CHAPTER 5
“I tried to warn you,” Ash said. Ted and Javier slumped on the bench behind the camp building. From there, they could see the track, but they weren’t allowed on it.
“I know,” Ted said miserably.
The black flag meant Ted and Javier had to pull off the track for unsportsmanlike conduct. They both got a big lecture about driving safety, and about how practice drives were not races.
After lunch and mechanics lessons, everyone else was going down to the track for a race. But the boys had to sit there on the bench.
“Well,” Ash said. “Enjoy the race.” She pulled on her helmet and shook her head. Then she turned and walked to the track.
* * *
“I hope you’re happy,” Ash said in the car on the way home.
“I’m not,” said Ted. He crossed his arms.
“You know you missed three hours of driving today,” Ash said.
“I know,” said Ted.
“That’s three hours of practice,” Ash said. “Three hours you could have spent actually improving as a driver.”
“I know!” Ted snapped.
“All because you were trying to beat Jake,” Ash said, “a boy you hardly even know. A boy who hasn’t done anything to you.”
Ted rolled his eyes.
“It’s true,” Ash said.
Ted shrugged and looked out the window as the car pulled into town. He didn’t want to admit it, but maybe Ashley was right.