When the car stopped, Markos turned to her. “We’ll clear a space for you, Ms. James.” After a few moments, her door opened. Calmly, Colby stepped out of the car. There were signs everywhere. There were quite a few #BlackLivesMatter, but one, in particular, moved her. It said Colby James is Black Girl Magic. That brought a smile to her face.
Reporters shouted questions. Colby mostly ignored them until one made her stop dead in her tracks.
“Ms. James, what do you say to people who feel you didn’t earn your place in this race? That your relationship with Liam Lockwood is how it was secured?”
Brandy attempted to push Colby along. “Just keep moving. Don’t say anything.”
Colby didn’t budge. Instead, slowly, she turned around. No. She would not just keep moving. Colby wasn’t sure if today could be a day of total freedom, but she planned, at least, to let go of the fear of it being discovered that she was dating Liam.
Colby inhaled deeply. The crowd quieted down as if they understood her speaking embargo was about to end. Colby looked pointedly at the reporter who asked the question. “What would I say to that question? I would tell them that never in the history of this country has a black person ever been given anything. We’ve had to earn our seat at the table through blood, sweat, and tears. I’m not an exception. Black Excellence is not just a hashtag, it’s the price of admission, and in some cases, it’s still not enough.” Colby paused for emphasis. “But today, it is.” She glanced over the top of her mirrored shades and made eye contact with a beautiful brown girl who looked to be in her teens. She was the one holding the Black Girl Magic poster. Colby smiled wide. “I like your sign.” In herd-like fashion, cameras flashed brightly at the young girl. Colby waved them off. “See you all on the winner’s podium.”
Full of purpose and pride, Colby began walking toward the garage.
It was as if Brandy finally understood the magnitude of the moment. She was more than impressed with Colby’s response and immediately stopped trying to coach her on what to say. Colby had a voice all her own, and apparently, she planned to use it.
Once inside, Lila couldn’t help but laugh. “Daaamn, girl. I see you.”
“I saw him and that sexist ass question too. I bet they didn’t ask any other driver how they earned their spot in this race.”
More people surrounded them as they entered the building. This time, they were Atlanta Speedway handlers. They began to direct Lila and Brandy toward the Lockwood VIP room. Before they separated, Lila had a few parting words. She grew serious. “Be careful out there.” Her throat felt thick. Lila was sure they were both thinking the same thing. “Just so you know, regardless of the outcome, you’re already a winner.”
Colby removed her glasses. Her head tilted slightly before she spoke with the determination of a warrior. “That’s a speech for losers. That’s not happening today.”
She winked and strutted away with such fierceness that Lila went to her seat, believing that Colby James just might be on the verge of greatness.
*****
The first person Colby saw when she entered the garage was Liam. Their eyes connected and held. He didn’t approach. He seemed to understand that this moment was bigger than them. Still, he did that half-smile thing that let her know he had her back and her front.
Colby’s attention was drawn away from him, only when her father and the rest of Team Lockwood approached.
“You ready?” he asked.
“You made certain of that.”
His eyes misted. Cyrus was of two minds. Colby was his baby girl, and he wanted to protect her at all costs. Quite naturally, memories of the day they lost Rodney were strong. This race was going to be brutal, and it would kill him if he lost Colby the same way as he’d lost his son. Cyrus had to remind himself that Colby was gifted, and he had to have faith in her skill. She was a great driver.
Gonzo pulled her car around and slid out the window. Before he turned it over, he wouldn’t wish Colby luck. She didn’t need that. His words were clear. “This one is for Rodney.”
Colby returned his words with a slow nod, and they bumped fists.
Cyrus had to put his fatherly feelings on the shelf. In this moment, he was Colby’s crew chief. It took a few times of clearing his throat, but Cyrus got it together. “There’s only one thing left to do,” he spoke with authority. “Rev the engine.”
The sad haze of missing Rodney disappeared. Colby’s smile was brilliant as she remembered their family ritual. “Drop that pedal.”
She knew he was worried but was soldiering on. He didn’t need to be. She placed her hand on his shoulder and looked him square in the eyes. “I’ve got this.” After an extra moment and a gentle squeeze, Colby put her headgear on, then turned and got into lucky #12. Colby revved the engine twice. It was loud and powerful, which sounded exactly how she felt.
She gave the team a thumbs up before driving away to take her place. She also glanced heavenward. “I know you’re here. You heard Gonzo, this one’s for you.” And Lorene is going to be for me.
Chapter 29
Home. It was the best way to describe how Colby felt. Being on the track felt like home.
Colby had finished her warm-up laps. The butterflies in her stomach began to settle as she took her place.
Colby didn’t care that she was positioned at the back of the pack of thirty-five other drivers since she didn’t plan on staying there. She knew that some people considered it a win for her to have made it to a major, but not Colby. She was competitive, and
