Page 117 of Love me, Maddie Mendoza

Jason sighed dramatically. “Fucking finally.”

“You’re going to help.” I told them.

“Yeah, sure whatever.” Nick started.

Jay interrupted. “DO WE HAVE A PLAN?” When I nodded, he sat straight. “A plan, god, my nipples are getting hard.”

Nick’s gaze flashed to Jason in disgust, and back to me, jerking his thumb toward our friend. “Tell me he’s not invited to the plan.”

“I need you both.” I couldn’t leave Jay behind.

“He needs me.” Jason smiled smugly. “Say it again.”

“That I need you?” I asked, confused.

“I mean, I love to hear it, but the other badass thing you said.”

I looked at Nick, but he seemed lost for words. I faced Jay. He was like an overly excited puppy. But as his determined gaze found mine, I knew what he wanted to hear.

“I’m getting my girl back.”

Jay punched his fist in the air.“Fuck yeah!"

Jason Barlowe, Nicholas Darling, Aisha Harris, Zeek King, and Magdalena Mendoza graduated from Statham University on one sunny afternoon. Not that I paid too much attention to the ceremony, or that most of us had any plans of leaving.

I wore slacks and a button down on mom’s insistence, but the most important event of the day was still yet to come. I hopped from one foot to the other but ignored concerns of why I was so nervous.

The green lawns in front of Statham’s Event Hall were the perfect place for the families to take a picture of the newest graduates. At a distance, I longed for her, as she ran toward her family. It felt wrong not to be with her.

Maddie fell into André’s embrace with her cap in hands and the most gorgeous smile. I couldn’t see what she was wearing underneath the black graduation gown, but if I was to judge by her tangerine heels, I’d say something incredible.

“We should go with them,” Mom said one more time, her eyes glued to the Mendozas.

“Don’t mom.” I pleaded.

Mom and dad weren’t happy with the separation between Maddie and me. At first, it barely affected them. But once mom started to make graduation plans, the fact me and Maddie were at odds annoyed her.

She knew little of the story, but the little she knew, she didn’t like it.

“They are our friends!” She frowned like I was unaware.

“We’ll have a roast at home, Mara.” Dad interrupted, catching mom’s chin and turning to him. “It’s family time.”

It might sound like dad was on my side, but I knew better than to believe that. I heard enough of his opinions about making peace with Maddie, but I was glad he was giving me the day off.

“We are all dressed up, mom.” I winked at her. “And I’ve been hearing about this roast for far too long.”

Mom made a disapproving sound. “It’s because you didn’t let us make a proper dinner reservation. We could’ve made reservations in a fancy restaurant.” She pursed her lips, passing her hand on top of my gown with a stern look. “It’s such a special day, Zeek. It’s your graduation and we are fighting with the Mendozas…”

“We aren’t fighting with the Mendozas.” I corrected.

“You’re at odds with Maddie. You’re sad when it’s such a special day. Tell him Marcus.”

“He knows it is a special day, Xiomara.”

Mom sighed. “Tell him anyway.”

Dad pinned me with a look. “Son, it is a very special day. Your mother and I are very proud of you and everything you accomplished.”

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