Chasing Perfect (Fool's Gold #1)(89)

“He’s never forgotten what happened. How his mother simply left him. He believes it’s because he wasn’t whole.”

Broken, Charity thought. He described himself as broken. Less than. As if anyone who really knew him could find him wanting in any way. But he wouldn’t believe that. And proving himself meant just what he’d said. Being worthy.

She stood and clutched her hands to her chest. “Oh no. He really does have to ride in the race, doesn’t he? It’s not about winning, although that would be nice. It’s about healing.”

“Not being broken,” Marsha agreed.

Charity brushed the lingering tears from her face. “I told him I wouldn’t be with him if he rode. I told him…” She covered her face. “Why was I so stupid?”

“A question people in love have been asking themselves for thousands of years.”

Despite everything Charity laughed. She lowered her arms. “Is this you trying to help?”

“Do you feel better?”

“I don’t know. Is it too late?”

“Do you really think an argument is enough to make Josh fall out of love with you?”

“No, but I made him feel bad. He has to race. Of course he does. He’s not going anywhere afterwards. Why couldn’t I see that?”

“Maybe you haven’t had anyone to believe in before.”

She hadn’t, Charity realized. Until now. “I believe in you,” she told her grandmother. “And I love you.”

Marsha smiled. “I love you, too. Now I think we have a race we need to get to.”

Charity nodded. They both hurried out of the house. There were throngs of people even on this quiet residential street. Marsha led the way, weaving through the crowds and slipping easily through clean, tidy alleys.

“Don’t worry,” her grandmother told her. “We have plenty of time. They can’t start the race without me.”

When they came out on the main road, they found themselves among a multitude of cycling enthusiasts.

Marsha turned and pointed. “The bike race starts over there. Put on your official ID and you can get right to the starting line.” She checked her watch. “You have five minutes before I make a few introductory remarks and Pia starts things.”

Charity hugged her. “Thank you so much.”

“You delight me, child. Now hurry.”

Charity pushed her way past families and couples, slipping into the tiniest openings, excusing herself when she bumped into someone. It was bright and hot. How did anyone ride a bike in weather like this?

She pushed and wiggled and darted her way through to the beginning of the race. Here the crowds were even thicker and there were barricades in place to keep everyone back. Probably so the line didn’t get covered with enthusiastic viewers.

Charity ran up to a deputy and smiled at the young woman as she showed her official ID. “Hi. I’m Charity Jones. I’m the—”

The deputy grinned. “I know who you are. You got the hospital to come here. They’re putting in a special children’s wing. My cousin has cancer. Not having to drive so far all the time is going to be great.”

“That’s great. Um, can you help me get through?”

“Sure.”

The deputy pulled back the barricade. Charity slipped through the opening and ran to the starting line.

There was an actual line on the street, along with TV cameras, reporters and photographers, and the athletes.

Charity saw Josh at once. She called his name, but the sound was lost in the crowd. She looked at all the racers, and knew she couldn’t simply walk into the middle of them and have a personal conversation.

The loudspeakers crackled, then she heard Marsha being introduced. There wasn’t much time.

She took a step onto the street. At that moment, Josh turned and saw her.

He was wearing sunglasses, so she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Before she could decide what to do, he was already weaving his bike through the other competitors and moving toward her. She hurried toward him.

“We don’t have much time,” she said, speaking quickly. “I know I’m distracting you, but I had to come and tell you I was wrong. I was wrong to tell you not to race, wrong to tell you I wouldn’t be with you if you did. I love you, Josh. This is who you are. If you really love me and want to be with me, then I’m the happiest, luckiest woman alive.”

He took off his sunglasses and she saw the love burning in his eyes. “You mean that?”

“Of course. I’ll go anywhere, just as long as we can be together.” She glanced toward the start line. “You’d better get ready to race.”

“What if I don’t win?” he asked.

“Then you’ll keep trying until you do.”

He bent down and kissed her. “I do love you, Charity.”

“I love you, too.”

He returned to the pack. She stepped back and seconds later a gun went off. The race had begun.

PIA JOINED CHARITY AS they watched as much of the race as they could. The sun rose in the sky, the day got warmer and Charity began to worry.

“Do you think he’s drinking enough?” she asked her friend. “It’s really hot.”

“He’s fine. He’s a trained athlete. Come have a taco. You’ll feel better.”