Keep Me In | DR3 | BOOK 1

46 - Acque Minerali

"Kissing you on your doorstep. I think that's when."

"That's when... what?" I prompted.

"When I realized; I love you."

--

"That's one of the bumpiest tracks to drive on this side of the Atlantic, you know that right?"

"Are you sure they want you to do that, were you actually listening when he was talking? What about Harry King? Or, you know, someone that could probably actually set a record, and do the car justice?"

"How are you planning on training for that, Shark? Your arm is still bummed, and July is only in 3 months."

"Nice to hear you all have a little faith in me, team," I remarked sarcastically, shoving a piece of ravioli into my mouth. "You guys remember when I won the F2 World Championship, right?"

"And you remember the fact that you retired, and haven't raced professionally since, right?" Dad countered. "You've been practically allergic to the idea. Why the sudden interest?"

"I haven't signed up for a race," I argued. "This is a timed challenge. But its not even about that. I know I'm in no place to be setting records here, I'm sure James and the team at Porsche are well aware of that too. The idea is I'm helping them showcase their new GT3 Cup-car, Dad. I'll be one of the first in the world to drive the 992, not to mention the fact that it would put me in a good position to buy one of the new GT3's when they come out. You know how hard it is to get an allocation for those things? I'm down one road-going Porsche, and since I'm selling the McLaren, I'll need something fun to prance around in."

Needless to say - Dad, Carson, and Rory had their concerns about me saying yes to James' offer. However, the answer I had given James was a final and hard answer; yes. I personally had more than enough reasons to justify my participation in the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This was an opportunity for me to do something fun and significant for myself. If anything, I figured Dad would have liked the idea of me involving myself in motorsport again.

It could grow on him, and my brothers as well. It would just take some getting used to.

My family and I had decided tonight would be a good night to have a family dinner. With how busy Carson and Dad were during the day, and rightfully so, it was hard finding time to be together. We assured Dad it was no pressure, that Carlee, Rory, and I were fine managing on our own. However, he insisted he wanted to spend at least an evening with us while we were away, pointing out how hard it was rounding us all up together even when we were all back at home. So, we figured a family dinner and digestive walk would be just about all the family time needed while we were in Imola. Dad took us to one of the restaurants nearby that him and Zak had discovered on their adventure the other day. I suggested sushi, noticing there was a highly rated restaurant nearby - but I was outnumbered. The people wanted pasta.

"I still have no clue what you guys are talking about," Carlee leaned in closer to me as she murmured. "This thing is really called good-wood?"

I nodded, "It's the annual festival of speed. It's a pretty big deal."

"The good wood is a big deal?" she winked.

"Carl," Carson pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath in, clearly not amused as his wife across the table snorted. "Please."