Page 88 of Hot Lap
"Good.” She nods. “Just don't underestimate what he's willing to do to win. You've never given him this much ammunition before."
A knock on the door interrupts them.
“Come in,” Ona says.
Misho steps in, tablet in hand, expression focused. "Track temp's up. We've adjusted tire pressures accordingly. Briefing in ten."
Reece nods. "I'll be there."
As Misho leaves, Ona's hands finally still on Reece's shoulders. "Whatever happens today, remember why you're doing this."
He thinks of Maiken's smile that morning, of the way she looked at him like he was someone worth staying for. "I know exactly why."
The driver's briefing passes in a blur of technical jargon and strategy. Reece absorbs it all with the mechanical efficiency born from years of practice, but beneath his calm exterior, anticipation builds.
It’s not nerves. He doesn't get nervous anymore. This is awareness of the car, the competitors, and Maiken watching.
Especially that last part.
He strides toward the garage, fireproofs already on, race suit tied around his waist. The paddock has transitioned from pre-race buzz to focused intensity. Teams hunker down in their garages, final preparations underway as the sprint countdown ticks ever lower.
Asuka meets him at the garage entrance, her tablet clutched in one hand, her expression unreadable as always. "Car's ready. Balance is good. Brake migration is fixed."
"Temperature concerns?"
"Manageable. We've opened the cooling ducts slightly more than normal." She pauses. "You look better today."
Reece raises an eyebrow. "That your way of saying I looked like shit yesterday?"
The hint of a smile touches her lips. "You said it, not me."
"Fair enough."
She glances past him, toward the hospitality building. "Your wife is the reason?"
"For?"
"The focus. It's back."
Reece doesn't want to answer directly. "I'll do my job, Asuka. Like always."
"See that you do."
Inside the garage, the pre-race ritual begins in earnest. Reece pockets his radio and threads its cord through his suit, puts in his earpieces, and dons his balaclava. Next comes his helmet and the HANS unit. The world narrows as sound is muffled.
Just before he climbs into the cockpit, he catches sight of Maiken through the garage opening. She stands between Lina and Gudrun, watching with undisguised fascination. She winks and blows him a kiss.
He nods and rests his hand over his heart. Today, Reece is centered in a way that’s been missing for eight months at least.
He turns and settles into the car.
Time to drive.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The lights go out,and Reece launches clean off the line.
Throttle, instinct, and speed.
