Page 81 of Race to Me

“Yes. You had her last night.” Foster teases.

“Ugh,” she snaps with a pout. “I’ll think about it.”

I run a hand through my hair, adding, “I’m right here guys.”

Foster leans down to give me a peck on my neck. “I’ll see you tonight, sweetheart.”

∞∞∞

The whizzing electricity from the stadium lights bursting on sends a familiar shockwave through me.

The tropical, warm wind rustles my hair when we rush out onto the field, pom poms waving and fake smiles blaring. But my smile isn’t fake; if this is my last night ever cheering, I’ll do it happily.

Kate, Ryder, and Foster are in the stands. Kate has her hair curled and pulled into a high pony like mine, and our faces are painted to match the school colors.

The crowds adorned in Miami Hurricanes attire as they cheer on our boys. A blast of light shines on the green as the guys break through the barricade and march in long, running strides towards mid-field.

Brett, in honor of it being my last game—or in an effort to infuriate Foster—runs up and swoops me into his arms, taking me further into the field while the grass swarms with helmets. “You’re going to piss him off.” I state, holding down my skirt.

He sets me down and grips the metal guard to tip his helmet. “All in a day’s work, darling.” His boyish grin can’t keep me mad, but as my eyes pan to Foster when I walk back to formation, Brett’s all-American smile doesn’t have that same effect on him.

When I’m looking at Foster and running through my first routine, my eyes pan to the right. I didn’t ask them to move in that direction, but they gravitated into the stands. The third row up to be exact, and they land on her.

Perfectly curled hair, a light pink blush swept across her cheeks to match her rose colored lips. As our eyes connect, she looks away and steps off the metal seat to retreat into the crowd.

I shake it off, writing it off as hysterics from everything I’ve been through recently. She wasn’t here ... My mom wouldn’t be here.

∞∞∞

In a glorious night of staged dances, bright smiles, and hard work we end the night in a massive loss. But who cares? I had fun. Though I don’t fit in with the girls and I haven’t made any friends in the squad, I still had fun.

Foster rushes onto the field as soon as the game ends. Everyone else is tuckered out and sad they lost, but his crooked smile brightens the dark mood. “You looked so fucking good out there, babe.” He picks me up and wraps my legs around him, planting a kiss on my neck and turning his body towards the field so Brett can see. I playfully slap his shoulder; he has nothing to worry about.

When I exit the field, I meet up with Kate, hoping she’s okay with me staying with Foster tonight. But Ryder is next to her, twirling her hair and whispering something in her ear that makes her smile.

“I’m coming with you.” she grins.

A drop of rain falls onto my forehead. “Can we get out of here before the dam breaks?” I look to my best friend. “See you soon!” I promise her.

Hand in hand, we head towards the parking lot. Foster’s inked hand is tangled with mine. I look back to see Callum coming our way, but Foster seems to ignore him.

“Don’t you want to talk to him?” I ask.

He looks up to the gray cloud’s overhead, a heavy gust of wind swirls dangerously around us.

I’m worried this will turn into a hurricane by tomorrow.

Foster says, “Nah, I want to get you home.” He tickles my sides, making me rush forward and giggle. My skirt flies up, and I along with Foster attempt to hold it down.

When I peek my head back, Callum’s climbing into Ryder’s car. “The wind is freaking awful!” I shout over the howling gusts.

Foster nods, looking around the dark parking lot. “Let’s get you home.” he yells back.Home.

I slide into his passenger seat. I love the smell of his car. It smells like him. Grease, leather, and spices. The rain begins to patter down against the windshield, fogging up the car.

A moment of silence stretches between us, and his fingertips brush against my cheek. My chest rises heavily, matching the quick rhythm of my heart as the parking lot clears and we’re left all alone.

He places a toothpick in between his teeth and studies me. I blush under his wandering gaze.

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