Page 86 of Keep Me

“What do you mean? We’re besties,” I defend, sitting up straighter.

Theo chuckles, leaning over to say, “Bullshit. Ry guy just put his glove over his heart while he looked at you as if you were hanging the stars in the sky. There is nothing friendly about that.”

My cheeks burn even more as butterflies dance in my belly because he’s right. Before I get too giddy and mentally plan our wedding, I play it cool while shrugging my shoulders. “Maybe.”

Jasmine leans toward us. “Maybe, my ass! That man is in love with you. This is so exciting. We can go on triple couple dates and—” she starts, but Theo interrupts her.

“Oh, so now y’all are in love and good old Theo gets the boot? I see how it is.” He shakes his head, crossing his arms over his chest.

We both laugh at his pouting. I know he’s been hooked on Marcela since he first laid eyes on her, but with her recent breakup, I don’t think she’ll be open to anything anytime soon.

We made a group chat with us four girls, and we’ve been checking in with her. She, Jasmine, and I have plans to go out for dinner next week. I meant it when I said that she now has us and she’ll never be alone.

“Not at all, Theo. Single or not, you’re with us for life,” Jasmine says, leaning her head on his shoulder.

“Uhm, Jay bay bay, I love you and all but please take your head off my shoulder. I would love to see my senior year and if Elio sees this somehow, I’m not sure I will.”

“He’s just a little possessive when warranted, but it’s you. It’s fine,” she tells him while digging in her purse. “You just reminded me I should text him and see how it’s going. He’s working with my dad today.”

“I still can’t believe I’m friends with Elio fucking Mazzo,” Theo swoons, never missing the opportunity to express how much he loves him.

I shake my head as I laugh, and it hits me all of a sudden. I feel like I’m finally where I’m meant to be. Not only do I have a group of friends that feel like family and a man I’m in love with, but I also got the job offer I’ve been dreaming of.

I have yet to email them as I’ve been busy with social media tasks before the game, but as soon as I get home tonight, that’s my plan. I cannot wait to tell Ryker.

Hope for the future I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid begins to bloom in my chest, leaving me with the cheesiest smile on my face as we settle in for the game.

There’s a full crowd for tonight’s game against RLU’s top rival and they’re fighting for first place. I have various cameras set up in strategic spots to catch the best angles all night. That way I can sit with my friends and enjoy the game.

“It’s going to be weird without you two not here next year,” Theo comments as the game gets underway.

“It’s going to be weird not being a student. I mean, what is that even like?” Jasmine adds. “And I’ll be running a business? Yikes.”

“I thought you were excited, Minnie?” I ask while dipping my soft pretzel into hot sauce.

“I am, but it’s also nerve-wracking. I want to do well, and the pressure feels immense at times. Thank God for Elio. He’s been helping me stay calm and organized.” She sips her water, a small smile on her lips.

She’s so in love, and I know the feeling because I am too.

“You’ll be great. I can’t wait to be the first customer,” I tell her.

“Nope, I’ll be camping out the night before so I’ll be the first,” Theo protests.

I’m about to argue with him for fun when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I don’t even look to see who it is, answering with a finger to my other ear in order to hear over the cheering of the crowd. “Hello?”

“Maribel,” my father’s commanding, smooth voice hits me like a ton of bricks.

“Before you hang up, I need you to hear me out,” he pleads, sounding frantic. It puts me on edge because he sounds genuinely nervous.

“Give me a minute,” I tell him, then signal to Jasmine and Theo that I’m stepping aside to take a call.

As soon as I’m outside the stadium, Idris is right beside me. “Put him on speaker,” he mouths.

I do as he says then say, “What is it?”

“Tell Idris I say hello.”

My blood runs cold, while Idris begins tapping away at his phone.

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