Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

B rian stood at the head of his conference room table, trying to rally the troops. The countdown was on before their upcoming race, the last one before the Cup Championship.

“There are no shortcuts to standing at the top of the podium, and that’s where I expect us to be this weekend. Despite the bullshit, politics, and games, we are a threat. Lockwood is coming, and they know it. That puts fear into the hearts of all competitors because just our presence changes the game. We’ve worked hard and are prepared for every scenario. I couldn’t have asked for a better squad.” He spoke directly to his drivers. “Colby, Jordan, and Chris, joining us via Zoom, to say you are all amazing is an understatement. No matter the situation, you always understand the assignment and manage it with poise and professionalism. I couldn’t be prouder of our entire Lockwood team.”

Jordan pointed to Colby’s mentee. “Abby’s no slouch either. She’s been impressive, filling in for Chris while he’s been recovering. Her defensive driving is damn good.” He laughed. “Better watch out, Colby. She’s coming.”

Abby blushed.

Colby hadn’t said much throughout the meeting but laughed at Jordan’s comment. “Good. More women on the track will make y’all step up your games.”

Abby wasn’t officially part of Team Lockwood, but in the short time, she’d felt like it. Colby had been an incredible mentor, and she’d learned a lot.

Brian clasped his hands together. “Being the best takes hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork. We work hard to be the best because we are the best!” He turned to Cyrus. “Anything you want to say?”

Cyrus massaged his newly grown goatee as he thought about it. Brian’s job was to inspire, but Cyrus’s role was to make them focus. “We ain’t won nothing yet. No celebrating until we cross that finish line. Until then, we ain’t poppin’ bottles. What we do in practice, we do in the race, so let’s get to it.”

That was that. Meeting over.

Brian couldn’t help but notice how unusually quiet and lowkey Colby had been while everyone else was pumped and ready to go. He couldn’t get a read on her. Even after securing a sponsor for this race, Colby wasn’t as excited as the others. He figured the best way to find out what was up was to simply ask. So, when the meeting was over, and everyone began to file out, he called out to her.

“Colby, gotta second?”

Tentatively, she glanced around. “Sure. What’s up?”

“Just doing a pulse check. You alright?”

Colby was a little defensive. “You’re the third person to ask me that today.”

Brian crossed his arms. “Why do you think that is?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, but it’s annoying when I’m perfectly fine.”

Colby was on edge. Lately, she’d been easily irritated, and that’s not the Colby Brian knew. He had also noticed the dark circles forming underneath her eyes, and everyone had noticed the weight loss.

He chose his words carefully. “To the world, you’re Colby James; to me, you’re more than that. And while Liam isn’t here, it’s my job to pull double duty.”

Frustrated, she glanced heavenward. “You talked to Liam.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Yeah. We connected last night, and he told me that with everything going on in his Beijing office, he might be unable to make it back in time for the race, but that’s not why we’re having this discussion.”

“Honestly, I hate that my boyfriend and my boss are related. It’s not cool the way you two blur the lines.” Colby didn’t mean to take her frustration out on Brian, but she was extremely disappointed that Liam wouldn’t make it to her next race. And she didn’t believe for even a second that Liam hadn’t told Brian to keep an eye on her like she wasn’t a fully formed adult.

Colby folded her arms. “You know what’s funny? I’ve been adulting for a long time. Up until this point, I’ve managed things pretty well.”

“Nobody says you haven’t, but we’ve all noticed you’re burning it at both ends. We care about you and are worried.”

“Have I ever not been ready when it’s go time?”

“No.”

“So, why are we having this conversation?”

There was an awkward silence between them before Brian broke it. “We’re having this conversation because I give a goddamn about you. We all give a goddamn about you. If we didn’t, none of us would give two shits about the dramatic amount of weight you’ve lost over the past couple of months.”

Colby quickly glanced down at her coveralls hanging off her body. Her voice lacked the edge it had a moment before. “I know I’ve lost some weight. It’s not easy seeing yourself and every imperfection you’ve ever had splashed across blogs, magazines, and newspapers.”

“You’re an athlete, not a model.”

“I’m both.”

“That’s bullshit! Who told you that?”

“C’mon. It’s the one thing I agree with Mark about.”

“Your business manager?”

“Yes. He’s right when he says as long as I continue to raise my profile, we’ll have a better shot of getting more sponsors.”

Guilt fell on Brian like a ton of bricks. His tone had an edge to it that was a mix of both anger and frustration. “It’s my job to get sponsors. Your job is to win.”

Colby understood his feelings because, at times, she felt the same. “I get that, but you just talked about us being a team. Sometimes that means interchanging roles.”

“Are we really a team?”

“Yes—”

“Then you have to let me do my job.”

“I can’t pretend like my father’s life savings aren’t invested in Lockwood. If we don’t succeed, he’ll lose everything trying to help me follow my dreams. I can’t allow that. So, I’ll do whatever I have to ensure we’re successful.”

“You don’t think I know that? My entire financial portfolio has been invested in Lockwood. That’s how much I believe in us. That’s why I’m willing to risk it all because I believe in myself, you, and this team.”

Colby glanced down. She whispered, “I know, but my dad could lose everything because he invested in my dreams. Him going broke and you going broke are not the same.”

Brian wished he and his father had had the kind of relationship that Colby had with Cyrus. He walked up to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “I get that. But know that I also consider you family. Not just because I’m in love with Lila, and you’re in love with Liam. Those are ties that bind, but separately from that, I care about you as a person, not just superstar driver, Colby James. I need you to be okay.”

Colby was touched.

“This last year has been tough, but I promise we’re turning a corner.”

Colby wasn’t so sure. “I know you’re working hard, but we both know the Glenmore sponsorship is not enough to sustain Lockwood past this season.”

“You’re right; it’s not. And luckily, there’s only two more races. But listen, I’m working on a couple of major deals. I haven’t mentioned them because...” Brian was tempted to go into further details but decided not to give Colby false hope. Instead, he took another track. “You want me to have faith in you, and I do. But I need you to do the same. Have faith in me.”

Colby knew that Brian was working hard to secure sponsorships, but it would be a lie to say she wasn’t nervous about their future. Still, faith was something she knew all about. Faith led her to be the first Black woman ever to win a NASCAR premier league race and to remain one of its top drivers.

His eyes bore into hers, waiting for an answer. It was the same determined look she’d seen in Liam a million times. How could she not trust him?

Colby released a loud sigh. “That Lockwood determination comes only second to the determination of a James.”

Brian was relieved and cracked a small smile. “The toughness of the James women should be studied in colleges and universities.”

There was a knock on the door, and seconds later, Gonzo popped his head through the crack. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’re on a tight schedule. Last home practice before the race.”

Colby nodded. “I’ll be right there.”

“Cool. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Gonzo left and closed the door.

“You heard the man. I’ve got to get on the track.” Colby turned to leave before Brian stopped her again.

“Hold up...remember when I said you’re an athlete and not a model?”

“Yeah.”

“I should have added, Mark’s an asshole. Are you sure he’s the right fit for you?”

“He came highly recommended.” Colby wouldn’t tell him that she’d been thinking the same thing.

Brian guided Colby toward the door. “As your boss, I’ll keep my mouth shut. As your potential brother-in-law, Liam and I are going to have to talk.”

Colby rolled her eyes as they walked through the door. “See, this is what I’m talking about. Y’all can’t be talking about me like that.”

“What are you and Brian bickering over now?” Cyrus asked as they walked out of Brian’s office. “You two argue like a couple of old women.”

That comment stopped both Colby and Brian in their tracks before they turned to each other and laughed out loud.