Page 55 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

The other twin adds, “They also boost immunity.”

“And regulate your bowels.”

I scratch my cheek, contemplating turning around and walking away.

“And not that you need it for this, but it’s known to support mental health,” one of them continues.

Blinking a few times at the way she says those words, I decide to hold out my hand for the pills to get them to stop talking.

Once I’ve swallowed them down with the licorice root tea, I thank them for their help and excuse myself to find a bathroom.

I ask one of the other girls if she’ll watch Ranger and once she agrees, I head out to the closest restroom.

When I look in the mirror, my face is paler than usual, but noton my deathbedsick. I smack my cheeks a little, not wanting to smudge my makeup, but hoping that brings out a little color.

By the time I return to the waiting pen to grab Ranger, they inform us there’s been a delay due to the previous event running over and them still needing to drag the arena to level out the ground before the junior division can start.

Though I’m excited to race, I appreciate the time for my stomach to settle, especially since I’m the second runner.

Noah

You holding up okay?

When I read her text, I give it a thumbs-up reaction.

Ellie

Just fine.

No need to worry her or give her a reason to come out here. My stomach and head are battling for which one’s going to take me out first, but as long as they wait until after the race, I won’t complain too much.

Noah

Okay, well just let me know! Landen and I are in the VIP Corral ready to cheer you on…and wait till you see my sign!

I shouldn’t ask.

It doesn’t matter.

But I can’t help myself.

Ellie

Is his girlfriend with y’all, too?

I want to slap myself.

Noah

No, I guess she had to leave early to make the trip back for work tomorrow.

Ellie

Oh, how disappointing she’ll miss the rodeo.

Noah

Yeah, pretty sure she didn’t come for the rodeo.

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