Page 55 of I Don't Need Your Love
His face softens with another smile. “Thanks, Carly. I’m going to practice more in my room. Good night.”
“Good night, Ryder.”
He makes his way to the door and opens it. Then he turns around. It looks like he wants to say something, but he offers me another smile before walking out.
I rush to my window and watch him leave the girls’ dorm and head to the boys’ dorm. For some reason, I want him to look up at my window. But he doesn’t.
I watch until he disappears from sight.
Chapter Nineteen
Ryder
It’s been a few days of hard work, but I’m glad to say the dance team is ready for our competition today. And I’m a pro at the move I was having difficulty with, thanks to the awesome Carly.
Speaking of our Captain, I can’t stop thinking about what she said to me the other day as I lie in bed early in the morning. About the pain in my eyes. How did she notice that? I thought all she sees when she looks at me is revulsion. I didn’t think she…cared.
But never mind all that. I don’t want thoughts of my parents to drag me down on this important day. I need to be on my game and help my team qualify for the next competition. And hopefully, take the crown.
One step at a time, though.
I couldn’t sleep at all last night. Because of my thoughts, because of nerves, because of a certain red-haired beauty. We didn’t interact much all week since we were focused on dance. I miss talking to her.
I roll onto my side, shut my eyes, and try to squeeze in some sleep, when my alarm goes off. Sitting up, I stretch my arms. All right. I’m ready to demolish the competition today.
Felix is still in bed. Since it’s Saturday, most kids are sleeping in. But my team and I have to get ready for the competition. It’s kind of a long drive to the school that will be hosting it. And Coach wants to get us there early so we’re not rushing last minute.
A loud groan comes from the other end of the room. “Seriously, man,” Felix grumbles as he squishes his pillow under his head. “It’s the weekend.”
“Sorry.” It’s not even that early, but he and our friends went to a party last night with most of our schoolmates. I chose not to go because I want to focus on today.
Before I climb out of bed to get ready, I snatch my phone from my night table and peer at the screen. Nothing from my parents. I texted them a few reminders about the competition all week, even left some voicemails. Looks like they don’t plan on showing up. Not that it surprises me. They never showed up to any of my football games over the years.
Felix and some of my friends and several girls (including the Parker twins) will be coming to support me, and while I appreciate it, it’s not the same as my parents.
I dress in my dance uniform and meet the rest of the team. We take care of some last-minute things before heading to the dining hall to put some food in our bellies. No one really says much—I think our thoughts are on the competition—but Coach Moreno offers words of encouragement.
After making sure we’re all set, we head to the bus that’ll transport us to the competition.
I lag behind, hanging my backpack over my shoulder as I check my phone for what must be the millionth time. Why can’t I just let it go?
“Ryder?” Coach calls from where she stands near the bus.
Snapping out of it, I shove my phone into my backpack and rush to the door of the bus. “Sorry, Coach. Was just distracted.”
She eyes my phone, maybe figuring it’s girl problems or something. “Okay, but please leave your problems here and don’t take them with you. I need you to focus.”
I nod. “Of course.”
She pats my arm before gesturing for me to go ahead and join my teammates on the bus. It’s very noisy as everyone gushes about how nervous and excited they are.
I scan around, noticing most of the seats are taken. I spot Carly and Addie toward the middle, Carly at the window. They, like the rest of the girls, have makeup on and their hair is pulled into ponytails or buns with scrunchies and ribbons. Just like it was at the football game. Everyone looks beautiful, but I can’t take my eyes off Carly. It’s like she stands out while everyone else is just background noise. And she looks like she’s glowing.
Glowing and drawing me in. The next second, I find myself standing near her seat. She stops talking to Addie and looks at me like she’s wondering why I’m here and not sitting in the back with some of the other girls.
It’s a little awkward because of how vulnerable she saw I was the other day when she helped me dance. I was kind of hoping she’d forget about it, but the expression on her face tells me she hasn’t. She’s sympathetic, but not in a pity kind of way. Still, I don’t like the feeling of being so open and raw in front of her. Wish I did, though. I wish I could tell her everything. But we’re not there. Maybe we never will be.
“Hey.” I wave with a lame chuckle. “Excited, huh?”
