A Bet (Part 3)

"You better not be calling me to drag me out somewhere," Ethan said tiredly.

"Relax, man," Zack's voice came through, laced with excitement. "I've got news."

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "This better be good."

"Oh, it's better than good," Zack said, his grin practically audible. "I got you a race."

Ethan blinked. "A what?"

"A race, genius. Against Vanessa."

Ethan sat up straighter. "The racer from your club?"

"That's the one."

Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Zack, I never agreed to a race."

"Yeah, well, you also never said you wouldn't race."

Ethan let out a dry laugh. "That's not how this works."

"Look, man," Zack said, his tone turning serious. "She's good. Like, really good. And I just staked fifty grand on you winning."

Ethan nearly dropped his phone. "You what?"

"You heard me," Zack said unapologetically. "Fifty grand. On you."