Race for Redemption

by Serenity King

  On the day that she was to leave, she and Shane had watched the hype up to the big race and replays of the last races. Then, Shane had led her to the main road and directed her to the highway. She’d driven to her parents’ home in Georgia with Shane calling her every hour, until she arrived, to make sure she was okay.

  Tracey had to smile just thinking about him and his boyish smile that lit up his eyes.

  When he’d led her to the highway he’d pulled over and kissed her soundly, wishing her luck.

  “May the best man win,” she’d said.

  “Or woman,” he smiled before seeing her back into her car and watching her get on the highway.

  “So what are you pondering?”

  Tracey started at her brother’s intrusion into her thoughts.

  “Nothing, just thinking about the race,” she lied.

  “Are you worried?” he asked.

  “No, Declan. Why should I be?” she asked dryly.

  “I’m worried,” he said quietly.

  That surprised Tracey. “Really? Why?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. You’re my sister. I worry about you anyway.” He tried to laugh it off. But Tracey knew her brother. He wasn’t the type to fret over nothing. If he was worried, there must be some specific reason why.

  “I’ll be fine Declan,” she said, giving his hand a hard squeeze.

  Declan sighed unhappily. “I know you think I brought Daniel on board to replace you. And you’re right I did, but not for the reasons you think. I was genuinely scared. After what happened with Reggie and his car blowing up, all I could see was the same thing happening to you. It drove me crazy, but instead of admitting it, all I did was push you further away from me,” he whispered.

  She squeezed his hand more tightly. “Oh, Declan, I wish you’d told me about your fears from the very beginning. I hate to say it, but Reggie’s accident was partly his fault. He’d been told the car had problems, but he raced it anyway. We all knew that. It was just that no one ever talked about it. Out of respect, you know. I, on the other hand, have a great crew and my car is wonderful. So stop worrying,” she said with a smile.

  “That’ll only happen if you stop racing,” he snorted, but he looked as if he felt a little better.

  “Not happening, captain,” she joked.

  Declan groaned. “I figured you’d say that. So you think you’re going to beat Westbrook?” he asked.

  “I’m going to give it my best.”

  “I think you can take him,” he said. “You almost had him last time. I was rooting for you.”

  “You were? What about Daniel?” she asked.

  “Oh I was rooting for him too,” Declan laughed. “Y’all are both representing Powell’s. I don’t know what’s going on with Daniel, though. He’s been preoccupied lately.”

  “I noticed that, too. I’m sure whatever his problem is, he’ll work it out in his own way,” Tracey said. She hesitated for a moment. “Can I ask you something, Declan?”

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “Why do you hate Shane Westbrook so much?” she asked.

  “Because he hurt you,” he said quietly.

  “No he didn’t.” Tracey frowned.

  “Tracey I knew about your “hidden” relationship with Shane. I saw you guys one night. You didn’t see me. I knew his reputation and didn’t want you anywhere near him. After a while I saw how distracted you were. You barked at everyone in sight, and then I kept seeing him with a different woman at each event and I figured he’d been using you all along and broke it off,” he said.

  Still another misunderstanding that could have been cleared up so easily if he’d only asked her.

  “Declan, I broke up with Shane because of that stunt you and Daddy pulled with Daniel, and then you practically tried to raise an all-out war against Westbrook and his team. Seeing him with other women did hurt for a bit, but honestly I was too wrapped up in trying to place that eventually I stopped paying attention. After all I was the one that broke it off with him,” she repeated.

  “I still don’t like him,” Declan sniffed.

  “You sound like a snob, Declan.” She shook her head.

  “I am a snob when it comes to my family,” he said.

  “Well, at least you can stop hating him now.”

  “I’ll think about it,” he said. “Well, I have a date tonight. I’ll see you at the race, sis. Take care and be safe.”

  “I will,” she said standing to give her brother a big hug. “Love you. I’m glad we had this talk.”

  “Me, too. See you soon, sis,” he said, taking his leave.

  Tracey had been with her parents for a week now. She was leaving early in the morning for Florida. She had to admit she’d had a great time with her family. A better time than she’d had in a long time with them.

  “Tracey you best head off to bed. You have an early flight tomorrow,” her mother said.

  “Yes, ma’am. I just finished talking to Declan.” She smiled at her mother.

  “I gather you two have settled your differences,” she said.

  “Somewhat,” she said. “He still thinks he’s the boss of me.”

  “Honey, please. He’ll always think that. You know he loves you, right?”

  “I know, Momma. He just gets on my last nerve sometimes,” she said.

  “That’s his job,” her mother chuckled.

  “If you say so,” she said, getting up from her lounger.

  “Where’d Samantha get off to?” her mother asked.

  “I have no idea. I didn’t think she’d even be here. Last I heard she would see me in Florida. Something weird been going on with her,” Tracey frowned.

  “So you’ve noticed it, too. I hope she’s alright,” her mother said, worried.

  “I’m sure she’s fine, Momma. You know she gets crazy before a race. If it was something serious, she’d tell us,” Tracey assured her mother, and then thought back on the day Sam had called wanting to talk to her, but she’d been at Shane’s. Oh dear. She definitely had to talk to her sister. “I’ll give her a call before I head off to bed, Momma.”

  “Thank you, dear. Sleep well,” her mother said. “I’ll see you before you leave.”

  “Bright and early in the morning,” Tracey said.

  Tracey went to her room, retrieved her cell phone and dialed Sam. The call went directly to her voicemail. She left a message instructing Sam to give her a call. She then showered, got into her nightshirt, and went to bed where she slept soundly.

  The next morning Tracey was awakened by the smell of bacon. Her mother had cooked her a full breakfast.

  “Dang, Momma, I’m just going to Florida, I’m not leaving the country,” she joked.

  “Hush up and eat. You eat that fast food almost all year round. You need a good healthy meal. Now hurry up. The traffic to the airport will be crazy,” she said.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Tracey said, sitting down and helping herself to a good portion of sausage, bacon, pancakes and eggs.

  Tracey knew the rest of her day would be busy preparing for the race. Just the thought made her stomach sink and she almost brought up all of the food she’d just consumed.

  Okay, calm down Tracey. It’s just another race, she said to herself.

  “You say something, baby?” her mother asked.

  “No, ma’am,” Tracey lied.

  Chapter Eleven

  The stands were crowded with people screaming out the names of their favorite racers. It was a wild day.

  Shane was almost suited up when a reporter caught up to him.

  “So Shane what do you think about your chances of winning today?” the reporter asked.

  “I have just as good a chance as any. Last I heard I was in the lead,” he said with his signature smile.

  “The last time out it was a photo finish with you and Tracey Powell with you coming out the winner. How’d that feel?” the reporter asked.

  “I won. It felt great,” he laughed, as did other reporters.r />
  “Do you think the race will be a close one today?” another reporter asked.

  “I have no idea. I wish all of my fellow racers the best. Now I have to get ready or I won’t be in the race,” Shane joked. “See y’all after the race.”

  “Daniel Ashby, has made it known that he’s going to beat both you and Powell, what are your thoughts on that?” Another reporter asked.

  “I have none. See you good folks after the race,” Shane said sashaying off.

  “Tracey what do you think your chances are of winning Royale today?”

  “I guess I have as good a chance as anyone else. I’ll tell you I’m going to give it one heck of a try though,” she smiled towards the camera.

  “So you’re confident that you’ll beat Shane Westbrook?” the reporter asked.

  “I’m confident that I’ll give it my best shot. Anything other than that I can’t promise,” she said.

  “You almost had him at Liberty?” One reporter said.

  “Almost is not good enough. Like I said I’m going to give it all I’ve got,” she said, turning towards Sam.

  “You all will have to excuse us folks. Tracey will talk with you all after the race,” Sam said firmly. “Now she has to prepare. See y’all at the finish line.”

  “Thanks, Sam,” Tracey whispered. “I was starting to get nervous.”

  “You okay?” Sam asked.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Butterflies in my belly, that’s all,” she said. “Let’s do this.”

  “You’ll be fine. You can do it,” Sam assured her.

  “I sure hope so.”

  “Know so,” Sam corrected.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Tracey said smartly.

  “Momma, Daddy, and Declan are up in the stands watching,” Sam said.

  “They all came?” Tracey asked in surprise.

  “Sure did. They wanted to surprise you,” Sam chuckled. “Shane’s parents are here too. Haven’t seen them at any of his races in a long while. Surprising, but enough about them. Go out there and show these men what you’re made of.”

  “You got it,” Tracey said with a salute to her team before getting into her car and doing a last minute safety check. Tracey lined up on the track with the rest of the racers and did the customary run around the track before the green flag went down and they were off.

  “J.D. how’s she doing?” Barbara Powell asked.

  “She’s doing great. That’s my baby,” he yelled. “Declan did you see how she passed number 23?”

  “Yes, Dad, I’m watching same as you,” he laughed. “Wow look at her go. She looks great out there. This is the best she’s raced in the five years that she’s been racing.”

  “Uh oh,” J.D. said. “She’s pulling back. She’s losing ground Declan. What’s going on?”

  “She has to pace herself, Dad. She knows what she’s doing. Come on Tracey, you can do it, sis!” he cheered her on.

  “She’s losing too much ground, Declan,” J.D. said quietly.

  “Yeah, I know. Something must be up,” he responded calmly. “She’s going into the pit stop.”

  “Why is she making another stop?” J.D. asked.

  “Look like she’s doing a tire change,” Declan whispered. “There must have been something wrong because she just had one.”

  “Hmm, this might put her way behind,” J.D. said.

  “Tracey Powell has made another pit stop. Evidently something went wrong with her tires. She getting another tire change,” The announcer said. “This is sure to put her in the back. I tell you, it seems as though Ms. Powell can’t catch a break. After the Liberty race we speculated that her streak of bad luck was over. It doesn’t seem to be the case here today. She’s had one incident after another today.”

  “You’re right, Rob. Tracey Powell has yet to win in the finals,” another announcer said. She’s put up a good showing so far. We can’t count her out yet.”

  “So true, Warren, we’ve seen many miraculous things happen in this sport,” he laughed. “It’s not over until it’s over.”

  “Well said, Rob,” Warren joined in on the laughter. “Wait a minute, Rob, Tracey Powell is back in the race. Boys look at her go. How fast is she going? She’s gaining ground. And we have us a race, ladies and gentlemen! Tracey Powell is not only back in the race, but she has passed several drivers and she’s still going!”

  “She’s back on the track. Come on Tracey!” Declan yelled.

  “She just might have heard you, as loud as you’re yelling, Declan,” his mother said dryly.

  “Go Tracey!” J.D. screamed. “She’s running third, Declan!”

  “I know Dad!” Declan cried excitedly. “Whoo Hoo! Go Traceeyyy!”

  “Second. Come on Tracey, bring it home,” J.D. said proudly.

  “You can do it Tracey,” Declan willed.

  “Holy cow! Powell has taken the lead from Westbrook! And the crowd’s on their feet. Let’s hope she can hold it. Uh oh, Westbrook’s back in the lead. Now Powell. Westbrook. Powell. And she’s off and running. Powell’s maintaining the lead. Listen to those cheers! What a race, Rob. These two are giving us another great show. It’s another great day for racing!”

  “They’re coming around for the last time. Westbrook has regained the lead. Powell is right on his tail. Powell’s coming up beside him. She passes him. Westbrook is steadily gaining ground. Powell has taken the lead and there will be no relinquishing it this time. She’s on fire. It looks like we have a new winner this year. Tracey Powell has won this year’s Royale and what a finish, ladies and gentlemen! What a finish!”

  “She did it!” Declan screamed leaving the bleachers. “I’ll meet y’all down there.”

  “Son, be careful before you break your neck,” J.D. shouted, and then looked at his wife. “She won, Barbara. Our girl did it.”

  “And you and Declan doubted her abilities. Shame on you,” she said her eyes twinkling with merriment.

  Tracey was met by her crew. She got out of the car tears streaming down her face. “We did it y’all we did it,” she said breathlessly, hugging Sam.

  “You did it, Sis!” Samantha screeched. “It’s time to take your victory lap and then speak with the waiting reporters.

  Tracey turned around to see a smiling Declan standing beside her. “You did it, sis. Congratulations!” he yelled, picking Tracey up and spinning around with her in his arms.

  “Declan, put me down,” she laughed.

  “That was some great driving you did out there,” Declan said placing Tracey back on her feet. “We have to celebrate. The crowd is waiting, Sis. Go do your thing.”

  “Thanks,” Tracey said kissing him on his cheek. “Where’re mom and dad?”

  “They decided to wait. The crowd you know,” Declan chuckled.

  “See you in a bit.” Tracey noticed Shane walking towards her with a slew of reporters on his heels, and took off in a dead run where he caught her midstride in the air and swung her around.

  “Congratulations, sweetheart!” he laughed, and then kissed her full on the mouth. She returned the kiss amidst the flashing bulbs and the reporters’ speculations.

  Tracey heard one reporter’s remark and giggled against Shane’s lips.

  “Well I guess we don’t have to ask him how he feels about losing to a woman,” the reporter said, and then laughed along with the other reporters.

  “Well I’ll be damned,” Declan whispered, a frown mirroring his brow. “What the hell? Oh hell no.”

  “You’re about to be,” Sam whispered. “Look to your right.”

  “Oh, hell naw, is that Allison?” Declan groaned.

  “The one and only. See ya,” Sam said with a shake of her head.

  “What about Tracey?” Declan said.

  “I think she’s in good hands. Literally.” Tracey’s crew bellowed.

  “Ms. Powell, how do you feel about Shane’s announcement of his retirement?” the reporter asked.

  “Say what?” Tracey pulled back away from Shane to l
ook him the eyes. “What are they talking about?” she questioned.

  “Uh yeah, about that, I’m giving up racing, and we’ll talk more about it later. Now you have some celebrating to do,” he smiled down at her.

  Tracey reluctantly let him go and turned to face the cameras. The flashing bulbs were blinding.

  Shane whispered in her ear. “Meet me in the pit when you’re finished.” With a quick nod she smiled at the cameras and answered question after question while receiving her trophy.

  Tracey was giddy with excitement. She couldn’t believe she’d won. It felt super, but not as good as her time with Shane was going to be.

  There was always an after party celebration for all of the racers and the local hangout spot. Although Tracey knew she had to make an appearance, she didn’t want to go—not because she’d lost a race, but this time because she’d won. The only thing she truly wanted to do was to be with her man.

  “Her man,” she smiled coyly. “Sounds terrific to me.”

  Tracey thought the questions from the reporters would never end. She was in a rush to get to Shane. He’d asked her to meet him and she’d dodged her family and the barrage of fans, for whom she’d felt she’d signed a million autographs. She loved her fans. They’d stuck with her from the beginning. Win or lose they were behind her 100 percent. She’d even communicated with some through twitter. Some of the tweets were hilarious and some distasteful, but hey, all that comes with the territory. Over the years she’d developed a thick skin. The place was still crawling with security so she wasn’t worried about her safety.

  “Hey there, beautiful,” she heard Shane call out.

  Tracey quickly looked up to see Shane standing next to a pearl white pick-up truck and smiled.

  “Hey you,” She responded, rushing over to him and into his arms.

  “Let’s blow this joint,” he teased.

  “I’m ready. I need to shower and change. You will have to take me to the hotel to get a change of clothes for now and for the party later on,” she said.

  “No problem,” Shane smiled smugly.

  “Shane, what are you up too?” She asked eyeing him suspiciously.

  “Nothing love. Let’s go,” he said, helping her into the truck, and then walking around to the driver’s side and getting in.