She nods solemnly and turns to Sienna. “Where are da pics?”
“Lily is obsessed with our engagement photos. Here, baby.” Sienna hands them to her, and Lily wiggles out of my arms and drags me to the couch, where she pats the seat next to her.
She hands me photo after photo of the guys serenading Sienna last month. Little fingerprints dot each print.
As I look over the images, Sienna and I discuss her new business. “I’m sinking every penny I have into it, but I think it’ll be worth it in the end,” she says proudly.
“I don’t doubt it’ll be a success.”
Lily hands me another pic.
“Does it matter that we’re getting these grubby?” I ask Sienna.
“Those are her own set. She can manhandle them if she wants. Lily, show him your favorite.”
It’s a photo of me scowling at my housemate Johnny, who has me in a headlock. Ben is down on one knee proposing to his girl, and we’re in the background looking like asses.
“You’d think Johnny would’ve been more careful with you since you were in a leg brace and crutches,” she says.
“Caution is not his style.”
“I like dis one,” Lily says, handing me a photo of Maggie and Sienna, hugging and grinning at the camera.
It almost hurts to see Maggie so happy after what happened the other day at the grocery store. She acted as though I’d offered to shave her head instead of buy her groceries. We weren’t always so antagonistic with each other, but I have no idea how to get back to our old friendship. I’m not sure it’s even possible.
“Oh!” Sienna hops up and runs to the kitchen and returns with an envelope with my name on it. “After Maggie babysat the other day, she left the money I paid her with for you.”
I’m not surprised when I open it and find sixty dollars with a Post-It that says, Thanks for the help the other day. Sorry for snarking at you.
I’m shocked by the apology. Grateful she paid me back because I need to buy a textbook with the cash, but surprised nonetheless.
I clear my throat and limp my way over to the kitchen. “Can I ask you a question?”
Sienna turns back to me as she unloads the dishwasher. “Sure. What’s up?”
“Is everything okay with Magnolia?”
Sienna doesn’t say anything at first, just watches me. “As far as I know. Why?”
If I tell Sienna what happened with Maggie at the grocery store the other day, Maggie will be horrified. She’ll think I betrayed her trust again. I’ve never seen her cry like that, and it broke my heart to see her so downtrodden. I wanted to wrap her in a hug, but I think she would’ve kneed me in the balls if I touched her.
I groan as I scrub my face, indecision gnawing at my insides. “No reason. Just… making sure.”
“I know you two have had your differences, but…” Sienna studies my face for a moment. “If you’re worried about her, you could just stop by her house and talk to her.”
She makes it sound so easy.
Trust me—I’ve considered it. But I can’t drive for a few more weeks, and it would be weird to make one of my roommates take me. I never know how to explain what’s going on between me and Maggie.
I consider calling Sebastian, but that would make it worse. He’s a senior at UT now, and he’d haul ass up here to investigate and freak out his sister.
“Worried about who?” Ben heads toward me, and we do this little fist-jab, back-slap thing.
“No one. Good to see you, bro.”
“Same here. Missed you, man.”
He asks about my doctor appointment and prognosis. After I relay everything I discussed with Dr. Curtis, I tell him my plan. “As much as I hate this, I’m going to use my last season of eligibility. Talked to my counselor the other day. I’ll be a fifth-year senior come August.” Saying that out loud is embarrassing. I always thought I was a smart guy, and while there’s no shame in doing what you need to finish school, it definitely dings my pride to not graduate on time. At least I’ve got a full ride, and Coach says my scholarship will get funded in the fall, so I’m beyond grateful.
