AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Saint
One week later
Saturday - September 3
“Are you sure she’s fine to race?” I question Elle as we sit around the table in the hauler.
“She’s cleared. I made her go to the neurologist again. He thinks the stress didn’t help either. He did another scan, and it was clear, and she hasn’t had any more symptoms.”
“Okay, she has to qualify in an hour,” I tell her.
“She still hasn’t called or texted you?” Elle questions.
“No, it’s been radio silence. She’s still pissed at me for whatever reason,” I huff as I take a sip of the water in my hand.
“She’ll get over it,” Elle reassures me.
“I didn’t do anything but worry about her. Whatever is going on is her issue. Just thought she was more aware of that.” I sigh. “Anyway, I’ve got work to do. We came with a setup from last year, so I’m not sure how comfortable she’s going to be without any practice.”
“It’ll work out however it’s supposed to,” she tries to make me feel better about it.
I shrug. “Good luck, see you out there later.”
I exit the hauler and see captain dickhead Drake walking from the other hauler. “What’s got you in a tizzy, Matthews?”
“Nothing for you to worry about,” I bark back continuing to the garage.
“Tell me what we got,” I command Mac and Neil as I take the corner towards the car.
“I mean, it’s hard to know since she hasn’t done any practice. I’ve set it up as best as I can based on the data and set-ups from the other tracks,” Neil replies.
“It’ll work out,” Mac whispers to me as I scan through the specs.
“How was inspection?” I question.
“Fine. Passed. Heading there now for prequalifying,” Neil informs me.
“Okay, let me know if you need anything. I’m going to go to the hauler until qualifying.” I head back to the hauler, hoping for a few minutes of peace.
***
Sunday - September 4
The atmosphere was pretty charged for the second to last race of the year. Haisley managed to qualify fourteenth, which I couldn’t be too upset about with no simulation or practice rounds. We were lucky that she was able to even qualify and not get sent to the back.
The crew chief and driver meeting was filled with continued tension with Haisley. She sat next to me because she had to and has only been answering questions with a yes or no. I’ve just given up attempting to figure out what is going on with her, or what I can do to make it up.
The crew and I are on pit road putting the final touches on the car as we wait for the introductions to be completed. Elle assured me that Haisley was ready to go. I didn’t even second guess it. If she said she’s ready, then she’s ready. I’ve learned my lesson about doubting her.
The national anthem is announced, and we are all lined up next to the car. Elle is standing next to Haisley on her left and I am on her right. Nothing is said, no words exchanged. When the ceremonies are completed, I head to the pit box and leave Neil and Mac to handle getting her secured in the car. I enjoyed doing it before because it gave me a reason to be close to her, to touch her.
“Mic check,” Eric calls out, and we all respond.
“Alright, I think we have a great starting place, being that we didn’t have a chance to practice. Haisley, hit your marks, let us know any changes,” I relay over the radio.
“Will do,” she responds. Well, that’s a start. At least she's not ignoring me on the radio.
“Let’s do this. Strategy is to pit a quarter of the way through if still green flagged, otherwise we’ll pit at the caution if before that,” I remind everyone. “Eric, your job to watch the corners.”
