Page 167 of Finish Line

They ask if I’ve considered racing this year.

I thought I missed some races, but it turns out that Gary caught the flu and ended up in the hospital for a week. The season will start in two weeks.

I said I’d have to talk to everyone, but I’m ready.

I tell them to enjoy themselves and head over to Sam and Paige.

Paige throws her arms around my neck. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I can only imagine what you’re going through.”

“Paige, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I didn’t have time. I found her when I came home from finishing my GED. I rode with her to the hospital thinking she’d overdosed like the other times. Then, the doctor told me she died, and before I could even deal with that, my case worker showed up and dragged me away.”

Sam wraps his arm around Paige. “How did your caseworker find out so quickly?”

“That’s what I asked, and she told me she received a call hours before my mom actually died. It had to be Roger.”

“He killed your mom. Oh, Shelby. I’m so sorry.”

I grip her shoulders. “Peter made the funeral plans for the family. Things were moving so fast I didn’t have time to think.”

“He had this planned out.” Paige cringes.

“Yes, he did. I need you two to be careful. He warned me he’d come after the ones I love if I didn’t back away from the guys.” I stare at the grass. “I wouldn’t survive if something happened to either of you. We sent everyone on a vacation. Can I offer you one?”

“As much as we would like that, I want to be here for the guys,” Sam says. “Luke has been taking me to the range and teaching me to shoot. He says I’m a natural. I might become a security guard for their company after college.”

“That’s awesome, Sam.” I hug him.

“Who wants to lose playing volleyball?” Mav twirls the ball on his finger.

Sam heads over to the court, and Paige and I sit by the pool to watch.

Peter arrives half an hour later, and he helps Chad with the grill. Thank God Peter showed up, because Chad has never cooked.

“Dinner’s ready!” Chad yells.

“I’m starving.” Cam pushes out his stomach and rubs it.

“You might not feel the same once you eat Dad’s food.” Mav counters, laughing.

Other than a few burnt burgers, the food is good. Ava made several sides. The guys made me sit in the middle of the picnic benches. Everyone around me is laughing and having a good time.

This is my family. I miss my mom, but I’m glad the guys threw me this party.

Once everyone eats, they tell me to stay seated while they clean the table. Then, they bring over the presents.

I eye the table filled with gifts. “Guys, this is way too many.”

“This is nothing. You should have seen what Dom got for his tenth birthday one year,” Mav says.

“This is making up for those years when you couldn’t or didn’t celebrate,” Cin says.

Nick brings over a tablet and sets it up. “Hannah wants to be here for this.”

The screen comes to life with Hannah’s face smiling back at us. “Hey, happy birthday.”

“Thanks. How’s Iowa?”

“Good.” She looks to the side, and the tablet pans left. It shows a blond-haired, blue-eyed guy, then it pans back to her. “Real good.”

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