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Dad glances in his direction. “Dotty said that to you? She has no right to talk to you like that. You were just being nice and checking on the girl.”
We all pass a look at each other before Harley says, “It’s okay. I won’t bother her anymore. It was clear she was shaken by something but is good at biting heads off when she’s angry.”
“Maybe Dotty will talk to me,” I offer.
“Don’t waste your breath on that woman,” Dad says like he’s suddenly turned into a grumpy old man.
“Why, Dad?” I probe.
“Forget I said anything. Look, the race is almost about to start.” He points to the screen.
My attention is drawn back to the television. Sebastian is in pole position. He sits in his car, helmet on, staring ahead—focused and determined. He cleaned up in qualifying even after tapping the wall. He still managed to get a great lap time for his first time back on the track. I may have died a little when he did that. This is so different for me to watch now because I know Sebastian and care for him deeply. I’m more scared of something happening to him. Before, I’d fear for the drivers but in a different, disconnected way.
Mabel, Sybil, Harley, Tally, Hudson, Odette, and Devon settle into their seats. We’re all here together and watching what we all enjoy, although the boys think they could race too. They clearly don’t understand the training involved, but that’s boys for you.
On the screen, the racers do their formation lap, zigzagging over the track to heat up their tires. My hands fidget and then cover my face as they get to the line-up. The lights go out. “I can’t watch.”
I peek through my fingers at the screen. Sebastian has the fastest take-off and makes the first corner after incredibly close contact with another car, but it’s nothing too bad. I hold my breath as I wait to see how things pan out during the first few laps.
An hour or so later, my nerves are shot, and my stomach is a pile of knotted ropes. Sebastian has raced amazingly, even if he came in second. It’s better than last, and he looks thrilled, holding his trophy up high, the crowd cheering for him. We all scream and cheer for him too. Our house sounds like it’s the site of a massive party.
“What a race,” Mabel says with a sigh as though she’s just released her breath. I felt as though I held mine for the entire race.
I love that man.
I don’t care what anyone says—I love him.
Two weeks later
THAT’S TWO FOR TWO. NOTHINGcould wipe this smile off my face. The moment I’ve done my media duties, I go to get dressed. My girls and mother are waiting for me in the change rooms. Their screams of joy fill me with so much happiness. There’s only one—no, two people missing—Delilah and Olive. Phone calls and texts aren’t enough.
“We’re so proud of you, Seb,” Mom gushes and rushes to me, wrapping me in her arms, squeezing tightly.
“Thanks, Mom.” She lets go, and I drop to my knees and smother the girls in kisses. Two second places in four weeks. This is more than I could’ve hoped for on my return to racing. Luke has been talking with other teams seeking me to join them next year, but I haven’t made any decisions yet. I have missed this thrill for so long. Now I’m back in the seat behind the wheel, I’m more determined than ever to go for that championship.
“Your phone went off a few times.” Mom nods to the table where my stuff sits, and I reach for it, knowing who it will be.
Delilah:Good luck. You got this. Always thinking of you xx
Delilah:You’re amazing. I’m so happy for you, but I’ll admit that I miss you and the girls. You also aren’t gaining points when you send my heart into a tailspin. You’ll send me to my grave early.
I chuckle at the last sentence. She exaggerates so much.
“Is that Delilah?” Mom asks.
“Yeah. Grilling me because I’ll send her to an early grave.”
“I worry about the same thing. I know you love this, but son, my heart can’t stand it when I watch sometimes.”
I close the message as I’ll reply after I get changed and refreshed. I notice a few emails in my inbox that I’ve neglected lately because I’ve been trying to get back up to speed. I’m frazzled with so much going on with the girls, meetings, and the media. I forgot how busy things are when I’m on the road.
“All right, girls, let’s give Dad a minute. We can go for a little walk and see Uncle Reuben.” The girls cheer with delight. Even Ruby who knows exactly who Uncle Reuben is.
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll take a shower and come find you.”
“Take your time, honey.” She takes their little hands in her caring ones and leads them out, and I’m left to have a moment of silence to myself and reflect on what happened today. I placed second again, and I couldn’t be happier with my performances over the last two races. There are a few more to go, but thankfully, I have a three-week break between now and the next race.
Perhaps I could go to see Delilah for a week in there. I want nothing more than to hold her in my arms and kiss her nonstop for like twenty-four hours. Give us a hotel to ourselves and a babysitter for the night. I love her, but I’m not saying it over text messages or phone calls. As the saying goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder, and I couldn’t be fonder of Delilah. She makes me laugh and fully supports me.
