Page 14 of See You at the Finish Line

I shake my head. “Not yet.”

“Just say the word, I have the car running just in case.” I appreciate my sister’s dedication to a quick getaway.

“What do you need?” Sadie asks, still checking me over.

“My bottles still have water in them, but I need a refill before I go out,” I tell them, and they lead me over to the water station. While filling up my third bottle, the cheering starts up again and I watch him enter the aid station. His eyes find mine immediately and he grins widely, winking at me.

“Uuuum. Who is that?” Leah asks, gripping my arm too tightly.

I cough. “Watch the vise grip, Lee. He’s just a guy I met on the course. Well, before, at the starting line.”

“He WINKED at you!”

I shrug. “He’s friendly.”

“Paige. He’s hot.”

“He should probably drink more water. It’s only going to get worse.”

She rolls her eyes. “Smartass.”

“Yes, I have noticed that he’s good looking.”

“He looks friendly.”

“He is.”

“Seriously? I’m out here slaving away for you and that’s all I get?” And she thinks I’m the dramatic one.

“I don’t even know his name!” I throw my hands in the air. “Ugh, fine, I’ll tell you as I change.”

I take my vest off and start stripping my layers. I tell her about the pictures at the start and the fall he took while I pack my shell into my bag and get my bucket hat out.

“You blew it, loser!” she says, and I laugh. The conversation is playing out exactly as I imagined.

“I know, I know.” I play my part.

“Not everyone is a tool, Paige.”

Sadie returns with my fourth water bottle and slides it into the pocket of my hydration vest.

“Who’s a tool?”

“Paige met a booooy,” Leah croons.

“A boy!” Sadie jumps, clapping her hands. Then she grimaces. “I think I peed a little.”

“Serves you right,” I mumble, clipping the buckles on my vest and adjusting my hat and sunglasses. “I’ve gotta get going, ladies.” I look at my watch. Fifteen minutes—not bad.

“Okay, well be careful. Conserve your energy. Since it’s going to be hot I want you walking more,” Sadie says, all traces of humour gone.

“Yes, Mom.” I kiss her on the cheek.

“And be nice to that boy!” Leah calls.

“Yes, Mom!” I repeat, waving her off.

“I’ll be right behind you in a few minutes, dear,” my stalker yells out to me.

---