“Aw, how cute,” Sophie coos at us. “Look at Santiago in love. Someone grab me a camera before the moment disappears.”
Liam tugs her into him. “Why bother? If he’s in love with her, he’s never letting go in the first place.”
Damn right.
I look over at the wild girl who captured my heart. She belongs by my side, smiling at my friends and laughing at their jokes. It fills me with warmth to find her enjoying herself around the people I consider family. I want to give this to her. To show her family isn’t about blood, but the bond between people who care enough to stick around, even during the hardest times.
“Santiago Alatorre, you came today to present your case, with the assistance of Noah Slade and James Mitchell.” The head speaker stands.
The rest of us follow, rising to our feet. Noah and James nod their heads. The three of us stand shoulder to shoulder in front of the panel.
I tuck my trembling hands into the pockets of my slacks.
“We find everything you have done thus far to be incredibly brave. It’s no easy feat to get back in a race car after what you went through, and we couldn’t imagine a racer better suited to tackle his life circumstances more than you. I’ve had the pleasure to watch you since you began racing in Formula 3. Even as a teenager, you overcame all the odds stacked against you, time and time again. Whether it was a lack of finances or working with a teammate who was your rival”—he shoots a tight smile at Noah—“you challenged adversity head-on and came out winning.”
Every deep breath I take makes my lungs burn. Is he giving me this whole walk down memory lane to let me down softly?
He continues. “We worry that your circumstances are too severe for Formula 1’s racing circuit. The conditions are grueling, as you are well aware, and the crashes are menacing. It’s of great importance to note that we considered the consequences of you racing again and the potential injuries you might sustain that may worsen your condition.”
Fuck. The panel doesn’t want to take a risk on me. The rush of adrenaline from earlier escapes me, replaced by a wave of melancholy. I drop my eyes, focusing on the wooden stand the speaker talks behind.
“But…”
My eyes snap up. His grin grows as he assesses my face. “There’s no one we think is more deserving and more ready to take on the challenges th
rown his way than you. It is with great pleasure that we are approving the bill that will allow you to race again with the modifications Noah Slade designed with the help of James Mitchell. We want to welcome all drivers—no matter their disability—to race if they are talented enough. As the leaders of the Formula Corp, we are looking forward to cheering you on during the next season. Welcome back to the grid, Santiago. It’s good to have you back.”
The room goes crazy with hooting and clapping hands.
Noah turns toward me. “You did it.”
I shake my head. “There’s no me without you.” I pull him into a hug. I tuck my head into his shoulder and let out the few tears I was holding back.
I can’t believe I’m going back. I never imagined this day would happen in my lifetime. Not when I recovered after rehab. Not after I spent year after year away from the track. Not until someone barged into my life and turned it around.
Noah smacks my back. “The racing world isn’t the same without you. I’m so proud of you for giving this and me a chance because everything he said was true. There’s no one who should be racing more than you.”
I pull away and look him in the eyes. “Thank you. For creating the wheel. For pushing me to realize the mistakes I was making. And thank you for never giving up on me, even when I gave up on myself.”
“That’s what brothers are for.” He smiles.
Chloe barrels through the swinging gate. She tackles me for a hug. “You’re going to race again! In a race car! With those sexy suits and champagne podiums!”
I chuckle into her hair. “Sexy suits?”
“Only on you. No offense, Noah.” She looks over at him sheepishly.
“None taken. I’m retiring in a few months anyway.” He winks.
Maya and my parents join us to celebrate. Everyone wishes me congratulations. I keep Chloe by my side, never letting her step away.
I smile the entire time I chat with old friends and family. All the weight from the years I lived in isolation lifts from my shoulders. It’s as if the darkness was never there, trapping me with negative thoughts and hopelessness.
I can finally breathe easily, knowing I can achieve my dreams again with Chloe by my side.
50
Chloe