Fight To The Finish || z.m.

0.3

Zayn's POV

"Thank you." Daniel said to the bartender, once we brought over our drinks over to us and placed it across from us on the counter.

The young man behind the counter wearing a black graphic t-shirt and jeans nodded at us in acknowledgment and walked away to service another customer.

Daniel and I both each took one of the chilled bottles and brought it up to our mouths to take a sip of our alcoholic beverages. While I was busy sipping down the beer, Daniel moved his bottle away and asked me a question.

"So, have you thought about it?"

I moved my bottle away also and raised a brow at him. "About what?"

"Don't act so clueless. You know what I'm talking about."

I exhaled heavily. I did know what he was talking about.

"I don't know what to say, to be honest." I shrugged my shoulders, bringing the mouth of the bottle back towards my lips.

"Why are you thinking so much about it? It's racing, Zayn! You love to do it, don't you?"

"Yeah... but-"

But, nothing! Where's the Zayn I first met, huh? The reckless, adrenaline-craving Zayn." he interrogated me as he rested his elbow onto the counter and faced me, with a raised eyebrow.

"Things are different now, Daniel." I said, faintly smiling and shaking my head. "I'm going to be a father soon. I can't only think about myself. Sure, if circumstances were a little different, I probably would've agreed to Miguel's offer right then and there."

"Oh God." Daniel rolled his eyes.

"Wow, you sure seem excited for the birth of your future niece or nephew." I commented sarcastically.

"Hey, you know I'm looking forward to it and I am happy for you both. But I don't know man... I miss the old you, you know?"

"I'm still the old me." I chuckled. "Just a bit more cautious when making decisions, that's all."

"But see, that's what I don't get, Zayn. You're one of the greatest racers out there. You haven't had one accident since you came here. Your driving skills are ace! I mean, you drove on fucking Devil's Point while there were boulders falling down on us and you still managed to leave scratch-less! So why is this opportunity where you'll get to race amongst racers like you, making you think twice? And okay fine, they sound much more dangerous, but still..."

I rolled my eyes at Daniel. He just didn't get it, did he?

"Mate, listen." I swivelled around in my bar stool and faced towards him. "I was forced to race down Devil's Point because of your fucking stubborn ass. But do I regret it? No. I would do anything for Maya. But this offer, what is it getting me? I had a reason to race on Devil's Point. For this, I don't have a reason for me to agree to it. And okay sure, I may drive pretty well. But that doesn't mean I'll always be lucky. In fact, we both have no fucking clue what we'll be up against if we do go and race against those other racers. But aside all of this, I will not allow myself to put Maya through the stress. I know she'll hate it. These upcoming weeks are crucial and I need to be taking care of her, not giving her more stress."

Daniel let out a sigh. "I know I should be glad my sister has such a thoughtful boyfriend like you, and I am. But as a friend, I'm so fucking annoyed at how boring you've gotten."

I laughed in reply and nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders as I reached for the bottle again to take another swig. "What about you? Have you decided to take up on the offer?"