Welcome to my new blog feature!
Friday’s Race to the Weekend will be snippets of a JAFF story set in the world of stock car racing. I plan to write book three of my Pride & Prejudice & Racecars story in bits and post them here. I don’t know how long it’s going to take to write it this way, but I’m not really worried about a timeline at this point.
The story doesn’t have a title yet, but if one comes to you somewhere along the way, feel free to let me know. 🙂
I thought it might be good to remind everyone that, because I don’t have the rights to use the NASCAR name, I have come up with my own racing series name. I will also be making up track names and placing them in places where NASCAR does not have a track (at least, not that they are using), though the tracks Will and Liz visit will be modeled after specific tracks.
~~~***~~~
Liz Darcy sat on the couch in the luxury motorhome, eyes glued to the television monitor. She wore a red headset over her ears and held a small radio handset in one hand. The other hand was tucked against her side, under her elbow. She chewed her lip as she watched her husband take his qualifying laps.
Will Darcy was last year’s Stock Car Racing Association champion. It was his first championship, and the trophy was proudly displayed in their new house where everyone could see. It was early in the season—only the third race—but his team was doing well. As a matter of fact, the entire Darcy Racing, Incorporated organization was excelling on the track. Their qualifying speeds were lightning fast, and their teams had won the first two races. Will was hoping to win this weekend’s contest himself.
In her ear, Liz listened to Will’s crew chief, Jason Ragsdale, give him a list of reminders, and some encouragement. Then, his spotter, Digger, gave the go-ahead. There was silence for a few seconds until Will’s time on the first lap was given. More silence was followed by Jason’s words.
“Checkered flag. Bring her on back. Looks like …” Jason paused as he waited for words from the SCRA officials. Suddenly, the radio erupted into hoots. “P1, Buddy! One eight nine point two eight one! Isn’t that a record or something?”
Will’s voice crackled over the air next. “Awesome! Yeah, I believe that is a record.”
“Steady boys. I hate to rain on your parade, but half the field still has to qualify. We may not keep this position for long.” Though Will’s father’s words were urging caution, the excitement in his voice was clear.
“Sure, Coach,” Jason came back. “Park it in the stall, Will.”
Liz turned off the radio, pulled the headset off, and dropped both on the seat beside her. Then, she headed out the door, phone in hand. Liz served as her husband’s social media director, and she paused at the end of the motorhome to send out a tweet announcing his time. Then, she hopped into the golf cart parked by the dusty drive and headed to the garage, making sure her hot pass was on and visible. Within minutes, she was pulling up in the shade at the edge of Will’s garage stall. She smiled to see him standing with Jason, rubbing a towel over his wet hair, and quickly made her way to his side.
Will had seen Liz arrive, and a smile lit his face. When she approached, he snaked out an arm and pulled her close. “Well, hello, Mrs. Darcy,” he purred before leaning down to capture her lips in a long, deep kiss. He greatly enjoyed the way his Liz clung mindlessly to him when he did this, and so he did it often. He only stopped this time because Jason shoved his shoulder.
Liz blushed a deep red. “Hello to you, Will Darcy. Still a ladies’ man, I see.” Despite her embarrassment at being kissed in front of Will’s entire crew, she thought it was terribly romantic of him. She winked at him as she stepped back, putting space between them.
~~~***~~~
What do you think? Feel free to leave me a comment below. <3
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I am delighted you are doing another race story. I have enjoyed the past ones so much. What is the general overview for this one. It starts out delightfully!
I don’t have it plotted much yet, but I plan for a race official, one of the guys who does inspections, to start tampering with Will’s car. I’m also considering some shenanigans with Caroline, and having Mary become a bigger part of Liz’s life. Not sure where I’ll go with it all just yet. Those are ideas I’m tossing around, though. 🙂
It all sounds thrilling. I really enjoy your modern series–though I ignore most modern versions. There have beena. few others that I like, but yours just touch me. Perhaps because I always watched racing with my dad, who drove stock cars in the very early days of racing. We also have Texas Motor Speedway close to my house. If you ever come this way for a race, maybe we could go together?
Absolutely!! <3