Legends and Lies

“Yes. Are you?”

“I am. Tucker throws a good party.”

“He does. Have you been to a lot of his parties?”

“Yeah, I think I’ve been to most of them. at least since I started traveling with him on the NASCAR circuit.”

“What did you do before? Leave all the team owner stuff to someone else? That doesn’t sound like you.”

“I was hands-on away from the track. Still trying to manage the JM’s corporation. But after about five years of that I had a change of heart.”

“Really, what changed?”

“I finally figured out I hate being in an office all day.”

“But you thrive on pressure and, don’t take this the wrong way, but you are bossy.”

“Is there a right way to take that?”

“Yes, as a compliment. So, why’d you stop?”

How could he explain to her what he’d never really understood himself. He’d woke up one morning and realized his corporation was going to be his entire life if he didn’t get out of the office. One of the main reasons he’d been alone was his single-minded focus on work. No woman wanted to play second fiddle to a man who cared more about a coffeehouse than her.

He pulled her into his arms and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I think I left so I could meet you.”

She melted against him. “I’m glad you did.”

DAVE WAS SECOND in the points going to Fort Worth in early November, which meant he had three more races to get to number one. He should have been on top of the world but he didn’t want to finish second again. Unless he was mistaken, his family was all in the suite of his main rival. For Annie’s sake he’d tried to let go of the animosity he felt toward Tucker.

For his own sake he knew he had to let it go. Those feelings were like poison on the track, distracting him from his A-game when he let himself dwell on them.

“Want to go to a party?” Dave asked, as he and Vinnie left the garage.

“Where?” Vinnie said.

“Ah, Jared is throwing one for the Aldridge team over at the Speedway Club.”

Vinnie raised one eyebrow at him. “Why are you going?”

“Annie invited me and I told her I’d make Jared feel like part of the family.”

“Yeah, we’ll go.”

Vinnie moved away to call his wife and Dave stepped away to give his friend some privacy.

“Hey, man. You got a second?” Rob asked, walking up to him.

“I’ve got a few minutes.”

Rob glanced behind him to Vinnie. “I wanted to touch base with you about the job we talked about a few weeks ago.”

Rob was a nice guy, but after meeting him for a beer a few times, Dave noticed that Rob was not really focused on doing any job and was certainly not suited for the Jenner team. Besides Dave had no openings. “We still don’t have any openings right now. Give Mel you’re contact info and she’ll let you know if anything comes up.”

“I already did,” Rob said.

“I’ll keep you in mind if something comes up.”

“Is there anything I can do to stand out from the competition?”

Dave couldn’t think of anything off the top of his head. “You’re a good guy, Rob. It’s just that we won’t be reevaluating our team until after Homestead. I don’t want to break up the winning combination we’ve got going.”

“I can understand that,” Rob said. “You know I’ve got the mechanical skills to be a part of a top team, but is there anything in particular you need from a team member…you know, personality-wise.”

“Loyalty and a winning attitude,” Dave said.

“Thanks, man.”

“You ready to go? Darla is already over at the party. Annie invited her,” Vinnie said, interrupting.

“Yeah, I’m ready. Vinnie, this is Rob Mandelay, he’s a catch can man for Aldridge’s team. Rob, this is Vinnie Festa, my crew chief.”

“Nice to meet you, Rob,” Vinnie said, offering his hand to the other man.

“You, too. Later Dave.”

Rob left and Vinnie turned to him. “Why are you talking to someone on Aldridge’s team?”

“We went to school together…he wants to switch teams.”

“Is he good?”

“I don’t know. I asked Mel to get his qualifications and stuff.”

“I’ll follow up with him, but I think you should keep your distance until after Homestead. Ready for this party?”

“Not really. Thanks for coming along.”

“You and Annie are family and if she’s serious about Jared MacNeil…well, then we’d better give him a chance.”

“I know.”