Page 67 of The Amazing Date

“I used to see the world the way she does. I miss it sometimes.” Rylee’s words hit hard. They are filled with a hidden sense of pain, and I know my actions have played a large part in it.

“Twenty-four bottles of beer on the wall. Take one down and pass it around. Twenty-three bottles of beer on the wall.” I follow her lead with the weird camp song. “You said you found my passion attractive. For me it was your impulsive behavior. Your ‘I don’t care what people think, I’m going to go chase what I think will bring me joy’ way of thinking. You have no idea how much that courage draws others in. It’s an approach to life I wish I had more of. If I did, I wouldn’t be doing commissioned portraits of rich people who are looking for undeserved monuments.” Just speaking the words lifts a burden off my shoulders.

It’s something I’ve felt for the last two years yet have done little to change. Where is my courage? Where is the man who would drop everything and fly off to Europe without hesitation? I ball my fist and steal a glance at the scar on the back of my hand. I can’t hide behind it any longer. My hand healed years ago, but I won’t allow my soul to follow suit.

I ignore the sound of scraping wheels but can’t ignore the voices, “Take one down and pass it around.” Unlike the previous interruption, this one is met with smiles. Ronnie and Thelma roll next to us, slowing their speed to match ours.

“I could drink twenty-two beers myself,” Ronnie states. Sweat drips down his face, glistening from the bright streetlights that line Fifth Avenue. Thelma has barely broken a sweat, a Gatorade in her hand. “Surprised to find you two. The blondes passed us some time back. They were bus surfing. A dangerous way to travel but on brand for them.”

I nod. “We ran into some trouble with the board. Down to just the one.”

“Not just the board, I see,” Ronnie says, pointing to my bloodstained T-shirt.

Thelma lifts her Gatorade in Rylee’s direction, who shakes her head. “Thanks. We’re almost at the Empire State Building. I’m sure they have a fountain there.”

Thelma nods and then turns to her husband. “Dear? Looks like fun.” Her gaze flits toward Rylee, and Ronnie immediately picks up on it, the two of them always on the same page.

“Roberto, we’re not going to catch the blondes. We know our limitations. They didn’t select one of the tallest buildings in New York not to have us climb it.” He beams in the direction of his wife. “Take my board and catch them. We’ll bring up the rear.”

I can’t believe their offer. At the start of this day, we both had stated we’d focus on winning, and here they are, not only conceding but willing to sacrifice an advantage to a competing team. They see the bigger picture, that this race is more than the finish. It’s made up on how you play the game. It’s a true reflection of your priorities, your values, and what you stand for.

I squeeze Rylee’s shoulder and hope she and I are on the same page. “Thank you. Thank you both for all you’ve done during this race. But we won’t take your board. You stand as much a chance at winning as anyone. We’ve lost count on the number of times you’ve caught and passed us and the blondes. Go. Go win it for us.”

Rylee reaches back with her hand landing on mine, a slight squeeze and nod of her head acknowledging her consent.

“You sure?” Ronnie asks with disbelief in his voice.

“We’re sure,” Rylee chimes in. “Go get them.”

We exchange waves as they continue down the street at a consistent pace. They aren’t running or straining or struggling. They are moving at their pace, running the race in their own style, and it’s a beautiful thing to see.

With the Empire State Building in our sight, I increase the pace, sweat dripping into my eyes.

“They are an amazing couple. So much love and understanding between the two of them. I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Rylee says with admiration in her voice.

My mouth crinkles up into a smile. “You need to spend more time with my parents.”

“Is that a formal invite?” Rylee picks up on the floating ball I didn’t even realize I had left out for her.

“My parents already love you. Gabby has been cheerleading you forever.”

Rylee’s back stiffens with the mention of Gabby. “Even after… what I…?”

I shake my head, knowing she can’t see me. “She doesn’t know. I’ve never told her.” I push in a comfortable silence for half a block before continuing. “She has her suspicions, though. I told her I’ll tell her everything once this race is over. I hope you’re okay with that.” It comes across as a statement, but it’s anything but. Every year I think about sharing the only secret I’ve ever held from her, and every year something holds me back from sharing it. It’s past due.

“I wasn’t sure…” Rylee’s voice fills with hesitation. “Gabby never said anything to me, but I’m sure there are plenty of things you two share.”

“Only one involves you,” I counter.

Her voice hitches as she speaks. “Can I be there when you tell her?”

My instinct is to shield Gabby, to have the conversation one-on-one. It will be a delicate conversation, yet this secret isn’t just mine. It’s a burden I’ve forced Rylee to carry, to keep from her best friend.

“We can tell her together when we get back to LA,” I state with a confidence I don’t possess. I’d love to think it through further, but we don’t have time. We arrive at the curb next to the Empire State Building and immediately realize this topsy-turvy competition is about to take another unexpected turn. Standing at the base of the building, arms crossed in front of her, lips stretched tight, is Wilma Reed.

Chapter 40

Rylee

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