Page 25 of Full Throttle

The room erupted, and the echoing of Lockwood could be heard throughout. “Can we get a few words from our fearless new leader?”

Brian stood and again waited for the room to quiet down before making his pitch. “Thank you.” Cyrus nodded and took his seat.

“I’ve been told that Daughtry is more than just a team but a family. I understand that there is a long and proud history here. I plan not only to uphold your great traditions but to expand on it. All I ask is that you do your best, and I’ll promise to do mine. Together, we are going to achieve great things!”

The room broke out into chants ofLockwood.

Brian’s chest was tight with emotion. “With that said, the next round of beers is on me.” He took his seat then looked over at Liam.

Liam lifted his beer and tapped it against Brian’s. “I couldn’t have said it any better.”

“When are you boys heading back home?” Cyrus asked.

“I’m leaving in the morning,” Liam said.

“Unfortunately, I’ll be leaving tomorrow night, but I’ll be back Saturday,” Brian answered.

“Then I’ll see you at the garage in the morning?” Cyrus confirmed.

“You will.” Brian nodded.

“It’s been a long day and night for this old man, so I’m going to head out,” Cyrus said.

“Me Too,” Ben cosigned.

“Before you go, I was hoping to chat with Colby. Do you know if she is coming?” Brian asked.

Cyrus lifted a shoulder. “Not sure. She hasn’t been informed of her change in status. So, technically, she is not a member of Team Daughtry.” Cyrus corrected himself. “Sorry, I mean, Team Lockwood.” He smiled. “After twenty-five years, that is going to take a bit of getting used to.”

“I understand.” Brian returned his smile warmly. “She and Asher are the only two drivers I haven’t had a chance to speak with. I was hoping we’d have a few minutes tonight.”

Cyrus nodded. “If not tonight, I’ll make sure that she’ll be at the garage in the morning.”

“Great. We’ll talk then.”

Brian and Liam shook hands with Cyrus, Ben, and a few others as they stood to leave then watched them walk out of the restaurant.

“You’re welcome,” Brian said as they took their seats.

“For what?” Liam looked genuinely confused.

“That last question was for you,” he said.

“You are not making any sense.”

“Are you really going to sit there and pretend that you weren’t wondering if Colby was coming?”

Liam’s mouth suddenly felt dry. He picked up his beer and took a drink before answering. “I’m curious to meet both Colby and Asher.”

Brian laughed. “My guess is for completely different reasons. I saw the way you looked at her earlier today. What I can’t figure is if you’re attracted or just intrigued.”

“Who wouldn’t be intrigued? She’s like a unicorn who has earned a heavy dose of respect from this team, and I don’t know anything about her other than she’s Cyrus’ daughter. You know how I hate being in the dark.”

“That I do. But that’s it? Are you only curious about her as it relates to racing? You’re not even remotely interested in the fact that she is gorgeous? It’s impossible to miss that fact.”

Liam laughed. “How can you tell? She is always scowling.”

“Oh, I can tell, and my guess is you can too.”