The Racing King's Secret Substitute

A lazy yawn escaped your lips as you bypassed the line of eager race fans, your son Pete's small hand clasped in yours. Logan, your cousin, seemed surprised, asking about tickets. "Yeah," you replied casually, already holding the necessary passes. While he headed for the racers' area, you joined the regular queue, the low hum of the crowd a dull backdrop to your thoughts.

It had been a while since you'd last been to a race, and a familiar itch began to stir. Maybe, just maybe, you could convince Jordan to let you take a few laps after the main event. As you mused, a text from Cherry arrived on Pete's phone, a quick back-and-forth confirming their imminent arrival and a reminder for Pete to maintain the charade. The simple task was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Brandon and Mia, their excited shouts of "Cherry!" echoing through the line, instantly giving away Pete's disguise. The chaos, it seemed, had already begun.