Page 11 of His Team

I look down at Caleb lying there with sweat soaking his hair and skin. Is that blood? Oh my God.

I vow in this moment never to place Caleb in a position like this again. I need to talk to Cam. He has to know I didn’t mean for this to happen.

“Shit, I told that woman this party was a dumbass idea,” Mr. Perry growls as he rushes into the room.

I stand, wringing my hands in front of me as I bounce from foot to foot. I feel like complete shit. I did this, and for what?

“Can you folks give us some space?” Mr. Perry says.

I turn and leave the room. The EMS workers rush into the room as I—and the others—file out. Cam and his dad are the only ones left in the room.

CHAPTER 4

Can We Talk?

Maribel

It’s been a week since I’ve been staying at my cousin’s place. I stop by the dorm every day to at least be seen there. I’m so glad I had options because that dorm room stinks and my roommate’s side of the room is filthy.

No way would I have been able to put up with that shit and keep my mouth shut. I’m having a hard time not telling her off as it is. I have no doubt that others are going to begin to complain about the smell coming from that room.

“I’m starving, want to get some Chinese food?” Taylor asks from the couch.

She has actually turned out to be really cool. We have a few classes together and I run into her a lot on campus. One thing led to another and we’ve become friends.

She’s keeping my secret out of pity. She’s been to the dorm room. Not to mention her roommate is a bitch to her all thetime. She’s been camping out here the last few days to have some peace and to keep from throat punching her roomie.

I pull a face and side-eye her. “Chinese in Texas. I’ll pass.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“No offense, finding good Chinese food out of state is a task. The rice be greasy, the chicken flavorless, or the egg rolls are trash.”

“I’ve been to this one place. I promise you it’s a good one. Come on, just try it,” she says.

I laugh as the microwave dings and the scent of butter and popcorn fills the air. It’s the second bag she’s popped in the last thirty minutes. My mouth waters and I realize I might be hungry too.

“Okay, fine. We can go before you eat all my cousin’s popcorn.”

“I’ll pick up some more.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m going to hit the store tomorrow to stock up on some things.”

“I’ll give you some cash. I don’t want to freeload.”

I shrug and go to throw my sneakers on. The weather is fickle here. Yesterday was chilly, but today was hot as fuck. I have on a sports bra and running shorts.

I swipe on some lip gloss and I’m ready to go. It was too hot earlier to think about doing more with my hair than a messy ponytail. I blew it out earlier this week, but the ponytail has been a saving grace for getting up and going.

“Okay, I’m ready. Lead the way.”

“You won’t regret this. I’m telling you, this place is clutch. You know, we should try to see if they will switch us up and trade our roomies.”

“I wouldn’t toss that situation on anyone.” I shake my head and pull a face.

“I guess you have a point, but that bitch would deserve it.”

“It will work out. Besides, this area is cool. Not too far from campus and still has a cool vibe. My cousin doesn’t mind at all. She doesn’t get to use the place.”

---