Abi’s smile is contagious. Her eyes beam behind green frames. This girl probably has glasses in every color.
“We can do something today if you’re free. I don’t have to work. I’m only going to Zumba class at ten,” I say.
It’ll be nice to get out of the apartment. The guys are already out and about.
“Yes, let’s go to—”
Abi’s phone, next to her mug, rings and interrupts her. My brother’s name shows up.
She puts the phone to her ear. “Hey, babe.”
She listens intently. “Okay. See you in ten minutes.”
After hanging up, she sighs. “Victor forgot his gear at home and he’s asked Alek to bring it over to his gym. Come help me with it? Alek will be here soon and he doesn’t have a lot of time between practices.”
I follow her upstairs to Victor’s room. The familiar Old Spice scent surrounds me as I take it all in. He’s lived here for almost four years, and I expected more things in his room. People always collect clutter over the years—posters, trophies, cards—little items here and there. But his walls are bare and white. His bedding is white. No color. No emotions. It feels temporary. His room kind of reminds me of a hotel room.
Except one item, which seems out of place. Next to his bed, resting on a nightstand, is a picture of an older woman.
“Tia, you okay?” Abi’s voice pulls me back to reality. And I think I’ve been standing at the nightstand for some time. Abi is holding a duffel bag.
“What’s inside?”
“Victor’s shin guards, tape, gloves, and a bunch of other things.” Her eyes study me for a brief second. “How about we deliver the bag ourselves?”
“What?” I shriek and clear my throat.
Witnessing bloody guys and aggression was not on my to-do list for today.
“Don’t you want to see Victor?” Abi wiggles her thick eyebrows.
I huff, more to myself.Am I that obvious?
“Your secret is safe with me.”
I do want to see him in his element and figure him out.
“Fine,” I say.
We meet Alek outside. He rolls down his window. “That dumbass never forgets anything. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Alek shakes his head a few times. “I better bring his gear before his dad beats his ass.”
Victor must have had a difficult childhood with his dad. No wonder he only has a picture of his mom next to his bed. At least, I assume it must be his mom.
The urge to let him know he’s not alone takes over my body.
Abi moves quickly, opening the passenger door and getting inside. Alek’s hands fly up.
“No, no, no. I’m going by myself.”
I open the back door and take a seat. Alek faces me.
“No, girls. Out.”
“In. Let’s go,” Abi says.
“No way. Abi, Twinkle won’t listen to me, but please take her back home.”
Alek places his hand on top of Abi’s. She leans in and kisses him on the cheek.
