloved car looked under par shouldn’t have mattered.
Except, of course, it did…
‘Urgh. This fucking sucks,’ Max muttered as he took a final walk-around his car, checking the tires and looking for any signs of poor bodywork.
‘Sorry man, I know this is tough,’ Rodrigo said, a look of sympathy on his face. ‘Judd has come onto the scene and really screwed things up for a lot of people. I’m sorry he got to you too.’
Max nodded. He didn’t want to talk about Judd, preferring to keep his mind as clear as he could ahead of the race. Rodrigo was a good guy, the type of wholesome racer dude who lovednothing more than fast cars, cold beers, and guys who could lift their bodyweight without breaking sweat.
Max and Rodrigo talked briefly about what was going on over on the East Coast street racing scene, and Max couldn’t help but wonder whether a move to the East might be a solution for him once the race was over.
‘But what about Channing?’ Rodrigo said, running his hand over his closely cropped black hair. ‘The boy would miss you. From what you’ve told me, he’s a keeper.’
‘I think he might have run out of patience with me,’ Max said. ‘And if he has, I wouldn’t blame him either. Fuck. I’ve screwed it up again. Maybe I should never have gone to his place after the crash…’
Rodrigo put his arm around Max and the pair of them briefly embraced. Max appreciated Rodrigo being there for him in a non-judgmental way. A big part of the scene was how close and friendly everyone was. That was also part of the reason as to why Judd was such an unwelcome presence – the truth was that the community would never have let Judd worm his way inside had they seen what a low-down, dishonest kind of guy he was.
But all thoughts of Trey, Rodrigo, Channing, and Judd had to be put out of Max’s mind. It was time to race. With the crowd of enthusiastic and pumped-up onlookers raring for the action to begin, Max made his way inside the car and slowly pulled up to the start line.
Before proceedings could get under way, Max heard a rapping at his window. Turning, Max saw that it was Judd – and he was indicating for Max to lower the window.
‘Remember, don’t do anything crazy,’ Judd said, leaning in to whisper. ‘Lose, or I’ll make you and your boyfriend’s lives a living hell. Got it?’
Max nodded solemnly and shut the window.
The sight of Judd walking away with a horrible smirk on his face was enough to push Max to the edge and then beyond. Max gripped the wheel of the car and revved his engine. The race was moments away from beginning.
Max looked across to the rival driver and nodded in respect.
The rival racer returned the compliment and nodded back at Max.
The race countdown was about to start. It was a classic drag race. Full-throttle in a straight line to one point, then turn, then back again. Winner takes all.
A cute young guy stepped out in front of the two cars wearing a tight t-shirt and a pair of cute pale blue shorts. The boy actually reminded Max of Channing, and in the final seconds before the race countdown, Max found himself as unsure as he had ever been.
What would Channing tell me to do?
He always has the answers.
But maybe I need to figure this one out for myself…
Max revved the engine, put the car into gear, and held it just at biting point. He knew that Judd would only accept him losing the race, anything else would mean trouble. But on the other hand, Max knew that he could never forgive himself unless he was true to himself.
THREE!
TWO!
ONE!
GO!
