Page 67 of Full Throttle 2

Lila looked through the peephole. Her face relaxed. “Oh. Okay,” She smiled before opening the door to find a frightened-looking bellhop standing on the other side, along with a big burly guy named Nick.

It was Nick who spoke. “Those flowers are for Colby. I checked them. They’re safe.”

The bouquet was so big Colby could barely see Lila’s body behind them. She was completely hidden.

“Thanks, Nick.” Colby walked over and took them from Lila as she searched for a card. “I wonder who they could be from?”

“Hmm . . . me too. Hurry up and open that card.”

Colby’s heart was racing. She knew who she hoped they would be from.

Here’s to you kicking butt in the ATL, taking no prisoners, and winning! Regardless, we’ve got your back!

Love,

Your Black Girl Magic Team!

As much as she appreciated the flowers from her squad, she had to admit to being a little deflated that they weren’t from Liam.

Colby’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “They’re beautiful. Can you put them in some water for me?”

The disappointment was written all over Colby’s face. Lila couldn’t help but feel for her. “Of course.”

“I should go get in the shower.”

Chapter Thirty-One

This was the most important race of Colby’s career. Maybe the most important one of her life. She’d won a premier league race, but this was her shot for a slot in the top-four playoff.

Colby was not just fighting for a spot in the Cup Series Championship in an increasingly hostile racing environment but her very own survival in the sport. Her mind was clear about what she needed to accomplish and how to get it done.

It wasn’t her aim to make history. Colby’s goal was to win. She would let others prognosticate about what it all meant for women in racing or if she would make history by becoming the first woman to qualify for the NASCAR Championship.

Her mask was firmly in place. This is where she would let the world know that Colby James isn’t just good...she islegendary.

Colby could hear the roar of fans in the stands from inside the garage.

The excitement was building.

As Colby walked toward her car, she was surprisingly calm. That wasn’t the case for other teams. As she’d walked past their garages earlier, she could overhear heated conversations.

She wouldn’t pretend that there wasn’t a piece of her that didn’t feel Liam’s absence. While she knew he wasn’t coming, Colby still hoped that he would magically appear.

Shake that shit off and get focused.

It took all her energy to bat down that emptiness. Liam’s presence might be missing, but all the other regular faces of Lockwood were fully present and locked-in.

Nobody was smiling as they stood around Colby’s rebuilt car. Not because they were scared or nervous but because everyone knew what time it was. They had a job to do, and their let’s-take-care-of-business looks on their faces—even Abby.

This time, Team Lockwood was more than ready.

Head held high and back ramrod straight, Colby walked over to them.

“Listen up.” Cyrus’s booming voice projected calm and confidence. “Today is the day that we’ve all been waiting for. None of the previous wins and losses matter. Nothing matters but right here and right now. Each one of you has a job to do. Abby is replacing Chris today since his ankle is not where it needs to be...but you’re more than ready for this. It’s game time.”

Abby smiled. It was her debut race for Lockwood Racing. She was nervous but confident.

“We’ve chosen you,allof you,” Cyrus said, “not because you’re good...but because you’re legendary. We know it, and now it’s time to show the world.”

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