Page 51 of Keep Me

So I tell them everything. I recount how he came to the party and took me home on his bike, our flirty conversations, our baseball lessons. I tell them a bit of a white lie when I explain the whole weekend in New Mexico and say that it was just a regular nightmare he comforted me after. I explain how we opened up to each other and our little trip to the bathroom.

“Okay, that’s hot.” Jasmine takes a sip of her rosé while pretending to fan herself.

“He’s my stepbrother-to-be, so ew,” Aurora mock gags. “But if he were a different guy, I’d agree and say that was very hot.”

“Hey, some people are into the whole stepbrother thing. There’s a whole channel on it online if you know what I mean.” Jasmine raises her brows.

I snicker at that and signal our waitress, Marcela, because I need another drink.

“Hi,” she says, attempting to smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “What can I get you?” Her voice wobbles, instantly raising alarm bells. Marcela has always been on the shyer side, even though she’s a waitress, but this is different.

“Marcela, are you okay?” Aurora is the first to ask, since she was her old coworker for a few months.

“Oh, yeah, just great.” She tries to smile again while a tear escapes the corner of her eye. “Shit,” she curses, swiping at it quickly.

“Sit, please.” I pat the open spot beside me in the booth, my eyes pleading with hers. I don’t know anything about her, but girls support girls. Always.

Marcela looks around her, but Aurora is quick to jump in. “My brother owns the place, and it’s slow in here. Don’t worry.”

Her resolve crumbles and she slides into the spot next to me, her hand slightly shaking.

“What’s going on? How can we help?” I offer softly, my fingers itching to offer her comfort, but we’re not exactly friends yet.

“I-I don’t know why I want to tell a bunch of strangers everything, but I do.”

“We’re technically not strangers. You and I used to work together,” Aurora reminds her.

“Yeah, but it’s not like we talked outside of work. I don’t really know you,” Marcela says quietly.

Aurora nods, knowing she’s not wrong.

“We’re still here for you if you’d like to talk,” Jasmine chimes in, giving her a sweet smile, but I can see the worry in her eyes. Jasmine’s always been the protective one, and right now she wants to go into protection mode.

“I’ve only had one close friend, but she transferred schools this semester.” Marcela’s voice tightens, her throat bobbing as she swallows.

“That’s hard to deal with. You know Cami and I are on campus for the next few months. We’d love to hang out with you if you’re feeling lonely,” Jasmine offers, and I nod in agreement.

Marcela smiles while a tear strolls down her cheek. “I appreciate that, but that’s not why I’m upset.”

She takes a moment, then releases a breath. “I’m upset because said friend moved to the same school as the boyfriend I’ve had since sophomore year in high school, and I just received a video of them making out.”

My jaw drops open while my heart breaks for her. I could never imagine dealing with the sort of betrayal she is right now.

No one says a word because I think we’re all a little in shock.

Marcela chuckles, but it lacks any humor. “You know what the worst part is? It was someone who was supposed to be my best friend. Getting cheated on hurts, but with my best friend? It’s like getting screwed two times over.”

“I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this,” I say, whispering screw it in my head as I pull her into a hug.

Marcela’s body slumps in my arms as she starts crying. I rub my hand on her back, trying to soothe her while I let her get it all out. Jasmine and Aurora look equally as heartbroken as I am for her.

A few moments later, once she quiets down and we break apart, Marcela wipes at her eyes and says, “I’m so sorry I dumped all of that on you guys and had a meltdown like that.” She cringes, as if embarrassed.

“Nope, none of that,” Aurora remarks. “Don’t ever apologize for having a feeling other than happiness. It’s what makes you human.”

“Can I say something a little blunt?” Jasmine presses her arms against the table, slightly leaning forward.

“She’s sensitive right now, Minnie,” I warn, not that Jasmine is ever rude, but I don’t know if what she’s about to say is what Marcela needs to hear right now.

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