Page 135 of Collided

Her eyes brighten. “You have no idea how much Marie talks about you. It’s all she’s ever—”

“Mom!” Marie protests with a face as red as a tomato.

I’m focused on the fact that she’s told her mom about me. When I told my parents they didn’t believe I could have friends.

The irony.

Camila laughs. “It’s the truth, love. We don’t hear about your games anymore. It’s been months since you told me how far you’ve made it in the Elden Ring.”

“That’s not important anymore,” Marie says.

Camila nods in agreement. “Exactly. Hope is more important. Your first girl best friend in the world.”

Marie flushes at those words and I can’t help but smile.She’s my first girl best friend in the world, too.

“Now, how about you two rest a bit in your room and I bring you snacks?” Camila offers, looking excited.

I quickly shake my head. “Oh no. You don’t have to Mrs—I mean Camila,” I whisper.

“Yes, stick with that, love.” She gives me a thumbs-up.

I only manage to give her a nod.

Marie jumps in. “Mom, please bring that chocolate you got from London. Hope loves chocolate.”

My jaw hangs.

Oh my God.

I want to disappear.

Evaporate out of existence.

In sheer panic, I croak out, “No. I don’t. I don’t like chocolate.”

Marie frowns. “What? That’s not true. I know you love chocolate. Heath told me.”

“Heath was the one to find that out, huh?” Camila asks with a smirk.

Marie turns to her. “Yeah. He knows everything she likes or doesn’t like. Because he likes her.”

Because he likes her.That’s the only bit I focus on.

Camila grins. “Finally. You and I have been waiting for it.”

“Yeah.”

I don’t have to look in the mirror to know I’m as red as blood because all the vessels in my face have exploded from embarrassment.

“That’s not true,” I say.

Both Marie and Camila turn to me. Their smiles and eyes filled with optimism.

Marie speaks first. “He does.”

“I agree,” Camila adds.

Before I can ask them more, a woman interrupts us, and Camila leaves with her to bring us snacks.

---