Page 50 of Fighting Fate

The room erupts with their hooting and cheers.

"Oh, he definitely does."

"Go for it, dude."

"Who's the lucky lady tonight?"

I roll my eyes. Could they be more obnoxious?

And just like that, they remind of who Miles really is—always the center of attention, especially with women. I inhale deeply, trying to steady the fluttering in my chest. I feel this twinge of jealousy imagining him with other women, but I push it away. We're just friends.

"So, what's the plan tonight, guys?" Miles brings me back into the moment.

"Just the usual," Cam replies, with Luke adding, "Heard the coach gave Dorren the keys to a suite, told us to not go 'too' hard."

I smile, partly enjoying being on this side of their plans. I'd have thought they'd be reprimanded for such antics at an away game, but Coach Kraft seems more lenient than I expected, as long as they don't overdo it, I assume.

Miles nods. "Sounds like Coach. But I'll pass tonight."

"What?" they all exclaim. "You can't bail on us now."

"Sorry, guys, I've got...stuff"—his eyes flicker to the camera, meeting mine—"to take care of."

The room falls silent as his friends digest Miles' words. I can sense their confusion, the unspoken questions hanging in the air.

"Things?" Luke probes, a note of suspicion in his voice.

Miles pauses, and I can almost feel the tension radiating through the phone. He takes a deep breath before saying, "Just some personal stuff I need to sort out."

Is it possible that he is dealing with something he hasn't mentioned to me?

Then again, I have to remind myself he's not obligated to share everything. But it stings a bit. I'd hoped the openness we had as kids would endure as we grew older. But then he went off to college, and our paths diverged. Our occasional check-ins felt hollow, leaving me longing for the closeness we once shared. Now, with college bringing us back into each other's orbits, I'd hoped for...more. Yet, here I am, feeling just as distant.

There's a pause, then Devon chimes in, "Gotcha, man. 'Personal' means private."

"Yeah, was kinda hoping you'd hang with us tonight, what with Panthers' Day coming up and all," Cam adds, his youthful naivety showing.

I roll my eyes. Cam, a freshman, doesn't know the half of it. Panthers' Day isn't a walk in the park. Miles shakes his head, slightly exasperated. "Guys, the season's no joke. We discussed this, remember?" His tone carries a hint of frustration, a mentor trying to instill some seriousness in his team.

Cam's retort is quick. "Hey, cut me some slack. It's my first year, just trying to enjoy it, you know?"

There's a flicker of understanding in Miles' eyes, a softening of some sort. "Yeah, I get it. Just don't show up hungover tomorrow, okay?"

The guys promise in unison, their camaraderie clear. Miles' usual, easygoing self reemerges as he jokes about their playing skills. The laughter is genuine, a moment of light-hearted banter before they sign off.

Finally, it's just me and Miles again.

But then Luke's voice breaks through. "You sure you're okay, man?"

I hesitate, wondering if I should end the call. But then I think, what if Miles really needs someone right now? Isn't that what friends are for?

I decide to stay, silently hoping Luke doesn't notice me.

Miles exhales heavily. "Yeah, I just need some time to myself tonight."

Luke's skepticism is evident. "You sure? You can talk to me, you know."

I find myself holding my breath, waiting for Miles' response. This is it—a glimpse into the personal side of Miles I've been missing.

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