Page 10 of The Off-Limits Play

I grit my teeth and refuse to respond. It’s not my fault she’s so obviously deaf, because I’ve told her multiple times I won’t use it unless my leg actually stops working.

Mom: Remember to look after that precious body of yours.

Me: I am.

Clenching my jaw even tighter, I wait for whatever “helpful” suggestion she’s going to give me next, but thank God she decides to change the subject.

Mom: Denzel has his football game tonight. This is a big one. Think he’s feeling the pressure. He’ll really appreciate his big sister’s support.

Me: I’ll be there. And make sure Eli brings my iPad. He still hasn’t given it back. Is he coming to the game?

Mom: The whole family will be there. Amina’s not very happy about it, but I told her she can bring a book to read.

I snicker. A book? My mother seriously does not understand her kids.

Glancing at the time in the top corner of my screen, I figure I better get walking. My pace has become more snail-like since my accident, and I don’t want to be late to class. But I need to do a solid for my ten-year-old sister, so I send another text to Mom.

Me: Get her to bring that new polish she got and I’ll do her nails for her.

Mom: During the game?

I picture my mother’s face, all mystified. How a woman so practical could get two daughters who love makeup and fashion is beyond me. Amina’s even more into it than I am.

Me: Trust me. I’ll make it work. I gotta go to class now.

I still have a little time, but I’m not about to let my mother know that, although she probably has my schedule pinned to the fridge.

Rolling my eyes, I wait for those little gray dots to turn into words and don’t even see the tower coming toward me until it’s too late.

His bag clips my shoulder and I’m sent scuttling sideways, my foot catching on the concrete and my stupid leg doing me no favors. A painful jab runs up my thigh, my knee inevitably buckling, and I land with a thump on my ass.

And then someone’s yelling at me,“Watch where the fuck you’re going!”

CHAPTER4

CARSON

I race across the grass, growling at the guy who just clipped Nylah with his bag. The dumb douche! Is he fucking blind?

“Hey!” I yell at him again, shoving his shoulder when I get close enough. “I said watch it!”

He finally spins, glancing up from his phone and pulling his headphones down to rest around his neck. Music blasts out from the speakers as I glare at him and point to Nylah, who’s attempting to get up off the ground.

He winces. “Shit, did I?”

“Yeah, dumbass, you did!”

I hook my hand around Nylah’s arm and help her up. “You okay?” I check her over, hating that wince of pain I saw crossing her face just before she fell.

“Yeah, I’m, um?—”

“I’m really sorry.” The giant wanders over, holding up his phone and wincing again. “I was kind of lost in?—”

“No one gives a shit about your excuses,” I bark. “Just watch where the fuck you’re going next time.”

“Okay, man. Chill.” The guy raises his hands and backs away, looking down at Nylah again. “I’m sorry I didn’t see you.”

She brushes her hand through the air. “It’s my fault. Never text and walk, right?”

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