I didn’t want to come, but Warner was too excited for me to say no. Even though meeting my sister didn’t appeal to me that much, saying no would’ve been rude to Caleb. So, I agreed.

Once we grabbed pre-booked seats, we waited for the couple to arrive and the race to start. At least thirty or thirty-five horses were lined up at the side, far from the auditorium. Their jockeys were preparing themselves and checking their horses to see if everything was all right. Their neighs were covered by the hubbub of the audience.

A smile stretched at the side of my lips. Those horses were beautiful. I’ve always wanted to ride one, but didn’t get the chance.

When Warner brought popcorn and drinks for us, the announcement blared across. The race was about to start in five minutes. “Where are Tessa and Caleb? They should be here by now.” He moved his brown locks away from his forehead.

“There they are!” Tobias exclaimed.

Following his gaze, I saw my sister and her fiancé climbing down the stairs. In a yellow sundress and a matching hat, she looked as stunning as ever. Caleb chose to flaunt a white tee and jeans.

And here I was. In a black tank and leather jacket, paired with worn out shorts and sneakers, I didn’t even try to doll up a little.

“Sorry, guys! Got stuck with the traffic,” Caleb apologized, greeting Tobias with a side hug. And the same with Warner, but when it came to my turn, he engulfed me in a tight bear hug. “I’m glad that you came, Em. Finally, I will get to spend some time with my would-be sister-in-law and long-lost friend.”

I smiled. “It’s great to see you again. And don’t worry, you’re not late. The race is about to start.”

“I thought you wouldn’t come. But I’m happy to see you here,” Tess said, giving me a hug. And I didn’t reciprocate.

Tobias and Caleb saw the act but didn’t comment on it.

Once we were all seated, in no time, the race began. Each horse was extremely good and competitive. Their jockeys were guiding them with brilliance. But the teeth and nail race was between two red and black horses. They both were ahead in the race than the others.

I was cheering for the red one, Jordan. Not because the black one, Cage, was any less good or beautiful. I just happened to love the color red.

“Yes! Go Jordan, go! You can do it!” Tess yelled out beside me. She was also on my team, for the first time in our life. Where Tobias and Warner were encouraging a different one, Caleb just watched all of it silently.

“Which one are you betting for?” I almost screamed over the loud cheers.

“None! Because I know who is gonna win,” he shouted back, beside Tess.

“Really? Which one?”