Page 73 of The Champion
He handed me the microphone first.
“Jameson...howdoes it feel being in a sprint car again? Does it bring you back to yourroots?”
“Definitely. I never remember how much I miss racingthese until I come home.” I laughed. “It’s in my blood, I guess.”
The fans screamed in response and even from thirty feetaway the sound was deafening.
“Now was this your idea to have the memorial race foryour father in-law on his birthday?” JD asked.
Sway and Axel had made their way onto the track right aboutthen and I took Axel from her, wrapping my arms around the two of them.
“No, it wasn’t my idea. Mallory Kelly wanted to have theevent for him, which we thought was a great idea. It was Sway’s idea to havethe race on his birthday.”
JD pushed the microphone at Sway but she shook her head,tears toppling over her flushed cheeks.
Axel, who was staring at the sprint car, said “Dadada”and then squealed bouncing in my arms.
Dad laughed at how focused he was on the cars and stoodnext to JD as he asked him a question.
I leaned down and kissed the top of Sway’s head softly.
“So Jimi, how’s it feel racing with your son again?”
“It feels good.” He told him with a smile. “This race wasjust for fun. I’d known Charlie since he bought the track some sixteen yearsago. He was a very good friend of mine and I’m glad I was able to come out hereand show my support for him and our families who were so deeply touched byhim.” His voice broke near the end and Sway to started crying again reachingfor him.
I took the microphone from JD.
“Sway and I just want to thank everyone for coming outand paying their respect for Charlie.” I looked down at Sway wrapped in dad’sarms as I held onto Axel, who was trying to take the microphone away. “I don’tknow how many more races I can make out here but thanks for supporting thetrack, we appreciate it.
The crowd roared to life as I waved and climbed on theback of a 4-wheeler Justin had brought onto the track.
I tried to make my way back to the pits but was quicklyencircled by hundreds of screaming fans. Handing Axel over to Van forprotection, I began signing autographs once again and attempted to get back tomy hauler. It wasn’t nearly as bad as being at a NASCAR race but it was a thickcrowd tonight.
I don’t know if I’ll ever understand this whole famething but one thing holds true, what you give up to follow your dreams neverchanges. It’s all about the sacrifices you’re willing to give up.
I knew what I wanted though. I wanted my son to havesomeone he could look up to and someone he wouldn’t be ashamed to say, “Hey...that’s my dad.”
I understood that everything came with a price. But Icame to realize that those sacrifices could have some amazing returns.
Roll Cage – Sway
I was loading the remaining merchandise boxes into theback of my Expedition when a familiar voice came from behind me.
“Hey Sway...do youhave a second?”
My entire body froze as a chill shuddered through me.
“What are you doing here?”
“I just came to show my respect for Charlie. That’s all.”Mike told me holding up his hands in surrender. “I swear that’s all.” His wideeyes conveyed his nervousness. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“You shouldn’t have come here.” I whispered shaking myhead. I knew he didn’t mean any harm by the way his eyes darted around theparking lot. He was scared shitless. “If Jameson finds you...” I shook my head not wanting to think ofhis reaction to this.
“I’m sorry. I hadto apologize for everything thathappened. I had no idea that’s what Darrin was planning. I swear to you, Ididn’t. I’m not that kind of person.”
“I suggest you leave.” A snarled voice warned echoedstepping out from the dark cagey shadows of the parking lot.
I wasn’t entirely surprised to see Van walking up and thankfulit wasn’t Jameson.
