Page 9 of Wild Hit
Me
Good. Did you have dinner already?
Mi Niña Bonita
Yes
She offers no further commentary, and so I text her once more.
Me
What did you have?
Mi Niña Bonita
*Arepa emoji*
Hmm, maybe I’ll also have one when I get home. The posh finger food is nowhere near enough to fill me up.
A burst of laughter nearby distracts me. My eyes travel over the potted plants to a group of people, all on the younger side of the invite list, but decked in outfits that probably cost twice what my car does. I’m about to return my focus on the cellphone screen when I notice something familiar.
I tilt my head, wondering how that can even be possible, when I spot her—the blonde woman who gave me the black eye I was forced to cover with makeup tonight, and who has been missing in action since.
I narrow my eyes. I better steer clear of her lest she gives me a second black eye, or breaks my nose instead.
Me
I’ll be home early
We can watch some Percy Jackson before you go to bed
Mi Niña Bonita
I already watched them all
“Ugh. Ruthless.” I press my hand against my chest.
But can I blame her? I spend two thirds of my time traveling for games or training, and everyday Marty grows more independent as result. It’s hard not to feel some type of way.
I’m about to text again when I hear something strange. “—Like,bigger, since the last time we saw you.” The emphasis is what beckons my attention.
“Do you meanfatter?” another woman adds, laughing in a mean way. “Why, Audrey, you’ve really let go since high school.”
Call me a drama king, but after what my kid has gone through, I’m so not here for the damn bullies. I tuck my phone away and prepare to leave my hiding spot.
My neighbor tosses her goldilocks over her shoulder and folds her arms. “And you guys are bigger douchebags than I remember, which is quite an impressive feat.”
My feet stop. An amused snort comes out of my chest.
And finally the ultra green eyes lift to find me. They widen like she can’t quite believe what they’re registering, and a touchof alarm lights them up. Is it because she recognizes me as the guy she randomly boxed at first sight, or because it’s clear that I heard the insults she’s trading with these people?
What was it that they called her, again?
“Audrey,” I say, recalling at the last second. I let my lips stretch into what’s a surprisingly genuine smile, and every pair of eyes in the vicinity turns to my arrival. “Here you are, I’ve been looking for you all night.”
You have?her large and expressive eyes convey. Next thing, she catches up to the ruse and plays along like a smart cookie.
“Miguel,” she exclaims, a veneer of cheer falling over her face. I nearly double take that she knows my name, but she already knew who I was last week. “You owed me a dance so this is perfect timing.”
