Page 77 of Race to Me

“Just to be there for Saturday’s game.”

She skips a little. “Then you’re all set! Let’s start our sleepover early!”

∞∞∞

With a fresh shower and the grease scrubbed from my face, I sit beside Kate with an entire gallon of strawberry ice cream to myself. “Did you know this is the first Friday night during a school year that I haven’t been to a practice?”

“Yes, which is why you missed so much fun shit with me!” She giggles, bumping her shoulder into mine. “What’ll it be? Horror or thriller?”

“Aren’t they the same?” I ponder out loud.

Kate scoffs, grinning. “I guess so.”

“I needed this!” She moans into her gallon of Chocolate Bunny Tracks.

“Yes! Girls night!” I giggle, using one hand to whack her with a pillow.

A knock sounds on the door, and she rushes to turn the knob.

Brett walks in with a few plastic bags and a tray filled with coffee mugs. “Brett!” I exclaim, setting down my dessert to run up and hug him, nearly knocking everything out of his hands. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

Kate looks nervous, pushing her feet together. “I was scared if you knew he was coming you wouldn’t come.”

“Why would you think that?” I ask, but sadly, I already know.

“Because of your controlling ass boyfriend.” Brett answers with a raised brow.

“I’m sorry about Foster,” I murmur.

“Don’t apologize for Ghost, Skyler.” Brett’s nostrils flare. “He is who he is, and he’ll never change.”

“I know. He can just be a little protective,” I reply quietly, making my way to sit back on the bed.

Brett hands me a warm latte. “A little protective?” He laughs. “I didn’t want you getting caught up in his bullshit. Trust me, he’s no good.”

I look to Kate, about to go on the defense. She throws her hands up. “I like him. I think he’s a dick for punching Brett, but the reason why was a bit confusing.”

An awkward silence settles over the room, and they both look at me. “Oh! Is that Mongolian beef?” I squeal, leaning over to peek into the bag and ignoring their worried stares. They ask because they care and because I’ve been radio silent towards both of them for much too long.

“Quit deflecting,” Brett snaps. His all-American smile is gone, now replaced with the taut line of his lips.

“As you said, he’s protective.”

Brett rolls his eyes. “Yeah, well, he’s going to have to get over that. You’re my best friend, and I’ve known you way longer than he has.”

“Chill!” Kate yells out. “She’s my best friend.”

We pile onto Kate’s bed, me in the middle and my two best friends on either side. We’re squished onto the small twin mattress, but I’m comfortable, at ease, and at peace ... besides the secret that I’m keeping from them.

With our respective tubs of ice cream, blankets, and Chinese food, we hit play on the movie.

My phone chimes, and when I see the name a rush of frenzied butterflies takes over. It’s him.

Foster: ‘What’s up, beautiful?’

Me: ‘Hanging out with Kate and Brett.’

Foster: ‘Oh.’

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