Page 2 of Octane

“Sawyer, how’s it going?”

“Going good, thank you. What’s up?”

“I have some good news for you,” Vic replies.

“Oh?” I ask, trying so hard to contain myself, but I feel like I am going to burst at the seams with excitement.

“I spoke with one of the league’s owners last night. He has one spot open on his team for the upcoming season, and he’s very interested in a meeting with you.”

Holy shit. Breathe, Sawyer.

“Really?”

“Yeah, from Powell Racing.”

“I’m sorry,” I laugh, “I thought you just said Powell Racing.”

“Yes, Powell Racing. That’s what I said.”

“No. Vic, they’re a cup series team.” I adjust my towel, tightening it around my body again.

“I know, it’s an incredible opportunity for you.”

“But I’m not ready!” I shout into the phone, flabbergasted that this conversation is actually happening. “I’m supposed to go to the minor leagues first.”

“Listen, Sawyer. The owner, Jackson, saw your tape and wants to put a face to the name. You owe it to yourself to see how this plays out, kid.”

I almost don’t hear him because the voice inside of my head is screaming louder than the engine of a Chevy Impala SS as I try to wrap my brain around what he just said. A move from an independent racing club to a cup series team is almost unheard of.

“How did this happen?”

“Initially, the owner was putting together a minor league team in addition to the cup series team he already has. A few weeks ago, word got around that he was looking for some drivers, so I submitted your tape. I’m not sure why he changed his mind about creating the minor league team, but he’d still like to meet with you about the open spot on his cup series team.”

“Holy shit, you’ve got to be kidding me,” I reply, still in a state of disbelief.

“I promise I’m telling the truth,” Vic laughs through the phone.

“This is unbelievable. Thank you so much, Vic.”

“It wasn’t me, Sawyer. You’re the one on those tapes. You should be proud of yourself.”

I catch my reflection in the mirror and can barely hold in the squeal that’s begging to come out.

“We’ll learn more at the meeting next Thursday, but I think that placement on this team would really benefit you. They have some unbelievable talent and experience. Let’s not get our hopes up, but I think you’re a shoo-in.”

“I’ll do my best not to,” I respond with a nervous laugh.

Yeah right, consider all of my hopes way the hell up.

“Okay, have a good day, and I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks, Vic. Goodbye.”

Still holding my gaze in the mirror after I end the call, I let out the squeal I was holding in. I almost don’t recognize the girl looking back at me. I can’t remember the last time that I was this excited about something and actually showed it.

This dream of mine, it’s a major point of contention in my relationship. Being with someone like Daniel is tough. He likes everything a specific way. If it doesn’t fit the vision that he has in mind for his life, then it’s deemed unacceptable and cast out. That’s how he feels about my racing career, but it's the one thing that I won’t budge on. I’ve put too much time and energy into getting where I am. Not to mention it’s the one thing in this world that makes me happy. There is no way that I could give it up and still be sane enough to spend the rest of my life with him.

There was a time that I truly loved Daniel. The way that a girl loves a boy who takes care of her. One that supports her. One who loves her unconditionally. One who doesn’t put her down constantly. Who doesn’t make her feel like she’s not worthy of the success that she’s worked her whole life for. One who doesn’t hold her happiness for ransom when life doesn’t go his way.

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