She pulls me into a hug, and I tense before hugging her back. Oddly enough, she doesn’t seem to mind that I’m still wet from the pool.
“And what do we have here?” Oh hell. I pull away from Zo. Will gives me a kind smile, while Cameron’s face is, surprise surprise, stoic.
“I was thanking Kami for finally giving us the push you needed to admit your feelings for me.”
“Hey, I would’ve done it eventually.” Will pouts.
“Uh-huh. Yeah, sure. Anyways, I’ll let you leave now, you must be freezing.” She smiles and starts to step toward Will.
“Um, wait.” I really hope I don’t regret this later. “I’m having a small get-together for my birthday this Saturday, and I wouldlove it if you could come, Zo. You too, Will.” Cameron’s shuffling uncomfortably behind Will. Not that he should care about not being invited, what did he expect?
“Sounds great.”
“Why don’t I give you my number, and I’ll text you the details.”
“Sure thing.” She hands me her phone and I save my contact information.
“Great. I’ll text you later.”
We say our goodbyes, and Zo lets go of Will’s hand to head to the women’s locker room.
“Thanks, Kami, I owe you one.” Will winks at me.
“Just treat her right.” Narrowing my eyes, I point to him. “You’re lucky as hell to have her.”
“I know.” He has the same dreamy look in his eyes that Zoey had moments ago as he walks away.
Once they’re gone, I realize that Cameron didn’t leave with them. His voice comes from behind me. “Kamila, I’m sorry about Friday. I shouldn’t have—” he stutters. “It shouldn’t have happened.”
Taking in a deep breath, I turn to face my former best friend. “No. That was a mutual decision. The words exchanged after the kiss, and that ridiculous Cinderella alarm are what you should be sorry for.”
He opens his mouth to speak but thinks better of it.
“Are we done here?”
He dips his chin and I feel both anger and relief at his response.
I’m halfway to the locker room when he speaks.
“I’ll see you in class tomorrow, Kamila.” He passes me by and smiles. The asshole smiles like he’s demented. I see red and slam the doors behind me before I do anything idiotic.
Chapter Twelve
CAMERON
About three years ago…
Knocking on Ana and Kamila’s front door with a heavy chest, I wait to see who’s home. Their mom opens the door and greets me with a hug.
“Cameron, you know you don’t have to knock. You’re practically family.”
“Sorry, Mrs. Morales, I always feel like I’m intruding whenever I don’t.”
She raises her brows, looking so much like Kamila whenever she gets annoyed. “You also need to start calling me Nora.” I chuckle as she opens the door wider for me to come in. “Kamila is still at cheerleading practice, but Ana is upstairs in her room.” Nora leads me to the kitchen with her hand on my back. Usually, I head straight up to Ana’s or Kami’s room right away. This is new.
“Hey Cam, how have you been?” Rafael, the girl’s stepdad, is standing by the kitchen counter eating a bowl of cereal. Rafael has been married to their mom for the past five years now. He’s been more of a father figure to them than their biological dad ever was. Their bio-dad skipped town, claiming he never wanted a child, let alone two. Kamiand Ana were only one year old and he hasn’t been seen or heard from since the divorce was finalized. The house, along with full custody of the girls, was handed over to Nora without any complaints from him. She never asked for any child support. She wanted a clean break, according to her daughter's story.
“Hey Rafael, I’m good. Just here to see Ana.”
