Page 102 of Race to Me

“Black suits, black shoes.” A sigh of relief escapes him. He turns to me, leaning down so only I can hear him. “Then I’d love to see you back in that red dress from our date.”

I smile up at him. “That can be arranged.” But I may go buy a louder dress, one with a little more frill so when he twirls me it shimmers under the stage light.

I’ve traded stadium lights for stage lights.

What is my life? I love it.

Once rehearsal starts, we stand to the side watching the rest of our group and mimicking their movements. I don’t know what’s funnier, Ryder stepping on Kate’s toes or Foster nervously looking around to make sure he’s getting the steps right.

“If you’re not comfortable, it’s okay, Foster. I promise.” I tell him.

“I just want to get this right for you,” he replies with a nervous ring to his typically cool tone.

“You’re doing great! Even if you make me trip, I’ll still be the happiest girl in the world. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah,” He stands straighter, nodding his head in Ryder’s direction. “But I’m not sure how he’s going to do. The man has two left feet.” he whispers, but the room is small, and Ryder glares at him.

I blush a little bit. “Thank you for this.”

“It’s nothing I’ve ever done before, but I’m happy to be here with you.”

“Fuck!” Ryder yells out, quickly apologizing to everyone who stopped dancing. “I’m sorry.” He bows his head, “I can’t do this. I can’t dance.”

Grace, walking like a swan, dances to him. “That’s okay. No worries! This isn’t for everyone.” Her eyes pan to Foster, and he gives her a thumbs up.

‘I’m good.’ he mouths.

“I’m sorry,” Ryder tells Kate.

Grace places her hand on Ryder’s shoulder. “Look, you can try longer if you want. I bet you could get it down. It’s up to you.”

“I’d rather her have a better chance with someone who can dance,” he admits, looking at Kate who kisses his cheek.

“I’m just so happy you tried!” she says, beaming.

“I’ve got a cousin who can dance with you!” Charlotte offers.

Kate shakes her head. “No, it’s okay. I’m fine. I can watch.”

Ryder seems to deflate at her words more than Kate does. “What about your fancy friend … the football guy?”

“Brett?” she asks, placing her hand under her chin. “Yeah, he knows how to dance. But will it bother you?”

He leans in close to her. “I’m not worried about some jock. You’re my girl.”

She blushes, swooning over his charm. “Thank you!” She squeals. “I’ll call him!”

I turn to Foster and quietly tease, “You wouldn’t let me dance with Brett.”

His fingers wrap around my waist. “That’s because the thought of someone else’s hands on you makes me want to kill people. I’m doing this so I don’t end up in prison.” Foster jokes. I think.

Forty-two

Class, practice, Bike Night, class, practice, Bike Night. Three weeks of this. It’s been busy and exciting. Foster stayed with me in the dorm last night, I love when he stays over.

But tonight is the ballet recital, and I feel completely confident in myself to pull it off.

The fun break we’ve had in between all of our regular duties is Foster taking me for burgers on Friday nights and letting me ride his bike in the parking lot. I’m getting pretty good. Or I’m not, and he’s been lying to me saying I’ve done a good job. Either way, the bonding has been fun.

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