Chapter Thirty-Three
Carly
Today is the dance competition!
The team has been working our butts off the last few days, and my awesome boyfriend and I have spent like every moment of our free time in the gym. I’m happy to report that we have nailed the routine and we can’t wait to blow everyone’s socks off at our performance.
Addie and I get ready in our room, Raven and Sophie helping with our makeup and hair. They tie our hair in a bun with blue and white scrunchies and matching ribbons, the same colors as our dance uniform. The glitter near our eyes matches that as well.
When I’m ready, I spin in front of the mirror and squeal. Addie does the same, matching her movements with mine. “Well,” I say as she and I do another synchronized spin. “If we don’t place today, at least we’ll look good.”
We pose before the mirror, then laugh.
“You guys really do look amazing,” Sophie says.
“So pro,” Raven adds.
“Thanks,” I say. “My heart is pounding a million times a second.”
“Mine, too.” Addie presses her hand over her heart. “I swear it’ll rocket right out of me.”
“I’ll let Ryder know that we’re ready,” I say as I sweep up my phone and shoot him a text. “He wants to meet us outside. And I’ll text Naya, too.”
After they both respond that they’re on their way, Addie and I exchange hugs with Sophie and Raven. They wish us lots of luck and promise to see us soon at the competition.
Addie and I lock arms as we leave our room and make our way downstairs.
A kid or two smiles at us or says hello, some even wish us good luck.
But most of them ignore us. The dance team isn’t that popular around here, but I think a handful of them might come to the competition because they have nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Ryder is more hopeful and claims they’re coming because they know how awesome we are, but I suspect a large percentage of girls might come just for him.
Some of them still haven’t yet gotten the memo that Ryder Bennett is taken , but I’m positive they’ll get the message after we perform our romantic duet.
I’m so stoked for it. Now that he and I are boyfriend and girlfriend, Moreno claimed our chemistry is off the charts and we’re sure to wow people at the competition.
I’m glad about that, but I care more about the fact that the most special guy in my life and I will be sharing something wonderful on stage.
There’s no one else in the world I’d want to make magic with.
When we exit the girls’ dorm, we find Naya standing there, looking like a ball of nerves and excitement. As soon as she sees us, she squeals and hurries to launch herself at us. Of course we’re careful not to ruin our hair and makeup.
“You look so good!” I tell her.
“Thanks. You guys do, too. Guess what? My mom’s coming!”
“Yay.” I hug her again. “That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. Can you believe she canceled super important appointments just to come to the competition? She’s finally being the mom I’ve longed for so long.”
We gush about a few things, and then a voice says, “Who are these gorgeous young women standing before me?”
I spin around and come face to face with Ryder.
My jaw falls open. Oh wow, does my man look so darn smokin’ hot.
His hair is slightly messy—the perfect amount of messy—and his dance uniform fits him even better than before.
Maybe because of all that extra workout he’s been getting due to our duet?
Or maybe it’s because of the way his face shines.
“Look who’s talking,” I say.
With a smile, he steps closer and gathers me in his arms. “You look so beautiful, Captain. Stunning. A million dollars.”
He leans down to kiss me, but I gently push him back. “Watch the hair and makeup.”
He pouts. “That’s what sucks about competitions. I can’t kiss my magnificent girlfriend. But she can kiss me, right?” He taps his cheek.
With a laugh, I stretch to plant a kiss on his cheek.
He sighs happily. “I’m now ready to own the stage.”
“We’ll meet you guys on the bus,” Addie says with a wave. Naya waves, too, and then they walk away.
Ryder wraps his hands around the back of my neck and looks into my eyes. “How are you doing, Carly?”
“I’m oddly calm,” I say. “But I’m sure that will change once we actually get to the competition. How about you?”
“A little nervous,” he admits. “But mostly excited. Let’s hope the boys don’t go on vacation today.” He nods at his biceps.
I laugh. “I’ll have to give them a good scolding if they do.”
“Hear that?” he says to his biceps. “Don’t let my girlfriend down.”
I smile before moving closer and resting my forehead on his chest. “I’m so happy you’re here, along with Addie and Naya. I really feel like the luckiest girl on the planet.”
“I’m the lucky one,” he murmurs as he sweeps his lips across my temple. “Because I get to share the stage with you.”
We remain in each other’s arms for a little while, just enjoying being with one another.
I don’t think I could ever get sick of just being with Ryder.
I catch sight of many students passing by and glancing at us, many girls.
Most of the female population of Harrington Bay Academy has accepted the fact that Ryder Bennett has a girlfriend (some begrudgingly), but there are a few here and there who think he’s going through a phase and will come to his senses soon.
It bothered me a bit the first few days, but now?
I don’t give a crap. Ryder is a human being who deserves a loving, stable, committed girlfriend.
He wasn’t put on this planet to fulfill their own fantasies and desires.
He wants to be happy just like everyone else, and I’m so grateful I get to be that person for him.
We reluctantly pull out of each other’s arms and head to the bus. Most of the dancers have already loaded onto it, including Addie and Naya. Moreno looks relieved when Ryder and I step up to her.
“For a minute there, I thought you two were having second thoughts.”
“You kidding?” I say. “There’s no way in heck Ryder and I are not performing at the competition, not after how much blood, sweat, and tears we put into it. Not to mention his poor arms.”
“And we look far too good to let that kind of opportunity pass,” Ryder jokes.
“Humor is good,” she says with a smile as she checks us off on her attendance sheet attached to a clipboard. “Go ahead on the bus. We’re waiting for a few more students.”
Once we get on, Addie waves us over, motioning to the seat behind her and Naya. Ryder and I settle down, with him wrapping his arm around my shoulder and me snuggling to his chest. I wish I could smoosh myself to him, but I don’t want to ruin my hair and makeup.
“I feel your heartbeat,” he whispers in my ear. “It’s racing.”
“I think I’m getting more nervous,” I admit.
He reaches for his backpack and slips out his earbuds. “Maybe music will help?”
He gives me one of the earbuds and scrolls through his music, trying to find the perfect one that will help me relax. I smile when he chooses one of my favorite songs and rest my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes.
Moreno steps on the bus after the final dancers have arrived and takes attendance one more time. It’s a little hard for her to get through the names because everyone is gushing about the performance. When she’s finally done, she nods for the driver to take off.
Addie pops up from the seat in front of us and rests her hands and chin on the back of it. “Feel the energy, Carly? I have a good feeling we’re going to do extremely well today.”
Naya pops up, too. “And with your and Ryder’s duet? You guys are like our secret weapon.”
“I can’t wait to show Langley Academy for Girls what we’ve got,” Miriam from behind us says with a scowl. “My cousin goes there and is always boasting that her team’s routine is fire and they’ll win first place.”
“And did you see what Vandhel Prep was posting online last week?” another kid says. “They were bullying other teams to get them to forfeit.”
“They should have been disqualified.” Her friend rolls her eyes.
I stand and hold up my hands. “Hey, everyone. I think we should ignore all the other teams and just focus on ourselves. I don’t want any of you to psyche yourselves out.
We are an awesome team with a flawless routine, and I know each and every one of us will put 1000% into the performance.
All the other teams are background noise. We’ve got this, guys!”
After everyone nods and cheers and settles in their seats, I drop down and snuggle back in Ryder’s arms.
“You know something, Captain?” he whispers in my ear. “I love seeing you give pep talks to the team. It’s kind of hot.”
I laugh and slap his shoulder.
“I’m serious. It makes you look so confident, like you know who you are and what is best for your team. And I can tell you care for each and every one of them.”
“I do. They’re like a family to me.”
He smiles. “Me, too.”
He leans forward to kiss me, but I once again shove his shoulder. “You’ll ruin my makeup!”
“Darn it, sorry! I forgot.” He taps his cheek. “Planteth another one here, pwetty pwease?”
“You may planteth one here if your lips are gentle.” I point to my cheek.
“Score!” He bends his head and very gently, like a feather, brushes his lips across my cheek. Even that small gesture causes my stomach to flutter and my toes to curl.
“Now we’ll for sure win first place,” I tell him.
For the rest of the drive, I lie on Ryder’s shoulder and we listen to music, talk, chat with Addie, Naya, and other teammates, and I go over the routine in my head. When we eventually pull up before the school that’s hosting the competition, my heart leaps into my throat.
Ryder must feel the change in my body because he buries his face between my neck and shoulder and whispers soothing words. I whisper encouraging words, too, because I know he’s also super nervous and is trying to be strong for me.