She whacks me on the forehead with her toothbrush, and I laugh.
“What was that for?”
“The romantic stuff… You relapsed.”
“Good thing I’ve got you to keep me in check.”
I cover her lips with mine, and for a moment, she falls silent.
Just for a moment, though.
EPILOGUELEWIS
Coach’s house is packed with basketball players—we’ve got a lot of celebrating to do. Don and I are headed for the NBA, the Campus Drivers all graduated, and this is our last meal together before we head off to start the rest of our lives.
I’m hanging out in the living room with Don. Tomorrow, he’ll be winging his way east for a press conference with the Knicks.
“Is Carrie going with you?”
He nods. “I’m hoping I can talk her into joining me out there.”
“She still stuck on Sycamore Heights?”
“Yeah. She’s only got one more year to go, but the idea of her staying back here in SHU depresses the hell out of me.” He hangs his head. “I’ve been trying my best, man. I even talked to Columbia about it. Carrie’s an amazing student, plus the dean’s a Knicks fan. So, he hooked me up with an enrollment pack. I’ll be earning enough to cover her tuition—but you know how she is.” He sighs. “Guess I’m just gonna have to step up and get her crushing even harder over the summer.”
I nod thoughtfully. Just a few months ago, I would’ve been rolling my eyes at the sight of my friend having a meltdown over some girl, instead of embracing everything this insane opportunity has to offer. I thought that was the way to do things—focus on the NBA,go all in, and leave the rest for later. I was wrong, though. Sticking to the plan would’ve meant no stress, no wasted time, and no Amy Hitman in my life. Damn, I was a fool. Her cheering me on from the sideline makes me even more determined to succeed. Her waiting for me in the parking lot with her cleaned-up Pontiac makes me feel on fire.
“How’d you convince Firebird?” Don is asking.
“Nothing special—she just can’t stay away.”
Amy strides across the room to hover by my side.Perfect timing!
I wink at my friend. “Like I was saying…”
“What was he saying?” Amy asks.
“That you’re obsessed with him.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. She turns to me slowly.
“Obsessed, huh?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“Oh, that’sexactlywhat you said, dude.” Don nods excitedly, before glancing at Amy. “And then you justhappenedto come over…”
“I’m here for the wine!” She snatches the bottle out of my hand. “Just you wait till we’re alone,” she hisses, before turning to slink out the French doors.
Donovan laughs. “I thought Carrie was bad—Amy is next level.”
“Hey, at least she hasn’t waxed my balls.”
He gasps. “Where’d you hear that?”
“Carrie told Lois, who told Becca, who told Carter”—I take a deep breath in—“who told Lane, who told Adam, who told me.”
“Fuck my life—isnothingsacred between us anymore?”
