Page 145 of We Are Just Us

Rory looked at Kieran. “What’d you think?”

“Push harder, less solid, more flashy.”

Rory laughed. “That’s technical.”

“I’m learning.”

Aubrey launched herself at Rory again, and he caught her, spinning her around even though he was soaked and sandy.

“Did you see me?” Rory asked her.

“I saw you! You were so fast!”

“Was I the fastest?”

“The fastest ever.”

Rory grinned and set her down. “Okay. I’ve got about twenty minutes before they post scores. Anyone want snacks?”

“I do!” Aubrey said enthusiastically.

“Shocking,” Samantha muttered.

They reached the snack stand, Aubrey’s little hand holding Rory’s. He bought her a snow cone, got himself and Samantha bottled water, and grabbed Kieran a soda without asking.

“How’d you know I wanted a Dr. Pepper?” Kieran asked.

“You always want a Dr. Pepper.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is true.”

Kieran took the can. “Fine. It’s true.”

They settled back on their towels, waiting for the scores to be posted.

Aubrey was working on her snow cone, blue syrup dripping down her chin. Rory was stretched out on his back, eyes closed, breathing finally evening out.

Samantha was scrolling through her phone, occasionally looking up to check the scoreboard.

A few minutes later, the announcer called for everyone’s attention. Scores were being posted.

Rory sat up, suddenly tense again.

They all watched the scoreboard. Names appeared one by one, ranked by score.

And K-L-I-N-E appeared one letter at a time, fourth in his heat.

Rory exhaled. “Okay. Okay, that’s bad.”

“That’s not bad! It’s great,” Samantha corrected. “Top four go to semis. You’re through.”

“Still have another round,” Rory said.

“Then top two from semis go to finals,” Samantha added, looking at Kieran. “I read the pamphlet.”

“Of course you did,” Rory said.