We turn around and find Caleb standing there with a bouquet of flowers.
“Hey, Caleb. Is that for Addie?” Raven asks.
He nods. “Win or lose, my girl is getting flowers. Did you guys find the place okay?”
We tell him we did. Originally, we were supposed to drive here with Caleb, but he had some things to take care of before he could leave. Even though he’s not officially Addie’s bodyguard anymore, he still watches over her—over everyone at school, really—and coordinates with the security guards.
“Excited to see the routine?” Raven asks him as we head for the entrance to the building. “Addie and Carly couldn’t keep quiet about it, but every time we told them to show it to us, they refused.”
He chuckles. “Same with me. Addie worked so hard, I missed her. But I’m so glad she’s doing something she loves. She was a little dismayed when her grandfather told her he might not make it, but it turns out he can. He should already be inside the building.”
“Addie will be thrilled.”
He smiles in a way that makes the world know how much he loves his girlfriend. “She sure will be.”
We enter the auditorium and find seats toward the center. I spot Addie’s grandfather and Carly and Ryder’s parents and Carly’s brother Blake sitting toward the front, in the spots reserved for family members. Not all parents or family members have the opportunity to be so close to the stage, but Addie’s grandfather, Nathaniel Bradshaw, is one of the richest people inthe country and can pretty much get his way with anything. Of course, he only uses his influence and power for good. He wasn’t always a warm person, but once Addie entered his life, he totally changed.
Raven and I chat until the competition begins. The Harrington Bay Academy Eagles won’t perform until a little later. I’m nervous and excited and wish they’d be one of the first so I could relax and enjoy the rest of the performances. The routines are flawless and each one is better than the next. When it’s time for our school to perform, I can nearly contain my excitement. They look amazing as they run onto the stage in light blue and white colors and start their routine. They all wear such bright smiles on their faces that everything I was feeling since yesterday afternoon vanishes. And I’m not the only one. Many others have been affected by their electric smiles.
The music slows down and it’s time for Carly and Ryder’s duet. They have so much chemistry, and it’s grown stronger ever since they fell in love. The audience is captivated as they glide around the stage with so much grace and romance. When he lifts her, it’s like magic. Carly told us she loves floating in the air, and Ryder is more than happy to oblige. Then the music shifts back to the fast-paced song as the rest of the team rushes back onto the stage to finish the routine.
When they’re done, Raven, Caleb and I, along with lots of others from our school, jump to our feet and clap and cheer. The family members of the team are applauding as well. The Harrington Bay Academy Eagles killed it.
“So worth the wait,” I say to Raven and Caleb. “The routine was out of this world.”
After the rest of the teams finish their routines, the judges deliberate on who won. It takes agonizingly slow—like the world is spinning at the pace of a snail. Raven and I clasp hands while Caleb keeps his focus in front of him. He’s also glancing around,as he did during the competition. I guess there’s no taking the bodyguard out of him. He also looks pretty calm, or confident, as if he’s sure his girlfriend and her team knocked it out of the park.
Finally, finally, the results are in. The announcer starts with third place, then second. Our team’s name isn’t called. Raven, Caleb, and I exchange a glance. Raven’s eyebrows furrow in worry and confusion while Caleb still seems calm.
“Don’t tell me they didn’t place,” I mumble under my breath.
“And in first place is…Harrington Bay Academy Eagles!”
The auditorium erupts in cheers. Raven and I pull each other into our arms, then we grab Caleb in as well. This is amazing!
It’s the first time the team has won first place. They only got together a short while ago, but they’ve grown into a force to be reckoned with. They can only improve and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in the future.
The audience starts to fizzle out of the auditorium. The three of us run to where the team is hugging their family members. Coach Moreno is there as well, and many are praising her for a good job.
Addie, Carly, and Ryder are being hugged and congratulated by their family members, too. Carly’s parents are squeezing the living daylights out of her and Ryder. His parents do the same. Ryder was estranged from them for most of his life and only recently reconnected with them. Looking at them now, it’s hard to tell there were ever any problems between them.
Addie’s grandfather, who was never big on hugs, has her in his arms and kisses the top of her head, telling her how proud he is of her. When he finally releases her, Caleb hands her the flowers. She leaps into his arms, pressing her lips to his.
When it’s my and Raven’s turn, we hug our friends and, even though everyone has said it already, we tell them how amazing they were. Addie and Carly’s faces are shining while Ryder wears a crooked, confident smile on his face.
“Knew we’d win,” he informs us.
Caleb holds out his fist. “You and me both.” Ryder taps it with his fist. “Our girls are amazing and super talented.”
Ryder nods. “The routine wouldn’t be anywhere as good if not for the awesome Carly and Addie.” He chuckles. “All those nights practicing paid off.”
Carly gives him a look. “You said you loved the excuse for us to hang out alone together.”
“Well, duh. The duet was just a bonus.” He pecks her lips with his.
Blake rolls his eyes, but I can see him hiding a smile. “Get a room,” he jokes.
Carly and Ryder ignore him as they press their faces into each other. It’s as if they have disappeared from the world.
