Braking Points Read Online Free PDF Page B

SGTV?”
    â€œThat’s right. I did a lot of on-camera work as Miss Alabama, and I got hired as a features reporter for a local station in Mobile. Then a network affiliate, then a bigger market, another bigger market. I was in Dallas for the last three years, until I went knocking on SportsGroup’s door three months ago.”
    â€œReally?” I wouldn’t have called that a step up.
    â€œI wanted to get back to the racing world,” Juliana said. “Their mix of racing and other sports coverage suits me. They’ve had me jumping around, covering different kinds of events, but I’m convincing them I belong in sportscar racing—and in the booth, not only in the pits.”
    I’d forgotten how beautiful Juliana was. Looking at her polish and poise, it was easy to see her as a star in broadcast media. “I’m so glad you’re back in racing, Jules.”
    â€œIt wasn’t the way I meant to do it—thought I’d get here in that racecar you took from me.” I caught my breath as she wagged a finger my direction, though she was smiling. “But I’m here. If I learned anything from mama, it was determination.”
    â€œDetermined” didn’t begin to cover Juliana’s mother. “Demanding, iron-willed, and intolerant of mistakes” might.
    Ellie must have remembered her also, because her smile was grim. “How is your mother, Juliana?”
    â€œShe passed on early this year. It’s been a difficult time.”
    Ellie and I both offered sympathy, and after a respectful pause, I turned to Ellie. “And you, Mrs. Prescott? What have you been doing with yourself?”
    Ellie glowed with happiness. “For the past six years, I’ve worked part-time for a company that drives pace and safety cars for the IndyCar series, as well as being an instructor for a couple racing schools. My husband Ethan is the national sales manager for Dunlop Tires—”
    â€œI met him last week,” Juliana explained. “That’s how Ellie found us again.”
    â€œWe thought we’d surprise you this weekend, Kate. Ethan and I have been married four years now. Two years ago we had twins, Samuel and Chloe.” Ellie reached for her phone and showed us a photo of two adorable toddlers.
    She went on. “I’m here this weekend for a couple appointments and because the ALMS is interested in the program my group provides for IndyCar. Wouldn’t it be fun if we were all back together next year?”
    Juliana nodded and turned to me. “There’s little need to ask how and what you’ve been doing, Kate. Setting the racing world on fire.”
    â€œI’d hardly call it that,” I protested. “Especially after I lost my temper today.”
    â€œYou’ve always worried too much, Kate,” Ellie soothed. “Everyone will understand you’re a good person.”
    I wanted to feel her optimism. I turned to Juliana. “Tell us about the cities you’ve worked in and what it’s really like in broadcasting.”
    As Juliana shared stories of newsroom antics and described her favorite neighborhoods across the country, Stuart joined us, a beer bottle in one hand, a drink in the other.
    â€œKate. Ladies.” He nodded to them as he set the glass in front of me, saying, “Orange juice, hold the vodka.” He knew I preferred water or juice to alcohol after a race—even an aborted race like this—to get my body rehydrated. His appearance, and the beverage, meant at least one American Le Mans Series official wasn’t mad at me for ruining Miles’ foray into sportscar racing.
    I performed the introductions, though it turned out Stuart and Ellie already knew each other. Juliana batted her eyelashes, and like every male I ever saw, Stuart responded with a smile. “Can I get either of you ladies something from the bar?”
    â€œSome orange juice, like Kate,” Ellie