Chapter 30

Chapter Thirty

T he morning of the Atlanta race felt different from all of Colby’s other races. For one, there was no Liam. This was an anniversary of sorts for them. Over a year ago, on this very track, it had been the start of it all. It was the reason she’d been so adamant about Liam making it back in time for this race.

They hadn’t spoken since they’d broken up, so there weren’t any gentle kisses and soft touches to calm her nerves or encouraging words about how she was going to kick everyone’s ass.

After dating for more than a year, Liam had quickly become an incredibly important part of her life, and it was strange that he was no longer around. To say Colby was heartbroken was an understatement. She missed Liam like crazy. So, it made perfect sense why she felt an unhealthy level of anxiousness without him by her side rather than that good nervous energy that typically fueled her mentally.

Colby’s relationship woes were affecting her mood, but it wouldn’t affect her driving. She was too prepared for that. Matter-of-fact, both she and her team were ready for all the chicanery that was sure to come her way. They were operating like a well-oiled machine, even with Chris not being able to practice and Abby stepping in. Colby was ready.

Still, Colby wished her only problems were on the track. Waiting for a potentially career-ending article to drop and Liam truly being MIA left a hollow feeling dead center in her chest.

I can wallow in self-pity later. Today, I have a race to win.

Colby threw the covers off her body and got out of bed. She figured she’d take a quick shower, burn some energy off on the treadmill in the hotel fitness room, and then get ready to line up.

As she walked out into the living room of her suite, Lila was sitting on the sofa with her feet curled up underneath her while drinking a cup of coffee, her laptop balanced on her knees.

“Hey.”

Colby wasn’t in the mood for the cheerfulness in her voice. Dammit, she was entitled to be a bitter Betty, and her voice reflected it. “Hey.”

Lila ignored the I-don’t-feel-like-talking tone. “You ready for today?”

Colby sighed. “Considering it might be my last race, I am trying to capture and embrace every moment.”

Lila’s fingers froze over her keyboard. “Now, why would you say something like that?”

“Because you and I both know people will believe the lies before the truth, and when that magazine article comes out, I’m toast.”

Carelessly, Lila waved her hand back and forth. “Oh, that. You’re still worried about that?”

Colby nodded. “Um . . . yes. I am . . . among other things.”

Lila placed her laptop on the sofa, got up, and walked over to Colby. Her voice softened. “Why don’t you call him?”

“And say what? I’m the one who told him we needed to take a break.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Yes and no.”

“What does that mean?”

“I can’t give up racing—not long term. It’s been my dream since before I even knew how to dream.” Colby glanced up at the ceiling. “Although I may not have a choice.”

“Okay, I’ve had enough of this.” Lila went back over to the sofa and picked up a sealed manilla envelope. “I haven’t shown this to Brian yet. I thought you should be the first to see it.”

Hesitantly, Colby reached for it. “What is this?”

“Open it and see.”

“Okaaay.” The gleam in Lila’s eyes made Colby curious.

Colby opened the envelope and pulled out a glossy magazine with her picture on the cover. She was the featured guest for the issue of RACING magazine. Colby was confused. “What is this? Why would the same magazine that’s doing an exclusive hit piece now write a glowing cover story?”

“Because we did what’s called a catch-and-kill story.”

“What? I don’t know what that is.”

“With the help of some of my friends in the industry, we were able to issue a kill order. Initially, they balked at it, but once they found out you have friends in high places who threatened to sue their asses into oblivion and blast them on their sports network, which averages more than ten million viewers a night, they calmed the fuck down and decided to take another approach.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope.”

“I have friends in high places?”

Lila smirked. “You sure do.”

Colby didn’t believe it. “How did you really pull this off?”

Lila lifted a shoulder in a barely noticeable shrug. “I called in a few favors from my old life.”

“My god, Lila! What did you promise them? I know you wanted to be as far away from that as possible. You didn’t have to do this for me.”

“Girl, stop. We’re family. I would do anything to protect you, just like I’m sure you’d do anything to protect me.”

“I would.”

“I know. And, honestly, that world wasn’t what I’ve been running from.” For a moment, Lila’s eyes clouded over. “I haven’t always done things to be proud of. Morality didn’t know me for a while. I made a lot of mistakes and things I wish I could take back, but I can’t. I can only show up and do good now.”

“None of us are perfect, Lila.” Colby had a flashback from her life just before she moved back home. “And neither of us should be beholden to our past.”

“True. Only my past isn’t so far from my present. It’s still affecting so many things.”

“I don’t care, and I hope you don’t either.”

Lila had been wrestling with telling Colby about Carrington. She allowed the words to flow out of her mouth. “My ex, Carrington Hughes, was trying to blackmail me in exchange for becoming a Lockwood sponsor.”

Shock was an understatement, and Colby’s face reflected it. “What?!”

“I know. I’m so sorry?—”

“Wait. I don’t understand.”

“Carrington knew that Lockwood had been in financial trouble for a while. He is the majority owner in Glenmore.”

“I’ll be damned.” Colby shook her head. “What exactly did he want in exchange for the sponsorship?”

“Me,” Lila spoke softly. “He and I have a colorful past. Carrington wanted me to pack up and continue to be his kept woman .”

Understanding finally dawned on Colby. She didn’t judge Lila for her choices. She was just grateful that Lila didn’t sacrifice her happiness for Colby’s racing career.

Lila spoke quickly as she glanced down at her hands. “I would have done it, but Brian thinks he’s found an answer to Lockwood’s financial problems.”

Colby held her gaze. She was angry on her behalf. “I would never want you to do something like that for me. I know we’re bleeding money, but one way or another, we will figure something else out.”

“Thanks for not judging me.”

“Thanks for saving my career by stopping that god-awful article from coming out.”

For the first time in her life, Lila felt proud. She was part of something, and for once, it was positive. “After talking with my old friends, you really do have more people on your side than you know.”

“So, that part is really over?” Colby couldn’t believe it.

“Yes, it’s over.” Lila pulled Colby into a tight embrace.

They held each other for a moment before Colby broke the silence between them. “One crisis down and two more to go!” Colby laughed sarcastically. “Now we just need to solve our money issues, and I can then go on to have a long and successful career.”

“That’s only one crisis.” Lila frowned. “What’s the other, so we can get to fixing it? There’s nothing the James women can’t do.”

Just as Colby was about to spill her innermost thoughts and feelings, there was a knock on the door. They both looked surprised.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Lila asked.

Colby shook her head. “No.”

Lila walked across the room barefoot to the door. “Security is still outside, right?”

“They should be.”

Lila looked through the peephole. Her face relaxed. “Oh. Okay,” She smiled before opening the door to find a frightened-looking bellhop standing on the other side, along with a big burly guy named Nick.

It was Nick who spoke. “Those flowers are for Colby. I checked them. They’re safe.”

The bouquet was so big Colby could barely see Lila’s body behind them. She was completely hidden.

“Thanks, Nick.” Colby walked over and took them from Lila as she searched for a card. “I wonder who they could be from?”

“Hmm . . . me too. Hurry up and open that card.”

Colby’s heart was racing. She knew who she hoped they would be from.

Here’s to you kicking butt in the ATL, taking no prisoners, and winning! Regardless, we’ve got your back!

Love,

Your Black Girl Magic Team!

As much as she appreciated the flowers from her squad, she had to admit to being a little deflated that they weren’t from Liam.

Colby’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “They’re beautiful. Can you put them in some water for me?”

The disappointment was written all over Colby’s face. Lila couldn’t help but feel for her. “Of course.”

“I should go get in the shower.”