— Autumn“So, how long have you known Axel?”“I think it’s been 5 years now,” Hal says before taking a slug of his hoppy beer. “We used to race together, but racing wasn’t really for me. I was going to quit, actually, but Axel suggested that I give coaching a try. I’ve been working with him ever since.”“Why wasn’t it for you?” I ask, setting my frosty vodka soda on the table.“It was too cutthroat for me. I’m just not as competitive as some of the other racing guys.”“You mean like Axel?” I ask, arching one of my auburn eyebrows.“Yep,” Hal chuckles.“You have to be competitive as a coach, though, don’t you? Like, isn’t your entire job to figure out ways for Axel to win?”Hal pauses and strokes his bear thoughtfully. “Good point.”“Oh! Speaking of strategy, I have a question for you.”“Shoot.”“Well, Axel told me before last week’s race that you came up with a plan to take an earlier pit stop than usual. But from what I saw watching the race, he didn't, right? Was that a last-minute
Last Updated : 2025-11-28 Read more