Page 84 of Come Back to Me

“Given everything she’s been through, the experience has made her stronger. Be patient with her though. There are some things that you might talk about that could set her off just like they’d set you off,” Noah points out.

“Okay.”

Xander breaks the tension. “What do you want for breakfast?”

I get off my bed and lean against the wall close to my bedroom door. “Are you making it?”

“It’s going to be a team effort, but yeah,” Xander replies.

“I can’t believe this ishappening right now.”

Noah scratches the edge of his jawline with his index finger. “Don’t have high expectations. The only thing I know how to cook for breakfast are eggs, and that’s about it. Dani has been trying to teach me how to make pancakes and waffles. I haven’t mastered either of them yet.”

“Eggs would be great,” I say.

Noah stands up from the desk chair, heading towards the door where Xander is standing.

“Thanks guys,” I add.

“We’re going to make bacon, too.” Xander’s lips curve up to form a smile.

“In the oven, right?” I ask.

Xander rolls his eyes. “Yes. We wouldn’t dare to make it in a pan on the stove.”

Before I can say something snarky, Xander leaves my room, and Noah heads out a couple minutes afterwards.

I know they’re only doing this because it’s a special occasion, but it’s a nice change of pace. I don’t make breakfast every single day. It does feel like I do though. Cooking is one of my passions, but it can be a lot of work depending on what meal I make. It’s why I’m getting a minor in nutrition.

Noah’s mom, Laura, told me when I was younger that she could’ve seen me go to culinary school. The dream was always Sunset Cove University regardless of what path I decided to follow.

I didn’t choose basketball.

It chose me.

I’m so happy that the homecoming game isn’t until this evening because it gives me most of the day to relax. Relaxation has become a foreign concept to me. I’m always going with barely any time to simply take a breath. Basketball practice and college classes consume basically all of my time.

On the flip side, I haven’t been a party person since my senior year of high school. The fact that the guys on the teamconvinced me to go to the after party tonight is a miracle on their part. This party will only commence if we win the game.

We’re playing against Pinecrest University, a school for gifted athletes. Their basketball team is one of the best in the nation.

I could’ve tried to apply there, but I preferred being able to take courses that weren’t all related to basketball. Also, I wanted to stay in Sunset Cove, and I had no reason to leave.

When I took a tour of the Sunset Cove University campus with Noah, Xander and our mothers, I felt right at home. That’s when I knew there was no other choice. I had to attend SCU. No questions asked.

After I stop zoning out, I get out of bed and complete my usual morning routine in my bathroom. I dunk my head under the faucet to wet my hair. When I see droplets fall, I grab a fine-tooth comb and guide it through my hair to tame the stragglers. I take a towel and dry my hair, so I’m not dripping water all throughout the apartment.

“Breakfast is ready,” Noah says.

Walking out of the bathroom, I end up in the main area of my bedroom.

Xander runs in. “He’s proud of himself.”

“Oh, shut up, we both know thatyou’rethe one who’s proud ofyourself. All you did was make the toast.” Noah glares at Xander for a brief moment. “I can tell you one thing. Dani would be proud of me.”

“Congratulations! You know, you better be careful. When a boyfriend obsesses over his girlfriend too much, he starts to lose sight of who he is.” Xander’s voice is full of pure sarcasm.

“When you finally get a girlfriend, you’ll understand why I act like the way I’ve been acting.”