Page 203 of As You Wish

“This was not one of my dreams,” Wren added. “But I’m still happy to be here.”

“Same!” Mollie added.

“You all are something else,” Kelsey said with a laugh. “I’ll always remember this.” She raised the flag. “On your mark!”

I gripped my cart tighter and leaned down.

“Get set!”

I took a breath. I was so going to win.

“Go!”

GABRIEL

Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch

Dale Garrett: All this hubbub is ruining my business! What the hell is going on anyway?

Comments:

Mollie Wilson: It’s for the greater good! Deal with it!

Jade Clark: Yeah, and I’ll kick all your asses.

Dale Garrett: We don’t HAVE to do this. The man I voted for wouldn’t completely screw us over. I think we should hear him out.

Tammy Jane: The man you WHAT

Kerry Winsor: It’s your fault we’re stuck with him! Don’t you know erections have consequences?

Kerry Winsor: ELECTIONS! I MEANT ELECTIONS!!!

The race began with Tammy in front. I’d never seen her run so fast, but clearly, working in the diner served her well. Everyone in town screamed, and Beatrice shuffled close, obviously bothered by the noise. I covered her ears and tugged her to me.

Next to us, Agnes was screaming her head off. “Jade! Run faster, Jade! Use your legs!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. This was ridiculous.

But it was so very Jade.

Whatever speed Tammy had, she couldn’t keep up. Slowly, Mollie caught up, following right behind Jade. They only had to keep up the speed around the three turns of the square. On the last, they would hop in and ride to the finish line.

I was terrified for that part.

Jade kept her speed and Wren gained. All three of them were in the running for the lead. I tensed as they got to the third turn.

It was obvious that no one got to practice. Mollie slowed down when it was time to jump in, and Wren missed the jump at first. The only one who got it on the first try was Jade.

And she flew toward the finish line.

Agnes was screaming as loud as she could, and Beatrice pulled away to join.

The entire town seemed to yell at the same time.

Jade was in the lead. She was going to win this.