Page 90 of Race to Me

“So, is that it? Am I in?” I ask, raising a brow.

He slides the rest of the money on the floor, turning off the bedside lamp. “Not even close. Let’s go to bed, okay?” Foster suggests, pulling me into his arms. My anxious muscles turn to jelly the moment he touches me.

I need to get back to the dorm, but maybe I’ll just lay here until he falls asleep.

He holds me from behind, dipping his head down to whisper in my ear, “How was your last practice? We never got to talk about it since you were pissed at me.”

“I skipped it.”

“Rebel.” He replies.

“But I may be doing something else.” I turn to face him, thankful for the sliver of moonlight that illuminates his face.

“Do you still hate me?” he asks, his puppy dog eyes making my heart skip a beat.

I roll my eyes. “I never hated you.”

Our hands touch, twining together naturally. “So, what are you doing today?”

I laugh at how he used ‘today’ at two in the morning. “Well, after I get some sleep and go to class, me and Kate are redecorating my side of the dorm.”

“You missed the email. There’s wind damage to the north side of school. Classes are done until Wednesday.”

“Oh,” Nice.

“Hm,” Foster gently runs his fingers through my hair. “Would you maybe want to go on a date with me after you and Kate redecorate? I’ll make everything up to you.”

“Maybe,” I tease.

Thirty-four

The summer sun has warmed Miami all morning, leaving behind no trace that it even rained. Apart from the fallen palm branches and debris that lie on the road.

A call comes through the car phone. It’s Kate. “You better be happy Ryder let me know you were over there! You could have texted me, ass head!

“I wasn’t going to stay, but we fell asleep. I’m sorry!” I groan.

“Well, get your ass back here. School’s out, bitch!” she sings the words.

“I heard! Time to decorate!”

∞∞∞

“So, what are you thinking?” Kate asks, holding her elbow with her other hand like she’s admiring an art piece.

I stare at the space, remembering my old room. Pink, pink, and more pink. “Let’s do something different than my usual. Maybe creams, lace, and greenery?”

“I love that.” She nods.

Hours later, with command hooks, vinyl wallpaper, and all things dorm friendly, the space has been transformed from a neon green and black hole into a calming, lively space.

We both fall back onto the cream comforter, throwing the soft, lacey throw blanket over us. “I’m so thankful your mom had all of this stuff.” I look around at my favorite part, a hanging potted plant. “You swear she wasn’t sad letting that go?” I point to it.

Kate chuckles. “Are you kidding? She has too many plants. You just helped the water bill.”

I look at my best friend, smiling. “Thank you for today.”

“Of course,” She tosses a chunk of red hair out of her face. It’s always everywhere. Wild and untamed, just like her. “So, movie night on your side of the room tonight?”

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