Page 74 of Prove Me Wrong
Sliding off the car, I remove my racing helmet. Stevens comes over to slap my back fiercely.
“First position, man. You tore up that track today.”
“And third. Julian told me about your late overtake. Dude, you killed it.” We fist bump, grinning.
Grimaldi grips my shoulder. His long brown hair is caked in sweat, framed by deep tanned skin and brown eyes. He’s taller, much older,and experienced, but a legend in the Supercars world. “Great driving out there, Sterling. Just like your dad used to.”
Those words cut through my chest like a blunt knife, but I shake them off, not wanting them to affect how thrilled I am right now. “Thanks, man,” is all I mutter back, hugging him and then following the team off the roaring track.
The podium process runs smoothly, and before I know it, I'm holding the trophy over my head. Everyone cheers, their voices echoing in my head. It's a feeling I’ve missed so much—being on top, standing on the highest level, knowing that I’ve gained the most points. It’s one of the best feelings in my world, and I hadn't realised how much I missed it until now. Seeing the sea of people jumping, clapping, high fiving… it’s electrifying and addictive.
After our many interviews and photos, I finally get back to the Reign Racing trailer to change out of my sweat soaked suit and shower. I pull out my phone first. Thousands of messages flood my socials, and multiple texts display from my friends, but I click on Mia’s first.
GREY: You’re doing so well. Jade and I are so excited for you.
GREY: Wow, first!
GREY: FIRST! YOU ARE THE BEST!
GREY: So happy for you, #34!
The last one is a photo of her and Jade wearing their shirts with my number on it. My smile is so wide that it hurts. Seeing the two of them together makes the bursting in my chest start again.
Knowing that Mia is happy for my success and cheering me on from home adds another layer of finery to today.
After everything I’ve gone through, being this far from Jade, missing my home and living out of my duffle bag, seeing her messages and excitement for me makes it more worth it. Along with my daughter also wearing my number.
The smile on their faces makes my heart heat like it’s alight with flames. As much as I miss the feeling of winning, I am missing being at home with them more.
ME: I can’t believe it still.
ME: I have missed the feeling of winning.
ME: Happy to see you two enjoying yourselves
GREY: Of course we did.
GREY: I’ll have something special waiting for you when you get home.
ME: Do I get a hint of what the surprise might be?
GREY: No, but I think you’ll like it.
ME: Anything from you I’ll love, Grey.
I throw my phone on the chair and grab my things, ready to shower away the race. Soaping up my body, rinsing away the sweat and grime, my mind wanders to what Mum said when she called me. What if I can have my easy life with Mia? Jade loves her, and I trust Mia more than my own parents, that’s for sure. But how do I know if this is what Miawants? If she wants to spend her time watching my daughter when I’m away. She said so herself that she wasn’t sure about this when she first agreed, so what if she finds something better, and I’m left juggling once again?
Wrapping a towel around my waist, I walk back out to see my phone screen lighting up. I thumb through the sea of notifications before seeing another message from Mia.
GREY: Everything from you I like as well, #34.
My chest blooms again. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow when I get home.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
NOAH
This past week with Mia has been like a breath of fresh air, something I haven't felt in a long time. I start my day by waking to thoughts of her, wondering if she’s awake or still sleeping. If she’s making her coffee, reading her book, reading something on her phone or showering. I have to scour those images away before I start to lose focus and my blood flows south.
