I chuckle. “Well, I didn’t think it was fair that you dyed your hair since I’d always been in love with Chris,” I tell her with a shrug.
Her mouth gapes open. “So, you’re telling me I dyed my hair for nothing?”
I chuckle. “Well…” My lips twitch. “Not for nothing. It was entertaining for sure.”
“Glad to be of service,” she says dryly. “Can I dye it back now?”
“Sure.”
Her boyfriend, Lucas lets out a groan and plants a kiss on the top of her head. “I’m gonna miss the red.”
Madi smiles up at him, and I can’t help but smile too. I remember when she was adamant about avoiding love because of her shitty ex-boyfriend. And when Lucas came into her life, she didn’t even entertain the idea. But I’m so happy they’re together. I’m so happy that they get to stay together.
In the same city.
The same country.
I glance at Chris, my smile fading. We only have three days left.
Three days until he has to leave.
Three days until I have to say goodbye.
His eyes meet mine, and he smiles, cupping my face in his hands. “I’m so proud of you,” he says. “I know it must have been hard to show them the scars.”
My heart swells with love for him, and I lean into his palm. “I can do anything when you’re with me.”
His eyes soften, but a hint of concern creeps in, his smile fading into a frown. He won’t be with me, though. Not for a whole year.
“Gabi—”
“Aiden Pierce.”
Our heads turn as two girls approach our booth, their eyes fixed on Aiden, who has his arm around his girlfriend, Leila.
“I heard you’re joining the Chicago Bulls,” the blonde says, twirling her hair.
Leila lets out a sigh, turning her head away.
Aiden presses his lips together in a tight smile. “Yeah, I am.”
Aiden was a big deal when he attended Redfield, but now that he’s been drafted into the NBA and is headed to a professional team, he’s going to be even bigger.
“I love Chicago,” the brunette beside her friend says. “And basketball. I could come visit you sometime,” she suggests, leaning on the booth.
Aiden’s smile fades slightly, and he arches a brow, tightening his hold on Leila. “I’m good. My girlfriend will come visit me.”
Leila turns her attention to the girls and gives them a fake smile, narrowing her eyes as she waves at them.
The girls frown and then turn around, heading toward the table where the football team is hanging out.
Leila narrows her eyes at Aiden. “This is what it’s going to be like, isn’t it?”
Aiden’s brows furrow. “What do you mean?”
Leila sighs, rolling her eyes. “Girls flirting with you all the time,” she says, her voice tinged with hurt. “And it’s only going to get worse once you’re gone. You won’t be here anymore.”
Aiden arches a brow. “Well… no, since I graduated.”
