Page 31 of Black Flag

My only concern for himwas this being a short track and a night race. Bristol Motor Speedway was ahalf-mile track with 36° banking, though it’s been debatedit’sonly 26°. Either way, it’s steep. There is stadium style seating surroundingthe concrete track with two pit lanes allowing all sides to catch the action.

With it being a nightrace, tempers flared. Tempers I didn’t want Jameson involved with during hisfirst race back.

On Wednesday, wearrived in Tennessee and met with an even bigger surprise in the garage.Our surprise, the driver who had replaced Darrin Torres for theremainder of the season.

Mike Tanner.

Jameson’s reaction wasto avoid him, which was the right thing to do.

What Mike did was thewrongthing to do. He approached Jameson and me standing in the garage, waiting forhis car to be released from inspection. The inspection process in the garageoccurred many times throughout the race weekend and focused on all aspects ofthe car from fuel to aerodynamics to be sure they were in line with the NASCARrulebook.

Stationed securely toJameson’s right side, Mike walked toward us.

“Jameson.” He greetedand then turned toward me. “HeySway—how are you doingthese days?”

You couldn’t miss thedenigrating tone he used when he acknowledged Jameson.

“I’m fine.” I snipped.I was furious that he would so blatantly the fact that I waswithJameson.

Idiocy is the only wordI could think to use for his next move as he leaned in closer and whispered inmy ear. “Why don’t you leave him and come have some fun like we used to.”

My hothead reactedpushing Mike away from me against the bay doors. “Listen to me you son of abitch.” Jameson spat moving closer towering over Mike. “I will only warn youthisonetime. Stay away from Sway.”

Mike just stared at himwith a blank expression, searching his eyes. Maybe he was trying to see if hewas serious or maybe he was just that stupid. Regardless, the lack of respectMike showed, doubting his intentions, only impelled Jameson.

“I’m not scared of you,Jameson.”

“Youwillbe.”Jameson replied in a no-nonsense tone.

Auspiciously, Spencerwalked into the garage before the argument could escalate any further. “HeyJameson,” his resonant voice carried throughout triggering other drivers andteam members to look over. “Alley is looking for you.”

Jameson remained set,his jaw clenched, before he spun on his heel to face Spencer. I couldn’t hearwhat he said but he whispered a few words to his brother and then pulled mealong with him.

“You should havelearned your lesson by now.” Was the only advice Spencer offered Mike before Iwas too far away to hearanymore.

Jameson continued todrag me along like a caveman. His hand in my own was trembling slightly fromthe adrenaline; his expression remaining frightening.

When we made it back tothe motor coach in the infield driver’s compound, his arm wrapped possessivelyaround me as a group of men walked past and smiled toward me.

I giggled. “Maybe youshould just piss on my leg too.”

“Maybe I should.” Hesnapped back at me tilting his head toward me. “Maybe other men won’t fuckingtest me then,”

“That’s gross.”

“Well, you said it.”

“I wasn’t serious.What’s the matter with you?”

He didn’t say anythingas he let go of my hand, leaning against his motor coach. His eyes fell to theground when he realized how ridiculous he was reacting to all this.

“You’re not jealous,are you?”

Jameson snorted, hiseyes still fixated on my hand he reached for. “How can I not be? He slept withyouand now he has the audacityto approach you in public, right in front of me. How else am I supposed tofeel?”

Stepping toward him, Iraised my hand to rest against his cheek. He sucked in a shaky breath and metmy eyes when I spoke. “Do you haveanyidea what it’s like lovingJameson Riley, knowing that every pit lizard and garage groupie out there wantshim and would give anything just for one touch, just like I did?”

His eyes narrowed withrepudiation. “Doyouhave any idea what it’s like loving Sway Reins, thewoman that with one look; could melt any man’s heart with her eyes?” Jamesonbreathed inches from my face holding me to his chest. His hand came up to touchmy cheek gently.

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