“You watch your sister, will ya? There were attacks on college students at a bar, not far from Atlanta, a few weeks ago.” She hugs my brother.
He kisses her cheek. “Yes, ma’am.”
Mama glances over at the Morales crew, and when she turns back to me, I see a sadness in her eyes. “Mason, give your sister and me a moment alone, please.”
He walks off, and she pulls me into one of her infamous hugs. “I’m sorry I haven’t been there like I should have been. I’m trying to be better.”
There’s no reason to reply with anything other than a hug; she knows I appreciate it. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted from her.
“Love you, Mama.”
“Love you too, baby girl.”
“Break it up, you two.” Mase is back, pulling me out of Mama’s arms. “Time to celebrate with our friends, Madeline.”
My hips move side to side, shimmying down the hall to the bathroom, unable to stop dancing even when the music turns to a faint beat, the further I go.
I haven’t been this happy in a long time, and despite my earlier mood, I’m feeling exceptionally grateful tonight.
A door flings open, and Mase emerges from the men’s bathroom.
“Hi.” I smile up at him, then throw my arms around him.
“Whoa,” he laughs.
“Did I knock the infamous Mason Cunningham off balance? Maybe I should be a famous football player.”
He wraps his arms around me. “You learned from the best.”
“Thanks, Mase. For everything. Thank you for surprising me with Mama and paying for my graduation dinner. For my gift.” My smile widens, and I hold out my wrist, getting a good look at my diamond tennis bracelet. “You’re a good brother, not because you buy me stuff, but because you think about what would make me happy.”
“God, Maddie. Don’t make me look like a chick, drunk crying in the bar.” He squeezes me once more, then steps back. “But I would do anything for you. Always remember that.” He kissesmy forehead. “Now go use the bathroom, and I’ll meet you on the dance floor.”
As I watch him walk away, I count my lucky blessings that Mase is the man he is and make a mental note to celebrate his accomplishments more, even if it pushes him outside of his comfort zone.
“Did you tell her?” a voice I recognize as Leo’s whispers from the corridor.
Who is he talking to?
I inch forward, hiding behind the bathroom door, attempting to walk quietly even as the beer-soaked floor makes my heels squeak with every step.
“No,” Camila’s voice rings out. “And you won’t either. We’re here to celebrate my best friend, not ruin her day. She’s had a tough enough year as it is.”
Leo makes a disgruntled noise. “It’s better to come from you. If Maddie finds out, and you haven’t told her, it will only hurt more.”
“Like I don’t know that, Leo,” she hisses, “I’m trying to navigate this the best I can.”
I frown, not at all following.
“I know.” His voice softens. “I won’t push you, but don’t wait too long.”
It’s obvious she’s talking about me, but what won’t she tell me?
It has to be about Nate.
Over the last year, everyone has tiptoed around me whenever it comes to him. Too afraid I’d break if I heard his name.
“I won’t wait. Just not today.”
