A Single Daffodil [Harry Styles]

The Mirage That Ruined Everything

"I still can't believe Monster Energy sponsors you, Jayden." I was balancing on a wooden plank as I leaned over the metal wired fence that stood between me and Jayden, who was standing on the motocross track. The laminated VIP Pit Pass dangled around my neck, clinking against the fence as summer's gusty winds filled the stadium. "It's both a blessing and a curse because now I have four cases of the energy drink sitting in the trunk of Harry's car, thanks to your manager. He was trying to convince me that'll last me a good month."

"You need five more cases to last you a month." Jayden laughed, holding onto the metal railing as he kicked the excess dirt off his boots. He was completely decked out in his racing gear, except for the goggles and helmet, both of which were sitting on a stool near his bike behind him. His body armor protruded slightly beneath his red, long-sleeved shirt that bared the Monster Energy logo. He started cracking his knuckles and neck, which was something Jayden would do whenever he got nervous.

"That's what I'm saying!" I laughed. "So. Are you nervous?"

Today was Jayden's Thor Mega Series race, which was a big event for all Motocross competitors. Riders from around the nation have been competing all weekend at Miami's biggest Motocross arena. I'd been here many times before to support Jayden, but this particular race was the most important for Jayden because he was competing against the top professionals. Ever since he was featured on the cover of Motocross Magazine and was (somehow) tagged as one of America's "hottest riders" in Esquire magazine and GQ, a lot of people have been paying attention to him. He was one of the top dogs now, and I don't think Jayden really knew how to handle all the newfound attention.

"Nah, not really." Jayden shrugged, pulling out his racing gloves from his back pocket. He carefully started to pull them over his hands. I knew Jayden well enough to know he was lying. He quickly changed the subject. "Is everyone here? I put everyone's name on the guest list."

"Yes, everyone's here." I smiled, quickly looking over my shoulder to peak up at the VIP section of the stadium. It had an indoor area and closed off the balcony for guests to overlook the entire racetrack. "Liam bought a foam finger and Niall ate all the Dorito chips. I was actually about to grab some cheesy nachos for Niall before heading back up there."

Jayden gave me a tight smile as he continued to crack his knuckles. I bit down on my lip as I watched him. He was tense and had a hard expression on his face. I knew his pre-race jitters were getting to him, especially since a lot was riding on Jayden for this race. If he scores in the top three, which I know he will, he'll earn enough points for the AMA Pro-Am Motorcross event, which will then lead into the Supercross--that's the most important event of all. Jayden was an amazing athlete and was completely dedicated to this sport. While he's pretty indifferent and casual about most things, he's adamant and resolute about biking. He evolved into a different person when he put on his racing gear. He was strict and exhaustingly insistent on being the best that he could be.

"Hey," I said seriously, reaching over the railing to put my hand on his padded shoulder. "You're going to be great and you're going to win. And when you do, we're going to drink tons of Dr. Pepper until we explode."

Now Jayden was genuinely smiling. "I think I'm going to need something a little more...grown-up than soda after this race."

"Well, then it's a good thing I have a bottle of rum hidden in my bag upstairs!" I grinned, knowing full well it was what Jayden would want after today.

"I love you." He sighed a breath of relief. "I better go. I still have an interview at the Monster Energy stage, and then I have a tech test with the bike."

"Love you, too." I hugged him tightly before letting him go. "Good luck! We'll see you after the race."

We parted ways, Jayden walking towards his propped up dirt bike and technician crew and me heading towards all the food trucks located behind the stands. Jayden wouldn't race for another thirty minutes, so I had enough time to grab myself a large Dr. Pepper and Niall's cheesy nachos.

Just three or four steps underneath Miami's roasting Sun was enough to get you winded. The middle of summer in south Florida was a nightmare to walk around in if you weren't at the beach. Not even my loose, flimsy white tank top and denim high-waisted shorts were enough to keep me cool in this muggy weather.

I moaned when I noticed there was a long line waiting in front of the nacho truck that was parked opposite the stands. I grudgingly pushed myself forward, stopping behind the last person in line. I knew if I didn't get the stupid nachos for Niall, I wouldn't hear the end of it from him or Sophia.

I lamely waved my phone by my face, attempting to keep myself cooler as I melted under the blaring sun. God, it felt like I was getting molested by a thousand suns. I couldn't help but fantasize about how nice it was going to be when I return to the VIP section, where the cold air conditioning was waiting for me. I was ready to bathe in it.

I tried to fantasize about anything cold-related at this point, and cautiously avoided the mirages that were blurring my eyesight from a couple of feet away.

Like the mirage of Jessica Franklin, for example. I had to take a double-take to confirm if it was really her walking towards me in a bikini top and short denim shorts. Honestly, the shorts could pass as underwear.

Please, God, only be a mirage and not the actual Jessica Franklin that I've grown to despise over the years.

I pretended like I didn't see her, immediately looking down at my phone as if I was reading an incoming text. Unfortunately for me, she recognized me instantly and came over to me.

Great.

"Well if it isn't my little famous basketball cutie, Vita Spoelstra." She greeted me in her usual high-pitched girly voice. It made me want to gag. "Fancy seeing you here."

She was alone, surprisingly. Jessica Franklin was the type of girl who had an entourage of followers behind her at all times. It was like a security blanket for her, otherwise, she was too exposed.

"Jayden is racing today," I responded stiffly, hoping she'd get the point and leave me the hell alone. She was either too stupid to realize I hated her or just enjoyed it because she decided to pester me some more.

"Duh! Of course!" She giggled. "And where's your new boy toy? I've seen you two on the internet a lot recently. Don't think I haven't heard about you stealing him away from my girl, Tanya. That wasn't very nice, you know."

I turned to face her and slowly lowered my Ray-Ban sunglasses to show her my irritated stare.