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MAC
For having just had his dad die the day before, Mac was surprisingly clear-headed. Spending the evening with Angie while planning for the Des Nations had brought him back to his normal self. He had lost his dad, but he didn’t have to lose what he’d had with his father. The drive to succeed and win and have fun doing it was a family trait and something Brian had pushed every day of his life.
Des Nations was loud, fevered as fans clamored over the side rails to reach their favorite racers. This wasn’t the small races where newbies tried to claim a spot in the rankings. This was the race that pit countries against each other. International flags with logos of Yamaha, Honda, KTM, Husqvarna, Suzuki, and Kawasaki flashed around the stadium.
Mac waved at multiple men and women as they called his name when he passed, but the only girl he had eyes for was Angie. She’d quietly claimed a seat in the pit alongside Eva who wore sunglasses to cover her eyes.
Even Blake and JT had a more sober attitude regarding the races. They’d been just as close with Brian and Blake had shaken his head at the injustice of the sickness. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye. I’m sorry, man. Your dad was a great guy. He was the father I always wanted.”
Maggie had claimed control of the funeral plans and when Eva was finished cheering for Blake, she would handle the rest. They were banding together as a family until Mac and his brothers could finish off the last big race of the year.
After placing in the final heat of the races, a reporter had cornered Mac by the starting line. The reporter’s powdered forehead still caught the reflection of the lights as he thrust the microphone into Mac’s face. “Mac Hudson! As you head into the final race of Des Nations, here at Glen Helen in California, what are you thinking about? How are you going to win?” A goofy smile split his lips as he looked between the camera and Mac.
Finally, a question he wanted to answer. Mac stopped pulling his gloves on and looked into the camera. “I’m thinking of my dad. He died yesterday from cancer and he didn’t get to watch me ride.”
The reporter’s smile slipped a notch and he lowered the mic. “I’m really sorry to hear that. We wish you and the rest of the USA team a victory. Brian Hudson was a great man and he’ll be missed in the industry.” He looked back to the camera and signed off, turning back to Mac when he was finished. “I’m really sorry, Mac. Good luck out there.” He clapped Mac’s shoulder and walked away, shaking his head.
Pushing his bike the rest of the way to the line, he finished pulling on his gloves. He settled on his bike, reveling in the feel of his boots, his pants, the loose fit of the jersey and the way the stadium harbored the sound like a high hum. Everyone was talking and yelling and bikes were bellowing because there were no races going right at that moment.
He could sit there. In his element and think of his dad.
Thinking of his dad spent the time quickly and in no time he was revving the throttle on his bike. The final heat pitted him against Knox, Jason Prism, JT, and Blake along with three others he didn’t recognize from the Euro divisions. Mac wasn’t backing down and it was his first race against Knox.
Taylor had been gunning for him all day. Placed right next to each other, Knox finally leaned over, grabbing Mac’s handlebar and jerking him close. Even with the closer proximity, Knox had to yell to be heard over the revving engines. “Like my sloppy seconds?” His eyebrows wiggled as he laughed, his mouth protected by the guard that looked like a lower jaw attached to the helmet.
Mac raised his eyebrow and yelled back, “Ever find your things?”
The humor slid from Knox’s face like Mac had wiped it with a bleach cloth. He squinted at Mac. “Where is she? Does she have my stuff?”
Mac grabbed Knox’s wrist and removed his hand from the bars. He grabbed Knox’s mouth guard and pulled him close until their helmets bumped together. He steadied his bike with his legs and noticed Knox struggled to do the same. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I get what I want, Hudson.” Knox growled, reaching forward to slap Mac’s hand away.
“You can’t see what’s right in front of you and how great she is. That’s your problem, not mine. She’s amazing and you lost her.” Mac shrugged and recentered himself on the bike.
Knox followed suit and revved his throttle.
Mac laughed and pointed at the belly of the bike. He had to throw out one last taunt. “I hope you enjoy not getting what you want.”
The countdown would start any second and Mac had to focus. He was already tired from the previous heats, but so was everyone else. They were on even playing fields and the only thing that would separate the real winners from the rest was endurance and smart racing. Mac had to leave his emotions at the starting line.
This one’s for you, Dad.
