Page 37 of Racing Hearts

She felt a set of eyes on her and looked over to find that Sienna was staring at her. “You know, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about you given everything my sister has told me, but you’re cool. If she’s a little standoffish, it’s only because she’s a little jaded right now.”

Ellie hated the thought of Sierra talking to her sister about her, especially since it didn’t seem like she had much positive to say. “I got the wrong impression of your sister, and I didn’t handle it correctly. I really regret how I acted.”

“I know. I can tell. It’s pretty obvious you like her.”

Ellie swallowed hard. What exactly did she mean bylike? She wanted to ask, but she was afraid that would make her feelings more obvious. “Too bad she’s not my biggest fan.”

“It’s not you. Trust me. Some of the stuff you did was a little shitty, but it sounds like Sierra also hasn’t been the most likable person in the world these past few months. She’s…”Sienna hesitated. “Well, she’s just been going through some stuff.”

“I kind of figured that. I’m guessing you can’t tell me what thatstuffis.”

Sienna shook her head. “It’s not my story to tell. Just don’t give up on her, okay?”

“I won’t.”

I don’t think I could if I tried…

Chapter 18

Sierra

“So, are you done with your book yet?” Ellie asked when they finished their workout.

It was their third day working out together, and every time, Ellie tried to get Sierra to hang out with her. Luckily, Sienna was always down to hang out, so that let Sierra off the hook. Kind of. The problem was she actually had finished her book last night, so unless she lied, she no longer had that as an excuse.

“I stayed up late last night finishing it.” Sierra let out an exaggerated yawn. “So, I think I’m going to take a nap after I shower.”

“Of course. Makes sense.” Ellie smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

Sierra could tell how hard Ellie was trying, so she felt guilty about continuously blowing her off. The problem wasn’t that she didn’t want to spend time with Ellie. The real problem was how much she did. Even when they weren’t together, Sierra was constantly thinking about her. She had to imagine it would only get worse if they actually spent time together. What good would it do, anyway? Ellie would probably ditch her as soon as they got back to school. Sierra couldn’t handle being rejected like that. If she was the one doing the rejecting, it wouldn’t hurt as bad. At least, that was what she kept telling herself.

Sierra was startled from her thoughts by the sound of Ellie speaking again. “Tell your sister I’m going to do a Christmas movie marathon in my room if she wants to join.”

“I will.”

After getting her shower, Sierra informed her sister of Ellie’s invite.

“Cool.” Sienna nodded toward the door. “Let’s go.”

“I think I’m going to take a nap.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. “You fell asleep hours before me last night. If I’m okay, you should be too.”

“I just don’t want to, okay?”

Sienna put her hands in the air and backed away from Sierra. “Fine. But if you keep doing this, I’m going to have to tell Ellie the real reason you won’t hang out with her.”

Sierra crossed her arms and tapped her foot. She didn’t have the patience for her sister’s bullshit right now. “And what would that reason be?”

Sienna smirked and mimicked Sierra’s stance. “Obviously that you like her, and you’re worried if you hang out with her, you’ll fall madly in love.”

“That’s complete bullshit.” At least, mostly.

“Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. But Ellie doesn’t know that.”

“Fine.” Sierra didn’t think her sister would actually do that to her, but she wasn’t willing to take the risk.

As soon as Ellie noticed Sierra walking into her bedroom behind Sienna, her whole face lit up, which caused Sierra’s body to have a super obnoxious reaction.She’s only giving you time right now because her cooler friends aren’t around,Sierra reminded herself.

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