Cruz opens the door and pulls me out.
I cant believe it.
You smoked his ass.
Does that mean I won the race?
Cruz leads me through packs of spectators, and I cant stop smiling.
My legs are numb from the vibrating floorboards, and I stumble.
How long have you and Cruz been planning this behind my back?
Anger rages in his eyes.
People walk around us, giving Marco a wide breadth.
you better calm down, Marco.
Cruz is beside me again.
Dont say anything right now, Cruz.
You lied to me.
He shakes his head, chest heaving like hes about to explode.
Deacon warned her that Marco wouldnt be happy about me racing.
Apparently, it was the understatement of the year.
The whole thing was my idea, she says.
No, it wasnt.
Im not letting her take the fall for me.
Marcos brown eyes drill into me.
He gave me the same look after I kissed him at the partya mixture of shock and confusion.
Of course you did.
He turns his back on me and stalks toward the grass.
Whats that supposed to mean?
I ask, following him.
You cant say something like that and walk away.
Marco makes it to the grass and whips around so fast that we almost collide.
What the hell were you thinking?
I dont know, I say sarcastically.
How about Cruz needed someone to drive her car so she could pay the rent?
Thats not your problem.
Marco presses the heels of his hands against his forehead.
You hardly know her.
Youre pissed off because Im friends with Cruz?
It hurts coming from Marco, but I wont give him the satisfaction of letting him know.
Thats why you think Im angry?
He shakes his head as if my response doesnt make any sense.
If thats not it, then whats your problem?
Because I dont have a clue.
Street racing is dangerous.
You couldve been killed.
Marco hesitates as if he wants to say more but hes holding back.
Is that what you want, Frankie?
Because every time I turn around, youre doing something reckless.
Showing up here with Lex and a wad of cash.
Getting drunk at a party with people you barely know.
And now youre racing Cruzs car?
Im scaredof Marco and how easily he sees the truth about me.
Of myself and how much I cant see.
Say whatever you want about me.
Odds are if its bad, its probably true.
Marco rubs the back of his neck, dark clouds churning in his eyes.
Promise me you wont do anything that stupid again.
Why does he care?
My eyes burn, but I wont cry in front of him.
I just want everyone to leave me alone.
Marco reaches out and touches my cheek.
You sure about that?
I stare at my sneakers.
What do you ask for?
Marco looks stunned, as if no one has ever asked him a question like that before.
We arent as different as he thinks.
I want my little sister to graduate, he says finally.
Go to college and get out of the Downs.
I want Cruzs dad to stop beating the crap out of her.
None of that is for you.
He keeps his gaze focused on me.
Theres no room in my life for what I want.
But if there was?
I still couldnt have it.
Marco stares at the ground between us, hands shoved in his pockets.
Some things arent meant for guys like me.
