Page 104 of Dear Pink

Around the bend, I glimpse the finish line. Spectators and racers hug and cheer. I sense two bikers behind me, but I’m not racing them. I ride only for myself now. Glimpsing June and Maude near the finish, I push harder until I pass the white line. Crossing, I veer into a patch of dried grass. I yank off my helmet, drop my bike on the ground, and search frantically for a water station.

“Hannah.”

The dehydration has officially taken over my senses. That’s Gabe’s voice. First, I imagine I see him, and now I hear him. I need water immediately.

“You’re incredible.”

Gabe stands before me. I can’t believe my eyes.

He lifts me up. “You finished, Pink.”

“You’re here?”

“Of course, I’m here.” He gently places me on the ground and hands me a bottle of water. “I couldn't miss your big race.”

“But . . . I screwed up?” My heart beats out of my chest as I guzzle the bottle.

He grabs another bottle out of his backpack.

“Why are you dressed in pink?” I take the second bottle and sip.

“I’m Team Pink all the way.”

“You are?” I can’t believe he’s real and here.

“I am. I always have been.” He gives me a tentative smile.

I don’t know what to say. Is it dehydration or did he say our relationship isn’t over? I sip more water.

He takes my hand. “Mom told me about your friend Libby. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I—”

“What I mean to say is that I wish you told me earlier about your friend. Libby sounds amazing. She wanted you to have a full life. She might have given you the list, but those experiences are all yours.”

I smile. “Libby was the best.”

My mind spins. The note didn’t deter him. He came to support me despite my foolish efforts to push him away.

“Hannah, I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I want to be with you, if you’ll still have me.”

“Yeah?” I lean toward him.

He gathers me close. “Yeah.”

I lean back to take in his entire body.

“Am I too late? Did you . . .” He frowns. “Shit.”

“No. You’re right on time. I want you too.”

He grabs my hand. “You do?”

“Ignore what I said in my stupid note. I . . . I didn’t mean a word of it.” His face lights up and my knees feel weak.

“All in?” he asks, tugging me nearer.

I catch a whiff of myself and stiffen. “Uhh.”

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