Page 59 of Race to Me

I look in the rearview mirror to see her shake her head a little. “So, that’s why you passed out on the field like a ton of bricks? You skipped dinner?” I know she doesn’t believe me, and I don’t want to tell her the truth right now.

I look to Foster, my face coated with worry. He throws his arm over the seat. “Where to first, ladies?” he asks, his smooth tone demanding attention be put on him. I’m grateful and he knows it.

“Um, Merrick?” I suggest, knowing there’s plenty of options there.

He nods, turning the stereo nob and blasting music through the open windows. Drowning out all room for uneasy conversation.

And for that, I’m thankful.

∞∞∞

In the first store we go to, I find a few outfits that I love. Something that wouldn’t be allowed in the posh dress code Mom requires. I grab them off the shelves with a sparkle in my eyes, knowing I can’t be told what’s okay to wear anymore.

Kate’s off looking at heels, roaming through the shoe department and clueless as to what’s going on. I don’t want to worry her, and I don’t want to admit I’ve been lying to her all this time either.

Foster grabs the clothes from my hands, sneakily trying to bring them to the counter. “No,” I smile, walking with him. “You already got me a phone, so let me get this.” I offer.

The woman scans and bags all the items, and I hand her my card. “You’re going to look fucking delicious in that one.” Foster gestures to a fiery red dress that I picked out. The middle-aged woman at the counter nearly scoffs at his words, but I just laugh.

“Do you want to grab something to eat before the next shop?” he asks.

My stomach growls. “Ugh, ye—”

“Declined.” the cashier states, and my eyes pan up to the realization.

“Um,” I dig through my wallet. “Try this one?” I offer, handing it to her.

I wait in silence while Foster rolls circles on my back with his fingers. “I can pay,” he whispers.

I shake my head, not believing until my third and final card gets declined.

“Here,” He hands her his card. I don’t speak, and we walk out of the store with him holding my bags. I didn’t want him to spend more money on me.

I didn’t want that at all.

Standing in front of the store, Foster places his palm on my face. “Breathe, Skyler.”

With a wave of sudden nausea, I realize I have nothing.

My breathing picks up at a rapid pace. “I don’t know what I was thinking! I have nothing now. My life is over.” I cry.

“Hey, calm down, okay?” Foster coos, his voice growing a little stern the more frantic I become.

Kate walks up, worry coating her features when she sees me. She places her hand on my shoulder, but I can’t think. Her phone rings, drowning out my ability to think clearly, but she doesn’t answer it.

I pace in front of the store, checking all of my bank accounts on my new phone. “They really cut me off. Completely wiped me out.” A worry I’ve never felt seeps through me. “They were right; I’m nothing without them!” I exclaim in desperation, knowing what this means.

My education, gone in the blink of an eye.

Foster grabs my shoulders, holding me tightly. “Fuck that. You’re more than they’ll ever be. They treated you like garbage.”

“No, Foster. I can—”

Kate’s phone rings again, and she quietly answers it. Her eyes growing wider with every word from the other end of the line. She stumbles a bit on her words. “Uh huh,” She gulps, appearing frantic.Then, she taps her heels, anger wrinkling her nose. “Oh, he did, did he?” She sneers. Her eyes pan to Foster. Mine do as well because I have no idea what’s going on.

Foster sheepishly rubs the back of his neck, and I feel completely out of the loop.

Kate hangs up and shoves the phone in her pocket. “What in the actual fuck were you thinking, Foster?” she snaps, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

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