Page 47 of Fast Break


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I find milk and hazelnut creamer in the fridge and pour us each a mug, adding a splash of milk tomineand a heavy dollop of creamer to hers. I set her mug in front of her and lean against the doorway, blowing onminebefore taking a sip."Want to talk about it?"

Shepullsher knees to herchestand wraps her arms around them."It was my mother."

"I gathered. What's so urgent she had to call and upset you before the sun has barely cleared the horizon?"

"She gets up at five, so this isn't early to her. I've been ducking her calls the past few days, just because, so I figured I'd better answer and see what shewants."

I sip my coffee, the hot liquid burning the tip of mytongue."And?"I prompt when she doesn't continue.

"I told you my ex is marrying my cousin."She wipes a finger across her eyelid."My mother is hosting an engagement lunch for themtomorrowand shewantsme to be there."

Rage kindles and burns inside, at her ex, at her cousin, but mostly at her mother."First of all, why there, and secondly, why do you have to go?"

Shegivesa waterylaugh."My Aunt Dory and Uncle Frank are in the process of renovating their house, and I guess the bride-to-be didn't want to have it at a restaurant. She wanted something more private—for all fifty guests."

I put my mug down and sit next to her, enfolding her into my arms. She leans her head against mychestand sniffles, wiping her nose with the sleeve of her robe."Don't think I'm crying because ImissBrennan."

"Okay."I smooth down her hair.

"Or think I'm jealous. They deserve each other, and I honestly don'tcareif they get married."

"I don't,"I soothe.

"I'm just so angry."Shesitsup and rubs her face with her robe. I look around and spot a box of tissues on the end table and hand it to her.

"Thanks,"she says, using the tissues to dry her eyes.

"It's understandable you're angry, Coco. What they did is seriously fucked up."

She balls up the tissue and tosses it on the table."No, not angry at them. Angry at my mom. I understandRaniais her niece, but I'm her daughter. Why the hell does she think it's okay to host an engagementpartyfor my ex-boyfriendand mycousin? And to demand my presence ontopof it."

My irritation spikes. If I didn't think it'd make Palmer's life harder, I'd call her mother back and give the woman a reality check."You're an adult,Palmer. She can't demand your presence at anything."

"Sounds good, in theory. But my parents are all I have. I don't have brothers or sisters, or a big extended family like yours. I have to go. But I'm so mad she'sputtingme in this position to look like a fool. A total loser."

"Hey, now. Not possible."I grasp her chin and turn her face tomine. Her usually lively eyes are dull with sadness."You are not a fool or a loser. Haven't we been over this before?"

She offers me a weak smile and brushes aquickkissto my lips. Her phone beginsplayinga lyrical melody. She swipes it off."Time forpractice."

Istand."I promisedBiancaI'd takeMattshopping for wedding suits. She doesn't trust his taste. Which is fair; left to his own devices, we'd probably all bewearingcarpenter jeans and flannels."

This gets a chuckle out of her."All right. See you later?"

"You bet."kissher then smack herass."Now let's get out of here beforeCoachhas you doing wind sprints for being late."

Twenty-Nine

Charlie

Later,I textPalmerabout meetingBianca,Matt, and me fordinner. She can't because she has to stay awhile afterpractice, since she'll be missing tomorrow's. I invite her to my place, sinceMattwill be at Bianca'stonight, and she shows up around nine looking nothing like my bright beauty. Her skin is sallow, tight lines tug her mouth down, and no trace of sparkle in her eyes. She slumps onto the couch with a wan smile.

"Toughpractice?"I ask, sitting next to her, my body half-turned to face her.

"Tough day."She lets out a gust of breath."I shouldn't have come. I'm physically and mentally drained right now.Coachis not happy I'm missingpracticetomorrow, so I had to put in extra time."

"Don't go just yet,"I say,puttingmy hand on her knee."Want a glass of wine?Beer? Water?"

She squints her eyes at me for a moment."How about someicecream?"