Page 68 of Crash Course

But guilt edges in, because I did consider helping Theo.

“So I have to be here to earn your loyalty.” Jameson’s eyes meet mine, cold and accusing. This time, I’ve steeled myself for the betrayal. At least that would mean he cares, that I didn’t imagine the moments of connection I felt with him these past weeks.

“Are we still talking about the car?” I ask under my breath.

There’s a flicker of shock on his face.

Then he stalks past me toward the door.

“No more parties before race days,” Raj groans from his spot at the railing. He’s wearing sunglasses and an Ashford Academy hat and holding his stomach.

Zane glances over. “You had one drink.”

Raj pulls his hat down farther over his face.

On the track, Jameson gets into his car, adjusting his helmet.

The drivers start out of the pits in a procession.

“I’m worried,” I tell Megan.

She doesn’t ask about my love life this time. Her gaze is already on the track.

“Look how it twitches when he picks up the throttle.”

I exhale. “You think the pressure is going to be too high.”

Megan nods. “If he pushes, it’ll bite him.”

After the formation lap, Jameson lines up second, Theo first. My heart thuds against my ribs in anticipation of the start.

The starting lights hang over the grid—five red circles in a straight line.

One by one, they flare to life.

When I was a kid, I used to count them on my fingers, curled up on the couch beside my dad.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

The longest second in racing is the space between all five lights burning bright and everything going dark.

Go.

When the lights blink out at once, Jameson reacts faster. But Theo catches up by the time they get to the first corner.

“Theo’s going to be quicker than yesterday,” I breathe.

Megan’s nails dig into my arm. “Jameson’s coming back.”

My heart is pounding because it’s our car. Not because it’s him.