Racing Hearts

by Davida Lynn

  Once again, her finger hovered over the transmit button. She wanted to radio to Chance. Some small part of Heather thought that her voice would be enough to get a response from Chance.

  Everyone from the crews to the staff to the fans in the grandstands were on their feet, eyes on the two cars.

  A cheer erupted from the crowd, and Heather strained to find out what they could see. From her vantage point, too much was in the way. She forced herself to look back to the TV screen, where an instant replay was showing the crash from Jack’s on board camera. Heather was horrified as the car flipped upside down in slow motion on top of Chance.

  “Jesus. What the hell happened?” She pulled her headset off and hopped up onto the war wagon.

  Derek held a single finger up, silencing her as he radioed Chance, again. “Buddy, we’re still waiting to hear from you. At least slide your visor up.”

  Heather waited, but there was no response.

  DJ was standing on the pit wall, watching the rescue team working on the two cars. “Fuck this.” He dropped down hard on the concrete, hustling down the pit lane.

  Heather looked up the track, checking for cars coming down. If they diverted the cars down pit lane instead of the track, he was in severe danger. A few cars were coming down, but since the race was over, they were going far slower than the pit lane speed limit. DJ made it across the pit lane safely.

  Heather was frozen. She wanted to run after her boss and check on Chance, but her feet wouldn’t listen. All she could do was watch. Another replay showed the cars crossing the finish line in slow motion. She couldn’t tell if Chance’s car was in front or not, but the win wasn’t the main concern. She wanted to hear his voice more than anything else.

  “Fuckin’ wank.”

  Heather had never heard Kiwi anything but jovial.

  He shook his head. “That kind of driving was bound to cause an accident. I hope they throw the book at him.”

  Heather had to agree. She knew what Jack Savage was like outside of a race car, and there was nothing to make her believe he was any different on track. He was a bully, and Chance intimidated him. Had it cost Chance everything?

  Another cheer came from the crowd along the front straight. The TV cut to Chance being pulled from the wreckage. He was moving. Heather let out a breath like she’d been underwater for hours.

  Chance had a rescue worker on either side of him, and he was limping. Before getting into the vehicle that would take him to the medical center, he turned to the crowd, giving them a wave.

  The roar was deafening. Heather stared in wonder. He had become their hero, their David against the unstoppable, unshakable Goliath.

  “Let’s go.” Derek yanked his headphones off, tossing them to a surprised engineer.

  Heather was still staring at the carnage shown on the screen. “Where?” Her voice was far away, still taking in everything that had happened in such a short time.

  “Medical center.” She felt his arm at her shoulder, pulling her toward the golf cart.

  Heather allowed herself to be pulled along. She couldn’t focus, her mind was awash with too many thoughts to keep track of. Knowing Chance was alive cleared the biggest concern, but they weren’t out of the storm just yet.

  She heard his voice when they pushed through the double doors of the medical center.

  “Who won? Tell me they’ve made a decision.”

  “Nothing yet, kid.” DJ was standing outside of a curtain, turning to Heather as she ran up to him. “Woah, woah. The doc is in there with him, you gotta—“

  Throwing her arms around DJ, Heather cried. Relief at just hearing Chance’s voice overtook her, and the emotion was too much.

  For a moment, nothing happened, but then Heather felt DJ’s large arms around her. “He’s alright, hon. He’s alright.”

  “Heather?”

  From behind the curtain, she heard Chance calling to her. Heather thought it might give her strength, but instead, it broke her further. DJ’s arms held her up as she wept. The curtain slid back on metal rings, and Chance stood there in a hospital gown.

  A small cut on his cheek marred that perfect face, but Heather didn’t see anything else wrong.

  Dropping DJ for her man, Heather pulled Chance to her, squeezing him hard. He wheezed out the remaining air from his lungs, but Heather didn’t care. She had seen him on the edge of certain death, and it broke something inside of her. She couldn’t watch him turn another lap in a race car.

  Chance held her back, whispering into her ear, “I’m here. It’s over. It’s over for good.”

  Her strength returned. He had taken it from her with the crash, but just like that, he gave it right back to her. Heather knew then that there was no stopping her feelings. She was about to whisper something powerful to him, but a voice behind her cut that thought off before she could speak it.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Pierce. I’m with IndyCar. Timing and scoring has sorted out the finish.”

  In the two crazy weeks since the 500, Chance barely recognized himself. His world had turned upside down. The only constant was Heather. She was by his side through tedious interviews, long sponsor meetings, and dull parties. He was falling hard for her, which was equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Even his first race couldn’t compare.

  Pulling his rental car up to a pothole-riddled parking lot, he navigated around some of the more serious ones, parking beside what had once been a building. It was razed three years earlier, a large sign advertising a mega-church that had never come to be. The land was for sale, and after nature had taken the land over, the price was right.

  Chance had time to walk around the property, letting his imagination run wild. As he was heading back to the car, a luxury SUV pulled in behind him, the headlights bouncing up and down over the rough asphalt.

  The real estate agent stepped out, briefcase in hand, adjusting his suit before slamming the door shut. He and Chance met halfway.

  “Michael, so glad you could come out on short notice.” Chance extended a hand, trying to exude confidence despite feeling awkward in his button down shirt and slacks.

  The agent shrugged. “It’s my job, and anything that gets me out of the office is a win in my book. Besides, I’m honored to meet you in person. Don’t let me forget, I’ve got a Indy 500 program guide that my son is dying to get autographed. Would you mind?”

  “Of course not.” Chance was still getting used to the fame, but he loved the kids and their excitement more than anything. “So, what did you find on this property?”

  Michael opened his leather case and pulled out a sheet of paper. “Zoned commercial, city water and power ready to go. The previous building was a furniture store, flattened in 2014. The church group went belly up, and the city took possession.”

  Chance looked out over the weed laden two acres of possibility. “Meaning they want to dump it quick, right?”

  Nodding, Michael said, “Yup. No one’s moved on it, since the area isn’t the best, but the last few years have seen things turn around. I’m not gonna con you by saying this is an up-and-coming neighborhood, but Georgetown’s not as bad as it’s been in years past.”

  Chance looked back over the parking lot, which desperately needed TLC. The price was right, and construction could start before the end of summer.

  With a smile that was equal parts humility and gratitude, Chance asked, “How soon can we submit an offer?”

  He did his best to hide that smile when he stepped into the apartment. Heather was waiting, her eyebrows high and expectant.

  “Well?”

  Chance couldn’t keep his happiness hidden. A lump of emotion was growing in his throat. “We submitted an offer.”

  Heather let out a squeal as she jumped into his arms. “Oh my god. That is amazing.”

  “It’s just an offer, let’s not set the bar too high.”

  “No.” She said between kisses. “I think we need to set the bar very, very high, babe.”

  A heat rose to his chee
ks. What was it about her? She elevated him in a way that Chance didn’t think was possible. He might never have gone through with his business idea if not for her. It was a gamble, but even if he lost everything, he’d never lose her.

  “And how was your day?” He held Heather up, his hands squeezing her ass.

  She shrugged. “A few calls for interviews. Motorsport, AutoWeek, one or two smaller places. Overall, still a pretty busy schedule. We’re waiting on the contract from Hoosier Tire.”

  “That’s coming soon, I hope. We might need that cash as a down payment.” He smiled wide, kissing the nape of Heather’s neck.

  She slid down his body. “A down payment. Can you believe it?”

  “I don’t know if I believe anything anymore.” Her smile was the best thing Chance had ever experienced. He closed his eyes and kissed her, imprinting the image in his memory forever.

  The interview was casual, much more so than some of the others he’d sat through. With an iPhone recording between the journalist and Chance, the two sipped on tea at a local coffee shop.

  “So, this is probably a question you’ve heard from everyone. What’s ahead for Chance Pierce?” Penny Lombardi looked young, even to Chance. She was the kind of woman Chance might have drooled over, but those days were over.

  Chance nodded with a smile. He had heard that question during just about every interview, but he didn’t mind. It gave Chance an opportunity to get his name and future brand out there.

  “Penny, what’s ahead for me is racing, but probably not how most people will think. I made a promise, and it’s one I intend to keep. The 500 was my dream, and I’ve lived that dream. I’ll be retiring from racing as a driver, but it’s still alive in my blood.”

  She eyed him. “Keeping your cards awfully close to your chest.”

  “No, no.” He laughed and took a sip. “Just yammering on. I’ll be completely honest with you. I’m opening an indoor karting facility. I want to make people happy, and I’ve never seen anyone happier than getting out of a go-kart for the first time. It’ll keep me close to racing, but the pressure to deliver is gone. My job will be creating a fun environment, and if a kid gets his start in motorsports because of me? Well, that’s just a bonus.”

  “Wow, definitely not what I expected. You know, many people thought you’d get a permanent ride after your stunning drive at Indy. Were there any phone calls?”

  With a flick of his eyebrow, Chance said, “There were a few calls, as a matter of fact.”

  “But you didn’t take a ride? Why?”

  “I have nothing left to prove.”

  Penny sat back, crossing her arms over her chest. “Do you really expect me to buy that?”

  “What?”

  “You finish second in the Indy 500 under some pretty trying circumstances, to say the least, and you don’t want another crack at it? You came from last on the grid in an under-performing car. Chance, that says a lot about you as a driver.”

  “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

  Penny exaggerated waving Chance away. “It’s not flattery if it’s the truth.”

  “You got me there.” The laughter in Chance’s voice faded. “What happened on that last lap was unfortunate. Pointing fingers does no good. At the end of the day, it’s going to be Jack’s face on the Borg Warner trophy, and I have to live with that. Regardless, I won’t be running in next year’s race, or any race, for that matter.”

  “Except on your go-kart track.”

  “Except on my go-kart track, yes.” He smiled at the thought.

  Penny waited a few moments, as if Chance might change his mind and take back the whole thing. “So when can we expect your new business to open?”

  “Now there’s a question I don’t have an answer for. We’re still working on acquiring land. I promise to let everyone know as soon as I have an opening date.”

  “Thanks, Chance.” Penny hit stop on her phone, sliding it into her purse. “What they did was bullshit.”

  “Hm?” He lowered his eyebrows at her complete change in tone.

  “IndyCar. What they did was political. You should have won, but they made a decision on what was best for ratings, not what was best for the sport. Jack Savage is an asshole, and everyone in the sport knows it. You threw a wrench into everyone’s plans, and IndyCar didn’t like it.”

  “Haven’t heard anyone put it quite like that.”

  Penny shrugged. “Well, it’s the truth. You were robbed, Chance.”

  For as many times as Chance had thought the same thing, no one else had said it out loud. DJ and All-American Pro were thrilled to come in second place. The prize money and renewed interest in the team ensured that DJ’s team would be able to mount a charge for the rest of the season, with Billy Moore back at the wheel, of course.

  Penny added, “Motorsport might be losing a future champion. I get it, though. You've been lucky. You've been damn lucky. I've interviewed my fair share of racers that aren't around anymore. Each of them talked about retiring, but none of them truly meant it. It's an addiction. Good for you for going sober.”

  Chance left the coffee shop and wandered around Broad Ripple. He was getting used to Indianapolis, ready to make it his home. Heather’s schooling would keep them there for at least two years. That would be more than enough time to get his business off the ground. If it was a success, they might stay. If not, Chance didn’t know what the future held for him, but he would embrace it.

  Heather would often find herself daydreaming. Life had completely turned upside down in just six short months. A crappy summer job had led her to find the love of her life. Chance was everything she needed and wanted.

  His drive and dedication to be a better person spurred her on, too. As he worked to get his business off the ground, she jumped into her masters program with both feet. Though busy, they found ways to support each other as their love brought them closer and closer.

  Heather was happy in a way she had never known before. Chance wasn't the only thing that had changed something inside of her. Heather had found a passion for motorsports and someone to share it with.

  As much as she supported Chance’s retirement, Heather knew she would miss it. The speed, the adrenaline, the camaraderie. She had grown to love it like she had grown to love him.

  Heather was in the middle of finals prep when her phone rang. Laying her flashcards aside, she looked at the number. It was an unknown number from Kentucky. Before the Indy 500, she would always ignore unknown numbers. The race changed that. Acting as Chance’s de facto manager, Heather took every call that came.

  “Hello?

  “How's my favorite gal doin’?” DJ’s deep voice boomed even through the phone.

  A smile came to Heather. It was almost impossible not to smile around DJ. "I'm very well, and how's my favorite car owner?"

  “Oh, getting into the holiday spirit."

  With a laugh, Heather said, “Funny, you've always struck me as the lump of coal type." Talking with DJ made Heather miss the team. Kiwi and the boys were good people.

  "I didn't call just to pass along warm holiday greetings. I've got a job offer for you."

  “Now, DJ," Heather shook her head as she spoke. “Chance hasn't changed his mind. As much as he loves racing, he's done behind the wheel."

  DJ let out a sigh. “You better learn to listen better if you're gonna be on my team. I said I've got a job offer for you. Heather."

  Her eyes shifted around the apartment, waiting for someone to jump out and yell surprise. "What are you talking about?"

  "I've had sponsors knocking down my door since the race. I almost followed your boyfriend’s lead and called it quits, but I got a deal that was too good to turn down. It's a full season, not just the 500, and I'm looking for a fuel and tire strategist. You come highly recommended."

  Heather still thought she was being punked. “DJ, there have to be more qualified people. I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, but I'm no expert.”

  "I'm too old to w
ork with assholes. If next year is my last season, I want to spend it working with people I like. I know you got school, and that's a top priority. We can work around your schedule. Most of the season would be during summer, anyway."

  Heather didn't speak. She tried to think of something To say. "DJ, as much as I appreciate—“

  “Don't answer me, yet.” He interrupted. “If you answer now, it will definitely be a no. Think about it, that's all I'm asking. You and Chance have a very Merry Christmas. You've got my number."

  With that, DJ hung up. Typical. Heather was going to say no, so he hung up before she got the chance. After setting the phone down, she stared out the window. There had been a light dusting of snow the night before, giving the world a clean and peaceful look.

  She couldn't wait for Chance to come home. What the hell would he make of this? Heather laughed and shook away any more thoughts on the subject.

  "I absolutely think you should take the job." He nodded his head, speaking with an almost fatherly tone.

  “You can't be serious," she shot back.

  Chance shrugged his shoulders. “Why not?"

  Heather didn't even know where to start. For a moment, she stared at Chance, wondering if he would think better if she shot him a look. “Oh, I don't know. I’ve worked a grand total of one race, I'm not smart enough to do all those calculations, I can't take the time off school. Pick any one of those reasons."

  Chance pulled a pot of boiling pasta from the stove, dumping it into a strainer in the sink. “Shit." He waved a burning finger in the air. “Okay, first of all, you are definitely smart enough. By race day, you were doing fuel calculations. You get that stuff. Don't say you're not smart enough.

  “And DJ said he would work around your schedule. I guarantee they will fly you up to the races on Saturday and have you back Sunday night. There's one, maybe three races before school lets out?"