Page 74 of Overtake
But it felt more right than anything has in years.
My phone buzzes. I startle and glance at it.
Darling, I only want what’s best for you. Let’s talk tomorrow? xoxo
I delete her message without responding.
Twenty years of Kelley “wanting what’s best” and I’ve learned exactly what that means. Manufactured concern. Strategic appearances. Everything calculated for maximum attention.
The opposite of Nico standing in the dark with me, admitting something that made him vulnerable.
I set the phone face-down and pull out tomorrow’s race notes. Focus on what I can control. Brake points and tire strategy and making history.
But the worry stone is hard and warm between my fingers, and Dad’s question won’t stop racing around inside my head.
Why not?
I don’t have an answer. Not yet.
But maybe that’s the real problem. I’ve been so busy protecting myself from the risks that I haven’t stopped to consider which ones might actually be worth taking.
THE SLIPSTREAM
@HayterHoney_Official(Fan Club Account)Um. Anyone see the pic? Looks like The Rabbit died. #hayterhoneys #lasconejitas
@GridGossipWHOA. WHOAAA. HO-LY SHIP! Is this for real?! #hayterhoneys #lasconejitas
@ConejitaForever(Verified Fan Club)NO. FREAKING. WAY! Nico and Petra?! My worlds are colliding!! Las Conejitas are LIVING for this!! #SpeedDating
@HayterHoney_1(Top Fan)FINALLY!! Our girl deserves happiness AND championships! This is the best news ever!!
@F1Gossip_CentralThis explains SO MUCH about Singapore. #hayterhoneys #lasconejitas #SpeedDating
@SpeedQueenPetraWait wait wait... are we srsly getting a championship battle AND a love story?? This is better than any TV series! #SpeedDating
@NicosBunny23Las Conejitas and Hayter Honeys, we need to unite! #hayterhoneys #lasconejitas
@HoneyHQConejitas, we’re organizing a support rally at turn 1 today. Join us! LET’S GOOO HONEYS! #hayterhoneys #lasconejitas
@TeamNitroFanNooo! How could our Petra fall for a WolfBett driver?? We trusted you, queen!
? @HayterHoney_DallasAll y’all acting like our girl can’t handle a relationship AND a championship? Puh-leeeezzz #hayterhoneys
? @RacingRealist47Exactly! If you think this affects her driving, you’ve never watched her race. #SpeedDating
@F1FanGirl_ForeverThe way this photo makes me believe in love again #hayterhoneys #SpeedDating
@RacingPurist2024Great. Now every interview will be about their relationship instead of their driving. This is exactly what the sport doesn’t need.
? @WolfBettLoyaltyNico better not let this distract him. He’s got a championship to win and the team’s invested everything in him.
? @TrackMarshBeen working F1 for 20 years. Some of the best drivers have relationships in the paddock. If anything, it keeps them grounded. Good for them. #SpeedDating
@NicoB_EspañaMy boy looks HAPPY for the first time all season! #lasconejitas approve
@HoneyBunny_AustinHONEY BUNNIES RISE UP! Our power couple is going to dominate this sport together! Championship rivals-to-lovers trope FTW! #SpeedDating
? @RivalsToLovers_StanRight?! THE ENEMIES TO LOVERS ARC WE NEVER KNEW WE NEEDED! Literally a romance novel come to life! #hayterhoneys #lasconejitas
