“Hence why we’re listening to an audiobook now.” Since we’re in standstill traffic on our way into New York City, I take my eyes off the road long enough to shoot an indignant glare Maya’s way. “You’re welcome.”
She shoves her hand into the near-empty bag of sour worms and pulls out a half-purple, half-blue one. She wiggles it in front of my face. “Want it? I bet sugar would cheer you up.”
“I’m not in a bad mood,” I say for the third time in the past hour. “And yes, obviously, I do.”
I snatch it from her hand and happily munch on the sour candy until the sweetness hiding under it hits me. All best friend pairs should consist of one person who likes the blue-purplegummy worms and another who likes yellow-orange ones. It makes road trips much more bearable.
When Cameron invited me to the New York game, I let myself get excited. Actually excited—the kind where my stomach flipped and I had to bite back a smile while responding to his text. For about three whole minutes, I let myself believe he invited me because he wanted me there.
And maybe he does on some level, but the sharp and sober reality is that this is part of the plan.
It’s always been part of the plan.
Big away games within driving distance where it makes sense for the “girlfriend” to attend. Games Gigi is definitely attending, where we need to sell this thing we’re doing. Where my presence serves a purpose beyond just… being wanted.
The confirmation came when he found out Maya was going and texted me:Perfect. You two can drive together.
I stared at that message longer than I should have, trying to untangle the disappointment knotting in my chest. This is what I signed up for… right?
“You’re definitely in a bad mood,” Maya repeats, popping a yellow gummy into her mouth. “I can see it in your face.”
“This is my natural face when I’m concentrating on not rear-ending the car in front of us.”
“We haven’t moved in seven minutes.”
I tap my fingers against the steering wheel. “Stop talking and listen to the audiobook. I think the detective is about to solve the murder.”
“The butler did it.”
Whipping her way, I gasp. “Maya!”
“What? It’s always the butler.” She grins, victorious, with another gummy worm pinched between her fingers.
I can’t help but let out a huff. The traffic inches forward, and I press the gas just enough to move three feet before stopping again.
“Is it Gigi?” Maya asks in a neutral tone.
My chest tightens at that name. “Maya?—”
“What did she say to you?” she pushes. “And don’t tell me nothing. I know she cornered you at practice last week. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me. We’ll discuss why you didn’t at another time. But Cole said he had to switch into Captain mode to stop Cameron from storming over there.”
“Fucking tattletale,” I mumble.
“He cares, Kenn,” Maya says a little defensively. “That’s not tattling.”
Sighing, I force my grip to relax, flexing my fingers. “I know, I know. Sorry. I don’t mean to snap at you. It was nothing. She just tried to get in my head, and she’ll be at this game, so I’m a little rattled. I’d rather not have to interact with her again… ever.”
“What did she say?” Her neutral tone is gone, switching to full protective bestie mode.
“The usual bullshit.”
My best friend’s jaw tightens. “What else?”
I look back at the road and sigh. “What do you mean what else?”
“Kennedy, don’t play dumb with me.” In my periphery, she pins me with that look that indicates she knows damn well I’m holding back.
I focus very intently on the car in front of us. “It doesn’t matter. I know she’s trying to fuck with me.”
