I’m too busy making sure the gloss is perfect to argue and the second I’m done, she bounces out of the bathroom.
“You better hurry up, babe!” she calls back over her shoulder. “We’re going to be late for your big day if we don’t get a move on. Liv is already waiting by the car.”
I check the time and gulp. I chase after her, pausing just long enough to plant a kiss on George’s head before grabbing my purse and sunglasses and racing outside. It’s yet another beautiful morning in California. There isn’t a cloud in the sapphire sky and the weather is perfectly warm. When I slide into the backseat of Liv’s bright pink hybrid car, the leather seat sticks to my legs.
Liv steers the car away from our bungalow and I halfheartedly listen as my two besties mess with the radio and giggle together.
I gaze out the window, watching the palm trees and the sandy beach fly by. It’s been a whole four weeks since Grayson and I had that disastrous first date, and though I’ve been completely swamped with work, he still worms his way into my thoughts constantly. Sometimes, I’ll just be lying in bed and his beautiful brown eyes will appear in my mind or I’ll hear his husky laugh. It’s haunting and painful, not to mention frustrating. I’ve never been hung up on a guy before.
At least, work has been as constant as ever and has been there to distract me. I’ll always have that to fall back on, which is good, I suppose. But ever since meeting Grayson, I’ve started wondering what else there is to life. I’ve always been focused on my career, but the feelings inside of me that stirred in my soul when I was around Grayson has made me question everything.
I love my job and my friends, but my heart yearns for more now.
“Earth to Kali!” Sutton says.
She has my door open and is leaning down toward me. She waves a hand in front of my face until I jolt back to reality.
Behind my sunglasses, I blink hard, realizing that at some point, Liv has parked the car and I’ve spent the entire drive to LA in a haze. Liv idly leans against the side of the car beside Sutton, eyeing me curiously.
“You feeling okay, girl?” Liv asks, worry scrunching her pretty face.
I nod and quickly climb out of the car before forcing another smile. “Of course! I didn’t sleep great last night. I guess because I’m so excited for today. You know what I mean?”
“Sure,” she says, but there’s a little bit of skepticism in her voice.
“If you want to take a sec to talk—” Sutton starts, but I shake my head. We don’t have time for that, and I’m not sure I’m ready to lay my heart bare for them today of all days when I haven’t done it during the past month.
Clearing my throat, I march determinedly past my besties toward the basketball stadium where the Fostering Tomorrow event is being held. It’s set to start any minute and I need to find Laura beforehand to make sure the setup has gone without a hitch.
We’d agreed on hosting a day of Olympics style games for the underprivileged children in the city, the majority of which are foster kids like I was. They’ll get to let loose and have a blast while the staff plays referees. Local businesses have agreed to cater the food and any funds will funnel right back into the charity, which sets up scholarships for the kids in need. Attendees can buy raffle tickets and enjoy some scrumptious food while bidding on some special G&G gear Sutton, Liv, and I are auctioning off, which I know will help raise some serious cash.
“Kali! You’re just in time!”
A tall woman with shoulder-length, curly red hair and wearing the event’s familiar lime green shirt hurries over to us the moment we step inside, a smile on her face.
“Hey, Laura!” I say, returning her smile as I take in the different games that have been set up. “It looks amazing in here!”
There are hurdle races, a small volleyball net, and a water balloon station. There’s even tug of war and a three-legged race. They’d let one of the basketball hoops down too so that the kids can play. I can’t wait to see their faces get a look at all of this.
The chair of the charity hooks her arm around mine and pulls me toward where the stage has been set up. “Doesn’t it? I’m so thrilled with it. And you should hear the kids going on and on about you three girls being here. We’re just finalizing the staffing teams. I’ve got Sutton and Liv paired together to handle the raffle station, but because you’re one of our hosts, I need you close by.”
“Sounds good to me,” I say.
“I’m putting you by the stage so I can bring you up there for some announcements throughout the day. That means you’ll be working the water balloon toss.” Laura gives me an apologetic smile. “On the downside, that means your clothes will probably get wet at some point. Hope that’s okay?”
I grin. “Perfectly okay.”
Laura beams. “Fantastic! We’re about to let the attendees in, so I’m going to get the party started. I was hoping you could say a few short words too?”
I eagerly nod. “I’d be honored!”
Around us, people are starting to swarm in through the open doors. A sea of young people, from knee-high children to high schoolers, file in closest to the stage. They all look excited and eager to start this day of games and it makes my whole soul feel warm.
This is just what I need to put Grayson completely behind me once and for all.
Laura hurries up onto the stage and takes her place behind the podium.
“Welcome, everyone!” Laura says into the microphone. “Fostering Tomorrow is so excited to have you all here. The goal of today is to have lots of fun and raise lots of money for scholarships for these special young people who’ve had a bit of a struggle in their lives. Before we get things started, I’m proud to introduce Kali Lang of Glossed & Glammed fame.”
