Page 8 of Racing Hearts

“All I’m saying is that this is a great opportunity to push yourself even harder. Together, you and this girl will both be able to do really great things. Isn’t that what you want for the team?” her mama asked.

Of course she wanted that for the team. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. There’s just one little problem.”More like, significant problem.

“What’s that?”

“I… well, I don’t really get along with Sierra.”

“Really?” Her mama’s voice sounded genuinely concerned. “I’m surprised to hear that. You get along with everyone.”

“Yeah, not this girl. Something about her rubs me the wrong way.”

“It’s not the fact that she’s fast, is it? You shouldn’t ruin what could be a perfectly good friendship just because—”

Ellie couldn’t handle getting a lecture from her mama, so she cut her off. “She hates gay people.”

“That’s a pretty big accusation. Are you sure about that?”

“I’m pretty sure.” Ellie told her moms about the way Sierra looked at her when she heard her talking about the two of them. She hesitated before explaining the other piece of evidence because she wasn’t proud of how she acted and was sure her moms wouldn’t be either. “Then, the other day, Juniper caught me checking out…” Was she really going to tell her moms she was checking out the girl who was supposed to be her enemy? “Well, if I’m being completely honest, I was checking out Sierra. She might be infuriating, but, yeah, apparently my eyes didn’t get the memo. Anyway, Juniper thought I was checking out the girl she was walking with and made a joke to Sierra about how she should set us up. Sierra got mad, likemadmad. It was so weird.”

“Maybe Sierra was jealous that you weren’t checking her out,” her mom joked.

“Ha. Good one. Definitely not.” She swallowed hard then took a few deep breaths before saying the next part. “Today, after the race, I was pissed that I lost, so I might have made a comment about her friend.”

“What kind of comment?” her mama asked softly.

“Just a joke about taking her on a date. I figured if Sierra was actually homophobic, that would really piss her off. And guess what? It did.”

“I think maybe you should have a talk with Sierra,” her mama suggested. “Whether you like it or not, the two of you are teammates now. As a senior on the team, I think you know by now how important it is for all of you to get along, or at the very least, respect each other.”

“Yeah, I know.” Even though she realized what her mama was saying was true, she didn’t know if she’d be able to takeher advice. There was something about Sierra that made her more frustrated than anyone ever had before, which was crazy since she barely knew Sierra. Hell, she couldn’t even remember Sierra’s last name.

“Whatever you do, don’t let this girl get to you. Focus on yourself and on making your senior year the best ever. That’s what’s important.”

“Okay, I will.” She would start with the party this weekend. God knows she could use a drink (or a few) at this point.

Chapter 4

“Do you think we should pregame before the party?” Juniper asked, already pulling alcohol out for said pregame without even waiting for Ellie’s answer.

Drinking before even getting to the party was probably a terrible idea, but Ellie deserved to make bad decisions every once in a while. Especially since this would be her last chance to make this sort of bad decision.

“Let’s do it.” Ellie took two cups out of the cabinet, set them on the table, and poured a generous amount of vodka in each one.

When she went back to add more, Juniper put a hand on her arm. “Whoa, slow down killer. We’ve got all night.”

Ellie looked at the cups that were practically overflowing. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”What is up with me lately?

Juniper tilted her head as she stared into Ellie’s eyes as if she was looking for answers in them. “Are you okay? You seem really off lately. Is this about the time trials?”

Ellie sighed as she walked to the refrigerator to grab a drink to mix with the vodka. “I guess so. I know it’s ridiculous, but I’m really upset that I let a freshman beat me.”

Juniper grunted in agreement. “It certainly doesn’t help that she’s such a bitch.”

Ellie took a sip of her drink and cringed as the burning liquid made its way down her throat. “My moms think I should talk to her. You know, become civil since we’re teammates and all.”

Juniper shook her head and took a big gulp of her drink as well, seemingly unbothered by how much alcohol was in it. “Ilove your moms, but they’re wrong this time. We need to find a way to make hernotbe our teammate anymore.”

“And how do you suppose we do that without being complete bitches?”

---