Page 22 of One Little Kiss
It’s all I have.
See? Depressing.
My mom’s going off on some rant about how colleges are so much more expensive than they used to be, while my dad’s chiming in with weird anecdotes about one of their colleague’s kids who I don’t know.
I’m not really paying much attention, too busy planning a party for after the game tonight.
Win or lose, there will be a party.
I’m interrupted in my group text to announce said party when my mom kisses the top of my head. “Have a good weekend, and don’t get into trouble.”
“Me?” I feign innocence and she laughs in that indulgent way.
Meanwhile my dad’s hugging Leah. “What about you, kiddo?” he asks her. “You have big plans for tonight?”
Leah casts a wide-eyed look at me, and I give a little shake of my head.
It’s not like I’m keeping the playoffs a secret, but if we tell them now they’ll just feel unnecessarily guilty about a) not knowing and then b) still leaving and missing the game.
Leah gets the message and gives my dad a beatific smile. “Just spending time with friends.”
“Good, good.” He ruffles her hair like she’s still eight years old, and claps a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, huh?”
I chuckle. So does he.
It’s not exactly aLeave It to Beavermoment, but everyone goes their own way feeling good.
Even me, because after the playoff game, I’ve got plans for my friends. And with all this talk of college, all I really want is to enjoy my friends while I have them.
I send Noelle a separate text as I head to my room to change for the game. “You coming tonight?”
Noelle:Have I ever missed a game?
Me:I meant after, dork.
And honestly, I’m not even sure why I’m double checking. Noelle never misses a party. But with the way things have been between us lately…
I don’t know. I guess I just want to make sure we’re cool. I see those telling dots blinking that she’s responding as I strip off my shirt to throw on my football gear. I head to the bathroom, do my thing, but when I come back out and check my phone, it’s still a blank. Her answer never comes.
Huh.
Weird.
She probably got distracted. I’d bet anything she’s at either Mara’s or Celia’s getting ready so they can head over together.
When I come back downstairs, I burst out laughing. “What is this?”
Leah spins around. “This is school spirit!” She’s wearing our school colors and her face is painted with the mascot and glitter. Her hair’s pulled up in a crazy style and she even sprayed color into her blonde hair so she has highlights to match our school colors.
I can’t even bring myself to point out that she’s new to this school and will only be going for one year.
“You look amazing.” I wrap an arm around her shoulders and head to the door. “You sure you’re cool going early? I can find you a ride, if you want.”
“I’m sure.” She squeezes my waist. “You should have family there.”
My heart gives a little tug and I tighten my grip on her shoulders. “Thanks, Leah.”
She rests her head against me for a sec. “That’s what cousins are for.”
