Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
My mind whirls at the offer. Part of me wants to jump at the opportunity. The thought of getting back into it, the speed, the technology—it all makes Formula International the pinnacle of racing.
But I can’t shake the fear. What if I fail? What if I can’t get back to who I was?
What if I can’t even get into the car because all I can feel is the heat of the fire, all I can hear are the screams of agony?
My hesitation is obvious and I’m surprised Brienne doesn’t just walk away. Instead, she moves in closer to me, her voice warming, and she’s no longer the cool, billionaire businesswoman. “You’ve got nothing to lose by coming to the meeting, Nash. You’re the best choice for this team. I wouldn’t have asked you otherwise.”
Greg finally voices his opinion, although I already know his stance. “This is a big opportunity. I think you should go.”
He’s been my manager for years and knows what that crash did to me and my confidence. More than anyone, he understands the struggle to get back into racing and that even me joining the OWC series was a huge milestone.
“You’re too good for the OWC, Nash. You belong back in Formula International,” he says solemnly.
I take a long breath, torn between the pull of returning to FI and the weight of the memories I’ve been fighting to escape. The crash, Matteo trapped in the flames, screaming for me to help him.
The pain from my burns, so intense there were times I wanted to die.
It all comes rushing back and as always, it conjures a black cloud of despair and uncertainty over me.
But at the same time, there’s a spark in my chest, this flicker of excitement. It’s all about possibility, renewal and vindication.
Formula International.
It was always my dream to race at the highest level, and I was there once before.
Can I go back?
Do I dare?
“Okay,” I say, the word coming out quieter than I expect. “I’ll do it.”
Brienne smiles with such confidence I realize she knew that would be my answer. “Great. I’ve got my private jet waiting for us. We’ll fly to Pittsburgh, and I’ll show you the new headquarters. Did I tell you I bought us a wind tunnel?”
My jaw drops. That kind of technology can make a huge difference in the aerodynamics of the car—the difference between winning and losing. Not all race teams have them as they can cost upward of fifty million dollars and the fact that she’s just so nonchalantly throwing it out there makes me wonder what other surprises she has in store for Titans Racing.
Another thrill of yearning courses through me and for the first time, it outweighs the fear.
“You’ll get the grand tour of the new headquarters. We’ve been working hard on it since I acquired the team.”
“Are you going to close down the Guildford operations?” I ask, wondering about the team’s original headquarters based in England.
“Eventually, but there will be a transition period over the course of this season,” she says and then sweeps her hand toward the door. “Now, are you ready to go?”
I glance at Greg, who makes a shooing motion. “I’ll handle getting you checked out of your hotel, and we’ll meet up…” Greg looks to Brienne, unsure of the exact game plan.
She smiles politely. “I’ll have my jet fly him wherever he wants to go after he meets with the team.”
We spend a few minutes ironing out details. My plan was to catch a quick flight to Detroit to see my parents before I had to head off to track testing in Florida but who knows where I’ll end up now.
I know Greg will already be working up the numbers—what is my value? How will I get out of my existing contract? What is the amount that will induce me to return, assuming I’m even offered the job?
I’ll be looking to him to steer me right, but truth be told, I’d probably accept peanuts to return to formula racing. Now that I’ve made the mental leap that I can do this—I’m sure of it—I’ve got to figure out how to convince the executive team that I’m the right decision.
I’ve got a chance at redemption. I’ve got a chance to prove myself. And as much as I’m terrified, I can’t let this slip through my fingers.
CHAPTER 2
Bexley
Yes, this must be a dream because as I look around at the people in this room, I’m having a hard time comprehending this is my life. The long, polished conference table is bare, showcasing the intricately carved Titans Racing logo in the center, epoxied in the same purple and gray of this city’s hockey team.
I’ve never been to Pittsburgh before and I’m suffering serious jet lag, but when the Titans Racing owner, Brienne Norcross, says to cross the pond for a meeting… well, you hop across the pond.