And I mean it.
I won’t block out Camila completely, but taking a step back from the whole Morales crew, for now, is what’s best for me.
Maybe getting back on the dating scene is a good idea, too.
Maybe I am ready.
14
Maddie—Age Twenty-four
Nate—Age Twenty-six
One Year Later
November
Maddie
A familiar knock on my front door shocks me right out of a daydream.
What is he doing here?
Knowing Mase, he’ll use his key to let himself in, but I don’t give him the chance. I run and swing it open.
“Mase!” I jump into his arms and hug him hard. “I was expecting Wes. This is a pleasant surprise. Wait, you have a game in a couple of days. What are you doing here?”
He makes a face but doesn’t comment on my new boyfriend, which is a first.
“Sooo?” I push.
“Madeline.” He clears his throat and audibly swallows.
I pull back to see his sorrowful expression, and my heart drops. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”
Mase’s eyes fill with tears. “Let’s sit.”
He pulls me to my bed and takes a seat next to me, linking our hands together.
“Mason, you’re scaring me.” He leans over and kisses my forehead.
“Madeline—” His voice cracks, and the tears break free from his eyes. “Camila?—”
“Camila, what?” I jump off the bed in a panic.
He hasn’t said one word, but I can feel it in my gut that something is wrong.
“Last night, she pass?—”
No. No. No.
“Don’t finish that sentence.” I fall forward, catching myself on the desk.
He grabs my hand and pulls me back down. “Maddie. You need to hear this. Camila passed away last night.”
My mouth opens, and no words come out.
I can’t breathe.
