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The teams gathered at the center of the field with their coaches, technical staff, and the referee. There was a lot of commotion, with players pushing and shoving. I felt Veronica grab my wrist nervously as she watched the scene.

I turned to her, noticing the fear on her face, and let my fingers slide down to hers, intertwining them. Her confused, surprised expression met mine, and her brown eyes shimmered with tears, filled with pain. It was the same kind of anxiety I’d felt with Colleen a few days earlier, but thankfully, Derek would come away with nothing more than a bruise.

We turned back to the field as Torres was helped off, limping, with Ivan supporting him.

The announcer declared that Belinda’s player was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct and that captain Derek Torres would be replaced by another player—whose name I didn’t catch.

Veronica’s grip on my hand tightened as her brother removed his helmet and spat out his mouth guard. He pressed the injured area, wincing in pain; yet, when his eyes met ours, Derek gave a faint smile and a wink—a subtle way of saying he was okay.

The rest of the game played out, but we barely paid attention. All I could focus on was my hand clasped with Veronica’s. I didn’t let go for the remainder of the match.

My heart was still racing from the last emotions. Seeing my brother being hurt made me very nervous, but Kendra's attitude, holding my hand and not letting go, was decisive in keeping me quiet in the stands. When I realized what had happened, something even bigger took over me. It was a genuine joy that came from a simple act. And it was one of the best things I had ever experienced in my life.

At the end of the game, we were able to celebrate the rival team's victory with my brother and his teammates, but we decided that we would enjoy it in their town, since Belinda's team seemed completely upset with us. Not that we cared much, but we didn't want to make the atmosphere worse than it already was.

Colleen and Becker ended up accommodating those who wanted to go in their cars and so we left — of course, Bryant wasn't driving, Kendra was the one who drove her cousin's car.By the time we parked in front of the frat house where Derek lived, the music was already too loud.

We entered and found a place as crowded as on Halloween night. There were people everywhere. Kegs and more kegs of beer arrived with the guests.

“Hey, what do you think about going outside?” I asked Ken, since it was really impossible to stay there and the blonde even seemed a little uncomfortable about it.

“Lead the way, please.”

I held her hand to keep from losing her as we headed toward the door leading to the backyard. The mild weather hadn’t stopped a few drunk people from jumping into the pool, but fortunately, the area wasn’t completely soaked. We weaved through the crowd until we reached the trees, where no one was nearby.

“So, did you like the game today?”

“I hate these sports. They're way too violent, Roni.”

“As if getting tossed into the air isn’t just as dangerous, if not more, than guys tackling each other,” I teased.

Kendra let out a weak laugh, but she knew I was right, as unfortunate as it was.

“The things we do for the sport, huh?” There was something off about her. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but she seemed a little withdrawn—an attitude that didn’t suit her.

I touched her shoulder, drawing her gaze to mine.

“Are you okay?”

She let out a heavy, long sigh.

“It’s just… I wish…” She leaned against the tree trunk. “I wish I could hold your hand without feeling exposed or scared.”

The sadness radiating from her hit me too. It wasn’t because I didn’t understand Kendra needing her own time—everyone has their own pace. Even though I’d been kissing girls and feeling attracted to women for years, it was only last year that the word bisexual truly clicked for me.

“Hey, I don’t want you to feel like that.” I stepped in front of her, resting my hands on her shoulders. “I’m patient, Winfrey... I just want you to feel happy when you’re ready.”

“It’s been hard holding back the urge to make everything public, especially with us being so close all the time.”

I smiled.

“Do you want some distance from me? I can give you that,” I joked.

Kendra’s fingers reached out, absently twisting a strand of my hair.

“If you want, we can leave, mami…”

“Wouldn’t you be upset about leaving? I can just call an Uber and head out alone.”