Start Your Engines

by Jim Cangany

  Jensen hadn’t won a race in years, but it had garnered a reputation as an ideal operation for young drivers to gain invaluable experience and then move to larger, better-funded teams. At least a half dozen race winners on the A-1 circuit had spent time at Jensen.

  “Hello? You still there?”

  “Yeah, I’m still here.” Gabrielle made her way to the end of the dock, where it felt even more private. “Did you just tell me Jensen Motorsport is interested in having me drive for them?”

  “I did. And they are.”

  “Wow. Why?” Gabrielle couldn’t help herself. The news hit the bull’s-eye of the too-good-to-be-true category. She’d dealt with too much adversity over the years to simply accept something life changing, especially when it was so out of the blue.

  Megan belted out her signature snorting laugh whenever Gabrielle said something that amused her. It would have annoyed Gabrielle if the news hadn’t left her in such a daze.

  “Girl, give yourself some credit. Their rep told me they’ve had their eyes on you for the last couple of years. They like your steady progress up the ladder. They’re impressed with your seamless transition to the Continental Series. Lastly, they’re in love with your Racer Girlz program and want to partner with you to introduce it overseas.”

  Gabrielle sat and let her feet dangle in the water. Minnows darted here and there, causing tiny ripples on the surface. The sensation calmed her as she began to come to terms with what her manager was telling her.

  “How serious do you think they are?”

  “Three million a year for the first two years guaranteed, plus a team option for year three. Not a bad raise over your two hundred K per year now.” Megan took a deep breath. “You’ve worked your tail off, Gabrielle. You’ve also talked about wanting to race at the highest level of the sport. This is your chance.”

  “I don’t know what to say. AES has been wonderful to me, and . . . ” She didn’t want to tell Megan about her relationship with Brad. It was still too new, and she wasn’t sure what it meant for the long term.

  “I know this is sudden. Take some time to think about it. Just not too long.”

  When Gabrielle wandered back into the farmhouse later, Helen greeted her with a smile that turned to a frown.

  “You don’t look well, dear.” She guided Gabrielle into the kitchen and got her a glass of lemonade. “Is something wrong?”

  She took a drink. The ice-cold liquid cooled her throat and restored some focus. “No. I’m fine. Maybe just too much sun.”

  “You look a little flushed. Why don’t you go lie down? I have some Racer Girlz things I’m helping with, and then I’m going to make dinner. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

  Uncertainty stayed with Gabrielle as she entered her room, and she eyed the sketch Brad had given her. She held it against her chest as she sat on the bed. At a time when she should be doing cartwheels in celebration, she was conflicted.

  And scared.

  She was being offered the chance to have her dreams come true. But was it truly a dream come true if the man of her dreams wasn’t a part of it?

  If the Jensen offer had materialized six months ago, her only questions for Megan would have been when and where do I sign. Now? She didn’t know what she wanted. Correction, she knew what she wanted: She just couldn’t figure out how she could get her dream job and her dream man to intersect.

  She drifted off to sleep with Brad’s sketch held close to her heart. Maybe some answers would come to her by the time she woke.

  • • •

  After five fitful nights of broken sleep filled with nightmares of her riding a unicycle first in a circle, then on a circus tightrope, and finally underwater, Gabrielle gave in and called Rafael.

  “Man, way to totally eclipse my problem of the rent going up twenty bucks starting next month. Then again, at three mil a year, maybe that’s not an issue after all.”

  Gabrielle rolled her eyes. Even if her brother couldn’t see it, the gesture made her feel better. “Not helping, dude. You’re supposed to be my freebie counseling service, not auditioning for a comedy show.”

  “Okay, I get it. You returned to the States to mark off the last two things on your to-do list. You’ve accomplished them both and with flying colors, so you deserve all the credit in the world. Now, you’re stuck with the eternal moral dilemma. Do I follow the money or do I follow my heart, am I right?”

  “Yeah, but it’s not that simple.”

  “It never is. So, let’s talk about this.”

  Over the next hour, Gabrielle and Rafael debated her future. When she ended the call, exhausted and suffering from a searing headache, she went to the basement and poured a glass of Moscato. The low hum of the refrigerator kept her company as the sweet, bubbly wine eased the pain behind her eyes.

  She had to tell Barbara and Brad, but with the team scheduled to hit the road for the next race in St. Louis in the morning, she needed to focus on the present. She’d talk to them when the time was right. The tough thing was going to be identifying when, exactly, was the right time.

  Probably after St. Louis, but definitely before the Central Ohio race. She’d have two whole weeks between races to sort things out and tell them about the offer. There was plenty of time.

  • • •

  Brad took a deep breath and basked in the bright sunshine of Central Ohio in August. A racetrack in the early morning hours, before the fans arrived and the engines roared, was a little slice of heaven. After enjoying the scent of freshly mown grass, he settled himself under a sugar maple for some quiet reflection. Gabrielle liked to tease him that he was too macho to admit he now meditated. Whatever she wanted to call it, mornings like this one were made for it.

  He closed his eyes and let his mind drift. The past few months had been his happiest since before the crash. His counseling sessions were going well. He still had problems with opening up about his feelings, instead of retreating into his shell, but at least he recognized the issue and was trying to do something about it.

  The team was performing beyond expectations, and morale was higher than ever. If anybody deserved recognition for Gale Force Racing’s progress, it was all Gabrielle. She’d been thrown to the wolves and emerged as the leader of the pack. The team liked her. More important, they respected her. They clocked long hours for her, but they did it with a smile.

  Just the thought of Gabrielle made Brad smile. He laughed as he recalled two recent times when he’d had to look away from her in the middle of a conversation, because he’d become so transfixed with her mesmerizing pale blue eyes, he’d lost his train of thought.

  He’d done yoga with her once but declined all subsequent offers because he simply couldn’t think about anything but her while in such close proximity. It was probably a good thing she spent so much time in a racing suit, though, even seeing her in that tended to make his knees weak.

  He was worried about her, though. She’d been jittery ever since they arrived at the track. When asked, she denied anything was wrong, but her qualification run had landed her in eleventh position, her worst performance in weeks. It was probably nothing, but he’d have a chat to make sure things were okay.

  A robin fluttered out of the tree and landed a few yards away. Its head bobbed up and down as it pecked at the ground, looking for breakfast. His stomach grumbled in response. It was time to get moving on a day full of unlimited promise.

  After downing a banana and a bagel with cream cheese, Brad found Gabrielle seated on the pit wall, staring at her phone.

  “Hey there, good lookin’. Can I join you?”

  “Sure.” She slipped her phone into a pocket. “So, since you’re here, I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I wasn’t focused. Simple as that. Won’t happen today.”

  “Don’t worry about it. You’re the best driver out here. We all have our off days.” He gave her knee a squeeze. The emotional strides he’d made wouldn’t have happened without her. Maybe he could return the favor a little.
“If there’s anything you’d like to talk about, I’d be happy to listen.”

  “You’re so sweet.” Gabrielle kissed him on the cheek. The touch of her lips on his skin warmed him from head to toe. “I know this is your favorite track, so I really want to bring home a win.”

  “Just drive your best. What happens, happens.”

  Her phone’s ringtone went off. “Time for my Racer Girlz event. Wish me luck.”

  “Good luck, but you won’t need it.”

  A few hours later, Brad was beside himself with pride and joy. As Gabrielle took the white flag, she had a two-second lead over a group of three who were racing each other hard for second place. With the battle behind her, she had a clear track ahead of her and only had to focus on completing the final lap error-free.

  “You got this. Keep it smooth and bring us home another win.”

  Brad stood as Gabrielle emerged from turn thirteen and flew toward the finish line. As the checkered flag came out, Brad let out a loud, “whoop, whoop!”

  “Congrats, G.M. Win number two. Way to go.”

  “Yes!” Gabrielle’s euphoria was palpable through the radio transmission. “This one’s for you, B.T.”

  Brad and Gabrielle had reached an agreement to dispense with the nicknames from their youth and replace them with initials. It was boring, but it allowed Brad to avoid any additional hot wing eating contests.

  He didn’t mind. After bringing the team a win on his favorite track, Gabrielle could do just about anything and he’d forgive her.

  He joined the throng, a large portion of which was in Racer Girlz purple, running to meet her in victory circle. This time he immersed himself in the victory celebration without a hint of sadness. He’d come to terms with J.P.’s death and made peace with it.

  What mattered was that the woman accepting the victory wreath was a part of his life. As Edward and Helen joined the celebration, it hit him.

  He’d been given a second chance at life, and now that he’d finally taken it, he had everything he’d ever wanted—a great family, an amazing job, and the most amazing woman on Earth.

  The team was packing things up for the drive home when Barbara asked for everyone’s attention. “Today’s a great day in the short history of Gale Force Racing. Not only did we notch our second win, we’ve also pulled within eighteen points of Chas Thornton for the season championship.”

  The crew let out a boisterous cheer.

  “I have more news I think you’ll be pleased to hear. We’ve secured the funding to move up to the International Series next year.”

  She tried to say more, but the celebration made it impossible for her to be heard. Instead, she motioned toward the door, and caterers brought in snacks and champagne.

  An hour after Barbara’s announcement, the hugs and pats on the back were still in full force. Brad munched on a slice of red bell pepper while he took in the scene.

  He shook his head at his great fortune. Despite some bumps in the road, he and Barbara had assembled a fantastic team. Everybody had worked their tails off and now were enjoying the fruits of their labor. Let them celebrate. They deserved it.

  He approached Barbara. “Thank you. Thank you for your belief in these good people, and your faith in me. After what happened last year, I was afraid the only way I’d ever see an International Series again would be from the stands.”

  “We all do things we regret. To me, the gratifying thing wasn’t giving you a second chance, it was seeing what you’ve done with it.” She raised her glass. “To our future success.”

  While they were drinking, Gabrielle joined them. “Do you mind if I have a minute with the two of you? In private?”

  “Of course.” Barbara put her arm around Gabrielle. “I can hardly say no to the driver who made all of this happen.”

  As they made their way outside, Gabrielle winced at Barbara’s response.

  Brad couldn’t help but notice. Hope she didn’t injure herself during the race.

  “What’s on your mind? I hope you’re not going to ask for a raise, though after today’s performance, I should probably give you one.”

  Brad laughed at Barbara’s joke, but Gabrielle stared at her lap. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.

  Gabrielle took a deep breath and looked at Barbara. “I’m so sorry about this.” She rubbed her forehead.

  “What’s wrong?” Barbara leaned forward in her chair.

  “Jensen Motorsport offered me a contract to drive for them. It’s an offer I don’t think I can refuse.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Brad’s mouth went desert dry while, even in the gloom, the blood seemed to drain from Barbara’s face. A ringing filled his ears as a stabbing pain, like a hot knife, slashed through his chest.

  He took a deep breath, and held it while he counted to ten. Maybe he’d heard wrong.

  “I’m sorry.” Gabrielle wrapped her arms around herself. “I can never repay the two of you for all you’ve given me this year. I just . . . ” She lifted her hand, but it fell into her lap as she choked back a sob.

  “Don’t be sorry.” Barbara smiled. “Jensen is an excellent organization, and I would never want to hold somebody back from pursuing an opportunity. I don’t need an answer now, but is there any way we can talk you into staying? Brad and I can—”

  “They offered me three million dollars a year.”

  “Oh.” Barbara looked at Brad with wide eyes and an open mouth. For the first time since he’d met Barbara Sawyer, his boss was speechless.

  He was, too. For a lot of reasons, not the least of which was Gabrielle’s current salary was two hundred thousand. The most they could probably cobble together and keep the team within budget in the International Series was going to be in the neighborhood of five hundred thousand.

  Still unable to speak, he shook his head.

  “Well, I hope you’ll be willing to give us time to put together a counter proposal. You mean the world to this team, Gabrielle, and while I want you to be happy, I also don’t want to let you go without a fight, a friendly fight, that is. Fair enough?”

  Gabrielle nodded and got to her feet. “Yes, that’s totally fair. And thank you, thank you both.” She and Barbara hugged. It was a warm embrace, with no evidence of animosity between them.

  She turned to Brad, with arms out. Her eyes were misty. As if on autopilot, he wrapped her in his arms.

  He wanted to feel . . . something. Anger, joy, jealousy—he’d have taken any of them at the moment. Instead, a black, frozen wasteland of despair enveloped him.

  After a kiss to his right cheek, Gabrielle placed her palm on his left cheek. Her body heat overcame the anguish and warmed him down to his toes.

  “How?” It was still all he could get out.

  “I guess they’ve had their eyes on me for a while. I had no idea until my manager called me.”

  No, I mean how can you be doing this to me? “That’s great. Really, really great. I’m,” he swallowed, “happy for you.”

  “Gabrielle, given the circumstances, I understand if you’d rather not rejoin the celebration.” Barbara put her arm around her driver. “Why don’t you go relax in the motorhome? We can chat later, if you’d like.”

  “Thank you.” Gabrielle let out a long breath and smiled. “I think I’ll do that.”

  As Gabrielle walked past Brad, the fruity scent of her shampoo lingered in the air, an extra punch to Brad’s heart.

  When she was out of sight, Brad dropped back into his chair and rubbed his forehead. “Wow. That was—”

  “Unexpected?”

  “You could say that.” I’d say more like devastating. “So, what do we do now?”

  “Give her space tonight. Tomorrow, it’s business as usual. We have two races left and we’re in the championship hunt. I have no intention of throwing up my hands and giving up. I expect the same from Gabrielle. And you.”

  “But, aren’t you . . . what about . . . ?” Brad flailed his arms, still struggling to put
two thoughts together. A rustling from behind him swept away any hope of completing what he wanted to say. Probably because he didn’t know what he wanted to say.

  “AES? They signed the sponsorship agreement for next year yesterday. Both parties agreed to keep things quiet so the team would be focused today. Given the way things have unfolded, at this point, I can only assume they don’t know about Gabrielle’s decision.”

  “Okay, fine, but aren’t you angry? I mean, we had a great thing going. I mean the team had a great thing going.”

  “A touch sad, perhaps. But angry? No. It’s difficult for women to succeed in this profession. Part of the reason I hired Gabrielle was to give her the opportunity to take a step up the career ladder. If I’ve played any part in her getting this offer, then I’m content. She’s a special person, but there are a lot of drivers who will want her spot when the season’s over. We’ll be fine.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Brad let out a ragged breath. “I guess I’m in shock right now.”

  “I know how close you’ve become. I’m not going to insult you by saying I know how you’re feeling right now. What I will say is if your feelings for her are real, talk to her.”

  “What am I supposed to say? Don’t go? Leave that three million on the table and stay here?”

  Barbara shook her head. “I didn’t say that. What I said was talk to her. Be open with her. And listen,” she tapped her ear, “to what she has to say.”

  “I thought you said to give her some space.”

  “Men.” Barbara closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. “What I meant was the team should give her space. Your relationship with her puts you in a different category. Talk to her.”

  “Now?”

  “No time like the present. I’ll take care of the team.” She took a step toward the garage, before coming to a stop and pointing her finger at him. “But I better not hear any reports of you giving her a hard time. She deserves to be treated with respect. Do I make myself clear?”