Page 104 of Race to Me

“Envy?” Foster laughs. “No, babe.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, I just have something I need to take care of.”

The ride is quiet on the way back to the dorm. When we park, a sheet of rain falls against the windshield. “Are you going to race?” I wonder. My emotions are on hyperdrive.

“No, babe. Everything’s fine. I’ll call you later, okay? Need me to walk you up?” he asks, planting a kiss on my lips.

I shake my head. “Am I going to see you before the dance?”

“I’ll meet you there. I have to get my suit from the tailor. You and Kate take her Mom’s car tonight. It’s bigger and safer.” He gestures around the darkening sky.

“Sounds good,” But something feels off. Wrong.

“I’ll see you tonight, baby girl.” Foster calls out from the car.

But something is definitely off. I can feel it as I wave goodbye.

Forty-three

foster pov

Ihad things that I needed to take care of, and I hated her face being so sad when I drove away.

Most of all, I hate lying to her.

I don’t want to stress her out. Her big dance is tonight, and I fucking hate what I’m about to do, but it is what it is.

I pull out my phone and make the call. “Dude, I’m sorry, but are you busy? I need your help. You know I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t desperate.”

Ten minutes later, Brett’s Jeep pulls into Grace Studios beside me. I just need to get one last minute practice in, but I don’t want Freckles to know about it.

Rushing past the rain, we head inside. “Alright, boys,” Grace smiles at us both. “I’m heading home to get ready, so just lock up before you leave—and for God’s sake, don’t be late.”

Brett looks confused. I called her earlier, but I haven’t explained to him why he’s here.

We both nod, and Grace waves goodbye. “I’ll see you two in a bit!” she shouts. I’m so thankful for her presence in Skyler’s life; she needed someone like her.

We step into the mirrored room that Skyler loves so much. I don’t understand it, but I’ll support her in whatever she needs. Never in a million years did I think I would be practicing for a fucking dance recital, but here I am.

Brett has his hands in his pockets, wearing that stupid grin he usually does, along with his letterman. “So, what do you need, Ghost?”

“I don’t want to fuck up the dance. It looks like you know the shit pretty well, so teach me.”

Brett crosses his arms, his eyes slightly rolling. “You called me out here, needing my help, but you have an attitude.”

“Fuck this,” I spit, turning to leave.

He groans, grabbing my arm. “Wait, dude. It’s for Skyler. You don’t have to go; I can dance with her. Ryder’s okay enough for Kate.” he states, his square chin showcasing annoyance.

Over my dead fucking body will he dance with my girl. It’s fucks like him that I don’t like. On their fucking high horses, rich and mighty. He’s probably had dance lessons his entire life.

“Please,” I attempt to not sneer so hard my face hurts. “Would you please help me? I know you hate me, and I wouldn’t be asking for your help if I didn’t need it. It’s just, you’re dancing with Kate, and no matter how much I fucking try I can’t get the steps down. Just do it for her.”

“For her,” he repeats, standing in front of me and putting his hand out.

My phone rings. It’s Callum. “Hold up,” I tell Brett.

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