We share a quick hug.
“You’re the best,” she says.
I let out a sigh and pull back, brushing her hair from her face. “I’m not the best. I’m not even close to good. I’m probably only a passable boyfriend.”
Her eyes widen. “Boyfriend?”
I nod. “When Maddie’s feeling better, and whenever you’re ready, let’s talk about it. Call if you need anything.”
I leave her and Riley to tend to their friend. I find Rowdy pulling up as I’m going, but Riley is right behind me.
“Foster. Wait.”
Ari’s sister presses a key into the palm of my hand. “That’s a key to Ari’s house. This is a test. Pass it, and you’re initiated into the family.”
Looking from Riley to Rowdy, my best friend doesn’t seem all that surprised at what I’ve been tasked with.
And I already know what I have to do before I go home.
Chapter
Fourteen
Ari
After Maddie goes to sleep, I find a bag with fresh clothes, a toothbrush, and my shower accessories.
“How did this get here?” I ask. Riley passes by on the way to the kitchen as I stand there with the door open.
“A little bird must have said something to Foster.”
I turn to my sister. “Did a little bird also give him a key?”
“Some birds collect shiny things. Who knows?”
I shower, brush my teeth, and then Riley assures me that she’s going to keep vigil at Maddie’s side until morning. Rowdy insists on driving me home.
We drive in silence in Riley’s car until we reach my neighborhood. The car idles at the end of the street. Turn left, and we'll head to my house. Turn right, and Foster’s house is on the next block.
“Which way am I going?” Rowdy asks.
I don’t have to think about it too long. Instead, I tell him to drive me to Foster’s house.
“I probably don’t need to tell you Foster’s my best friend, and as his best friend, I happen to know everything there is toknow about the guy, including that he’s one million percent head over heels for you.”
“Next, are you going to tell me that I’d better not hurt him because his heart can’t take it?” I say.
Rowdy shakes his head. “Nah. I was just going to say that I’m happy he finally got his head out of his ass and admitted that he likes living here.”
I laugh dryly. “I’ve seen no evidence of that. But he treats me well, and he did a good thing tonight by helping my friend. He’s a stand-up guy, and I can’t ask for more than that.”
Rowdy nods and scrubs the scruff of his chin. “You should always ask for more. He’s a man who doesn’t show his feelings. Keep reminding him that he’s got to let it out sometimes.”
I think back to how he reacted when the decorations from the dance were completed, how moved he was. “I’ve seen it.”
My friend’s boyfriend pulls the car into Foster’s driveway and shifts into park. “You’d better get going before Foster sees us sitting alone together. He’s also kind of a jealous type.”
Honestly, so am I. If I saw Foster sitting alone in a car with another woman, I think I’d be pissed.
