Page 54 of His Team

“I love you too, sweetheart. Same time, same place?”

“I’ll be here. That shit was trash. I’m bringing the weed next time.”

I roar with laughter. “I miss Garrett and his guy.”

“Ugh, I know. Why did they both have to be seniors? I think you’re right. This year already bites. The next few months will probably be more of the same.”

“As long as we have each other, we’ll make it through. Maybe this semester, we won’t have to hide our friendship.”

“That shit must be kicking in, or the beer has soured your brain.”

I scowl and look away. I can’t help feeling like she’s ashamed to be my friend. I understood in the beginning, but it’s been three and a half years.

She cups my chin and turns my face back to her. “Why would I want to let the world in on our perfect bubble? You know I’d fight a bitch over you. Do you know the kind of ass whipping I’ll have to do if these girls on campus knew how close we are?

“Besides, you know I have a sneaking suspicion that Dez has me watched while I’m here. It would kill me if something were to happen to you because of me. It’s best if we keep things the way they are.”

“One of these days, the world will know how much you mean to me and I’m not going to deny it for another second.”

“Cameron Perry,” she drags out and bites her lip. “Good night. See you around campus.”

“See you around campus, Mina. Text me when you get home.”

The days of me walking her to her door had to end after freshman year. Cal and I broke out that first season and everyone knew our names and faces. We can’t even meet up at our favorite Chinese place anymore.

Maribel usually grabs our order when we want to eat together. She has become my greatest secret. In another life, I would shout from this rooftop that she’s one of the most important people in my life.

Maribel

I swipe at my tears as I text Cam that I’m home safely. It’s getting harder and harder to spend so much time with him. I’m completely in love with him and yet I’ll be leaving to marry someone else soon.

I didn’t mean for that to happen, but we’ve been best friends for the last three and a half years. It’s kind of hard not to fall for someone who completely has your back when you don’t have anyone else.

Taylor is still a good friend, but I’ve never shared my deepest, darkest secrets with her. She moved into the dorms full time sophomore year when she got a roommate who was much kinder than her first one.

I hope she gets that lucky again this time. Her roommate from the fall semester dropped out. She’s been stressed all break about her replacement.

I’m too attached to my privacy and have continued to live at my cousin’s place. Ximena’s apartment might as well be mine. She’s never home and even allowed me to change some things around.

My cousin has become a friend when she is here. I will forever be grateful to her. She lends a listening ear when she’s around, but that’s not often.

“Hey,” Ximena says as I walk into the apartment.

I jump, startled out of my thoughts. She laughs and shakes her head. I sigh and kick my shoes off.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were going to be home. I didn’t get your text,” I say.

“I forgot to text. My flight was canceled at the last minute. I couldn’t find another to work, so I came home to hang with my little cousin.

“You’re graduating soon. I’m going to miss having you here. I’m thinking about getting rid of the place,” she says.

“I’m going to miss it here. I wish I could stay.”

“You’re welcome to as long as you want. Just let me know and I’ll hold onto the place.”

“I wouldn’t want to put you out any more than I already have. Thanks for the offer though.”

“You haven’t put me out one bit. You actually did me a favor. The offer stands. I got pizza and wine. You in?” she says with a smile.

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