Chapter 13
Chapter
Thirteen
Foster
I fade into the background as Ari tucks the blankets around Maddie’s legs.
I find Ari fluttering around the kitchen at Maddie’s house, making chamomile tea.
“What can I do to help?”
Ari shoots a tired smile over her shoulder. “Nothing. You’ve done enough already. You should go home and sleep.”
“What about you?”
“Riley and I will probably hang out here to make sure Maddie’s okay.”
How many times have I gotten sick and sat home alone, with no human contact except for the food-delivery kids? Too many to count.
I’ve spent too much time pushing people away and not enough time appreciating the people who like me.
I’m not about to make this moment about me, but I swear I don’t want to go another day without showing Ari how much I care.
I want someone to know right away if something goes wrong with me. I want that person to be Ari.
While the water boils, Ari floats over to me, still keeping that stunning smile on her tired face. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me softly and all too quickly.
We share a quick hug.
“You’re the best,” she says.
I let out a sigh and pull back, brushing her hair from her face. “I’m not the best. I’m not even close to good. I’m probably only a passable boyfriend.”
Her eyes widen. “Boyfriend?”
I nod. “When Maddie’s feeling better, and whenever you’re ready, let’s talk about it. Call if you need anything.”
I leave her and Riley to tend to their friend. I find Rowdy pulling up as I’m going, but Riley is right behind me.
“Foster. Wait.”
Ari’s sister presses a key into the palm of my hand. “That’s a key to Ari’s house. This is a test. Pass it, and you’re initiated into the family.”
Looking from Riley to Rowdy, my best friend doesn’t seem all that surprised at what I’ve been tasked with.
And I already know what I have to do before I go home.