Page 48 of Kicking It with the Point Guard

Well, not all of it. It looks like whoever was in charge of the sheering at least tried to leave me with enough to put into some kind of style when I finally get out of here.

But I’m definitely not winning any awards for best hairstyle.

“As a friend, I appreciate you telling me I look like I’ve lost a fight with a boxer who also is a champion dog groomer.”

Oscar scoffs, and Mia hides a smile behind her hand.

I hand her phone back to her.

“I don’t guess there’s any chance that you could convince Cameron to come back another time?”

That causes Oscar to laugh outright.

“Good one, shortie. Nope. No chance. Coach practically had to leash him to keep him from following you off the court.”

I blush, and my friends grin.

“Ah, young love.” Mia sighs dreamily, and Oscar pretends to swoon.

“You guys are idiots.” I snort, braced for the pain. It was worth it.

A knock sounds at the door, and my nurse bestie peeks in. “You doing all right, sweetheart?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“All right, you two,” she says sternly to the hallway. “If you promise to behave yourselves, you may come back in.”

“Yes, yes. Be good. Don’t upset Violet. We get it.” Mom huffs, coming back into the room, clearly over her initial distress.

Dad smiles at the nurse, and she shakes her head but leaves us alone for now.

A phone dings and Oscar pulls his out. “Cam’s here. Should I go get him?”

“Yes, please.”

“I’ll go with you,” Mia offers. “Violet, I’m going to go back to work now that I know you’re okay.”

“Can you…” I start, and she laughs.

“Of course. I’ll bring you two slices this time. You deserve them.”

“Bless you, sweet friend.”

She blows me a kiss and follows Oscar out of the room.

My dad sits on the edge of the bed, careful to avoid any of my broken parts.

“Your friends seem really nice. I’m glad you’re finding a place in the world.”

I smile at him. “Mia is the best.”

“The tall one is not bad to look at.” Mom raises a brow at me.

“Mother, he’s taken. That’s Mia’s boyfriend, Oscar.”

“Rats,” she says under her breath.

Another knock at the door, then it creaks open.

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