Page 72 of Okay, Cupid

“Thanks.”

“Okay, Huy’s parents are already on their way to the emergency room,” Alice tells everyone, and Neve and I take a step back as we let Noah drive off, already so careful with his turns as he exits the parking lot.

“What about his truck?” Neve asks.

“Do you have a license?” I say.

“Uh-uh, you?”

I shake my head.

“His parents will just have to come back and get it,” Neve says, letting out a deep sigh.

“Okay, guys!” Someone from the opposing team settles in. “Let’s get back to the game, you boys pull in two subs.”

Without Huy here to play, Neve and I don’t see much reason to stick around. “I wish we could’ve gone with them,” I tell her as I help her pack Alice’s things away.

“At least Noah knew what he was doing,” Neve says.

I silently agree with her.

“Is he okay?” Cal asks me.

I didn’t even realize that Cal hadn’t moved from his spot. I guess he saw the chaos and didn’t want to add to it.

“Not really, they’re taking him to the emergency room.”

“Ouch.” Cal winces. “Are we leaving?”

“Yeah. Just let me get Huy’s stuff.” I turn to Neve. “Are you going to head home?”

“Yeah, my mom was dying for some mother-daughter time today anyway. She wants to go through her prop collection and start donating things.” Neve zips up her bag. “Just what I wanted to do, sift through severed heads and alien masks.”

“Severed heads?” Cal asks with a generous amount of hesitation.

“Neve’s parents design props and effects for horror movies,” I clarify.

“Ever see The Hendersons? Or Dear Killer?” Neve asks.

“Can’t say that I have,” Cal tells her. “Jude mostly makes me watch rom-coms.”

“Ah, well. You’re not missing out on much.” Neve throws her bag over her shoulders. “I’ll text you tonight, okay?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Bye, Jude. It was good to see you, Cal!”

“Good to see you too!” Cal waves as Neve exits the field. “She seems nice.”

“Yeah, she’s really great.” I feel that bitterness along my tongue again. Because Neve is a good friend. But she won’t be for much longer.

“Well … now you get to spend the day with me!”

“Yeah …” I try to sound as thrilled as Cal does.

“Do you want to grab some lunch or something? I know it’s still early.”

Actually, despite my hunger levels rising, I don’t really have much of an appetite after seeing Huy writhe around in pain with a broken arm. “Are you hungry?”