Page 47 of Love and Other Goals

I turn to Mateo with a half-smile and wrap my hands around his waist, angling my neck to look up at his face. “And what exactly was that all about?”

He grins and loops his arms around my back, burying his fingers in my hair. “I guess you’ll have to brush up on your Spanish if you want to keep up with conversations.”

I stick out my lower lip and give him my best puppy dog eyes, making him chuckle. “I’ll never be able to say no to those gorgeous eyes! Sofia was being a little mischievous with her parents, saying they were late meeting up after the parade because they were talking to a hot older guy. I could hear her mom’s classic Latina scolding through the phone, so I explained who I was and why we were chatting. And then she naturally had glowing things to say about you being the best influence in Sofia’s life, so I agreed with her that you’re pretty much the greatest woman who has ever lived.”

Mateo has a teasing smile, but I can tell he’s also being totally serious. I’m still not the best at receiving compliments, despite how frequently he gives them, so I just smile back and then lean my head against his chest. He rests his chin on the top of my head, still weaving his fingers through my hair against my back.

“I’m really glad you got to meet them. They’re such special girls.” I feel Mateo nod his head in agreement.

“I can see why you enjoy spending time with them. It was cool to see Sofia and Clara including Shaista.”

“I know, right?” I say, pulling back so I can look up at him. “They invited Shaista the first week and have been so kind helping her learn the ropes as she’s figuring out school in America and learning English.”

Mateo narrows his eyes thoughtfully as he looks at me. “You know that’s partially due to your influence, right? You’ve been that person for them, so they’re passing it along to someone else who needs the same belonging.”

It warms my heart to think about the chain reaction of acceptance and friendship. I have my mom to credit for my own vision to see the people in need of welcome. I should thank her for that.

We start walking back toward the thinning parade crowd, hand in hand. Mateo offers to give me a ride home, but I have my car here since I’m one of the designated drivers for the party tonight. He looks over at me with concern and says, “Be careful, okay? I’ve heard stories about homecoming frat parties. Not positive ones.”

I squeeze his hand in reassurance. “I will, I promise. It’s not my first frat party DD rodeo.” I glance over and see his still-furrowed brow. “I’ll text you to check in every hour until I get home, okay?”

He looks one part appeased and one part still worried as we arrive on the fringes of the remaining AOPi/AE crowd. Teegan is still here, so she comes over and makes small talk with Mateo for a few minutes before he gives my hand a final squeeze and takes off.

The party at AE is more amped than usual, as everyone is riding high with hopes of a homecoming win tomorrow. We had good showings all week, but you never know what’s going to tip the scales in the judges’ minds. Still, guys and girls are celebrating as though we’ve already won, so Amaya, Teegan, and I stay extra aware.

True to my word, I text Mateo occasionally to check in. At midnight, I send him a text:

Hey. Still doing fine. It’s getting late though, and you need some sleep before the match. How about I just text you tomorrow morning?

Mateo

No

I won’t sleep till I know you’re home safe anyway, so keep checking in

I should have just come with you

I snort trying to picture Mateo at a frat party.

You would hate it

I’ll try to rally some troops to head home soon so you can get some sleep

Luckily, there’s a group of girls who are partied out around 1:00 a.m., so I volunteer to take them back to the dorms. Amaya gives me the okay to head back home after, which I gratefully accept.

Back at AOPi, I park my car and send Mateo a final text to let him know I was home.

Now get some sleep. I’m expecting to scream my heart out at your hat-trick tomorrow

Glad you’re back safe.

You do realize I’m a midfielder. Hat-tricks are typically reserved for strikers like you

Doesn’t mean you can’t do it

I’ll try my best

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