Colby was indeed doing exactly what her father thought. She had to bring Asher’s car to her level to have a shot a winning.
“They’re about to round curve three,” Ben said. “Asher’s figured out she can take him around those curves. She’s better at them than he is.”
Sure enough, Asher tried to block her move during turn three, but Colby countered by downshifting to fourth gear, slowing her car and causing Asher to overshoot his block, then she shifted into fifth and overtook him. Not only did she take him, she finally accelerated to top speed.
“Holy shit!” Cyrus said.
Colby’s focus now was time. Asher led for six laps. She had to make it up in four—in a shit car.
Jordan was no longer in the conversation. He was at least two car lengths back. The competition had become a two-person race.
“Lap seven is in the books,” Cyrus announced.
“Colby James in the lead,” Ben said. “Hot damn. You don’t know how long I’ve waited to say that. Get used to it fellas.”
The entire Lockwood team watched in awe. Colby finished lap eight and maintained her lead.
“Shit. Winds changing,” Ben said nervously.
“Yep” was all Cyrus said. He had to project calm when he was anything but. That was his baby girl out there. He spoke to the drivers. “Winds changed. SW fifteen.”
“What does that mean?” Before Brian could get the words out, he watched Jordan start to struggle to maintain control of his car.
Jordan didn’t adjust soon enough as they rounded curve two in lap eight, causing his tires to lift slightly and spin out of control into the grassy center of the raceway. He was done.
Colby and Asher both adjusted in time. However, as they entered the straightaway of lap eight, Asher tried to make a move to pass Colby.
She managed to block him and used the shift in the wind to her advantage. As they entered curve three and came out, Colby had finally caught Asher’s time.
“Lap eight is in the books,” Ben said anxiously.
Asher was one full car-length behind as they entered lap nine.
Asher’s engine was built better than Colby’s, but she knew how to make allowances for the shortcomings of her car. Asher was really at a disadvantage in that he was new to his own car. Still, he had skills.
“Lap nine is in the books!” Cyrus announced. “Last lap. First one across the finish line wins this damn thing.”
Colby maintained her lead through curves two and three. She knew Asher wasn’t going down without a fight. It was only a matter of time before he pulled a trick or two out of his bag.
Like clockwork, Asher made a move in the straightaway. This time Colby wasn’t able to prevent it. He pulled up alongside her.
They were both driving at least 195 mph as they jockeyed for position, each gunning for the lead. One second the nose of Asher’s car was ahead of Colby’s; in the next, the nose of Colby’s car overtook Asher’s.
The finish line was in sight.
They were neck and neck.
And then the checkered flag came down.
“Holy shit! Did you see that?” Brian was speechless.
“I saw it,” Liam said.
Ben slapped Cyrus on the back. “I knew she could do it!”
Cyrus was bursting with pride. “She beat Asher McKay by two-tenths of a second in a car that shouldn’t have won.”
“That was crazy!” Brian was pumped.
“Kinda like the good old days,” Cyrus said to Ben, who nodded knowingly. As the cars made their way over to the pit, everyone in the booth went to meet them.
It felt like Liam had been holding his breath the entire race. He didn’t realize he’d released it until Colby got out of the car and began to walk toward them. She took off her helmet. Her smile took over her entire face, and she was beaming.
It was a beautiful sight to see. Liam finally had to admit, at least to himself, that he was attracted to her.
Asher got out of the car cursing. “Piece of shit car!” He pointed to Brian. “This race doesn’t mean a thing. I would have won if I had a better car.”
Colby gloated. “Take your loss like a man, Asher. Own it. I’m a better driver than you. I always knew it, and now, so does everyone else.” She turned to Brian and held up a single finger. “That lead driver position belongs to me.”
Asher couldn’t believe he’d lost. “Don’t think for one minute that you’ll ever lead even one lap in any NASCAR race.” He was both pissed and embarrassed. Asher stormed off, bumping into Ben and Cyrus as he brushed passed them. “I’m done with this.”
“Don’t forget our agreement!” Brian laughed as he called out after him. “Half the season belongs to me, and I’ve got witnesses.”
Given a fair chance, Colby knew she could drive with the big boys. And that was the problem. She had never been given one—until now. Now that she could get into the conversation, her dreams of revenge were a real possibility.
“How about we finish up here, call it early, and meet at Georgia’s for a celebratory round,” Brian said. “I’m buying.”
“Hell yeah, if you’re buying,” Gonzo responded.
As they started to leave the track, Jordan called out to Colby. “Hey, Ms. James!”
She turned.
He walked up to her. He had a serious look on his face.
She didn’t know what Jordan could possibly have to say to her.
“You were um . . .” He lifted his fist for a pound. “You were nice out there.” Colby had gained his respect.
She smiled and touched her fist to his. “Thanks. Sorry, your car had a spinout.”
He shrugged. “No, you’re not.” Jordan laughed. “But it happens. Are you going to Georgia’s?”
“I might stop by for a bit.”
“Cool. Hopefully, I’ll see you over there.”
Chris walked up to them. “Colby James. You did the damn thing. You handled my car better than me.” He leaned in. “I knew you would.”
Her smile widened.
