A few people were let into the stands, but at first, everyone assumed it was just some warm-up before the real race. Nobody paid much attention to Osborn''s head-to-head with the neer-at least, not until Victoria''s car surged ahead, leaving Osborn eating her dust. That''s when people started to sit up straight, some even jumping to their feet in disbelief.


    "Wait, is that really her? Isn''t she the one who''s always tinkering with cars with us?"


    ter was so shocked, he could barely get the words out.


    In the end, Victoriapped Osbornpletely smoked him.


    Someone in the stands whipped out a pair of binocrs as both cars came to a steady halt at the finish line.


    Lyndon and his entire crew rushed in to check every inch of both cars, making sure nothing was out of order.


    Victoria climbed out of her car, and as she pulled off her helmet, her long hair tumbled free, catching the breeze. The crowd went wild-cheers and whistles echoing all around the stands.


    Was it a trick of the light? Had they really just witnessed a female driver on the track, not only holding her own but crushing their hometown favorite, Osborn? It felt like something out of a legend-impossible, almost mythic.


    Osborn peeled off his racing suit, drenched in sweat, looking like he''d just been hauled out of a swimming pool. Having lost to Victoria, he didn''t even try to put up a fight.


    Victoria looked at him, the steely glint in her eyes fading as she let herself rx.


    "If I can''t beat this ''VV'' guy tomorrow, you''re up next," she teased.


    By the time Victoria and Osborn got back from practice, the stars had already taken over the sky.


    "I''m heading out. Get some rest. We''re all counting on you for the big race," Osborn said.


    Victoria felt like she''d finally let go of years'' worth of pent-up energy, as if stepping back onto the track had brought her back to life. But the truth was, those racing days were behind her, and there was no turning back the clock.


    "Yeah," she replied softly.


    Osborn handed her back her racing jacket. "Keep it. Seriously, I won''t need it. But bring it on race day-just in case."


    Victoria smiled, not really taking his words to heart.


    That night, after showering, she slipped into bed and called Gwh.


    She''d been running into McNeil and Violet a lottely, but hadn''t seen her daughter even once. She couldn''t bring herself to go back to the old house with McNeil, though memories of her little girl would tug at her heart now and then.


    Gwh used to cling to her constantly. Aside from preschool hours, if they were ever apart, the kid would always call her for a chat, just to hear her voice. But ever since she''d started living with Violet, Victoria hadn''t gotten a single call from Gwh. Their only connection now was that online game they both loved.


    It wasn''t evente-just past eight-but when Victoria called, there was no


    answer.


    At that moment, Gwh was sprawled on the living room floor with Violet, working on a jigsaw puzzle. When her mom''s name shed on the screen, Gwh noticed, and so did Violet, who couldn''t resist teasing her.


    "Hey, Gwyn, it''s your mom calling. Aren''t you going to pick up?"


    Gwh frowned. "You said Mom could get that game back online, but it''s been forever and nothing''s happened. She must''ve been lying."


    Violet smiled gently. "Maybe your mom has her reasons, sweetheart."


    The game had been shut down, and even if someone bought the rights, what


    could Victoria really do? Bring it back to life with a snap of her fingers?


    "Hmph. I don''t want to talk to her," Gwh muttered, turning her attention back to the puzzle.


    Violet just smiled and kept herpany.


    A little whileter, Violet''s phone rang.


    "Miss Violet, someone spotted you at the racetrack this afternoon, putting thepetition to shame behind the wheel. Was that really you? As the only female driver in the race, do you have anything to say to your fans?"


    Violet paused for a moment. This afternoon? A test drive?


    She hadn''t even been at the track-her schedule was packed all day. Clearly, the press had gotten their wires crossed.


    But the part about being the only female driver-well, that much was true. She was the only womanpeting in this rally.


    So Violet answered in a calm, warm tone, "Yes, that was me. I hope everyone will cheer for me at the race the day after tomorrow. I''ll do my best-so wish me luck!"