Page 31

Colleen was right, she always was. She knew me like no one else and knew that I would go through hell if, in the end, I got what I wanted. And what I wanted most, when signing up for Belinda Stone, was the championship cup. And because of that, I would probably do crazy things. Like, of course, going on a diet.

“Okay, but what about the other stuff?” My cousin started making conversation. “College classes and everything.”

“Ah, it's all boring, but I actually like the classes that involve mathematics.”

“You were always a nerd in disguise!” She accused.

And I had to laugh, because it was true.

Dinner was in a super light and fun atmosphere. I missed those moments with Colleen. We were both only children, my mother and her father were siblings, so we were those types of cousins who are attached by the hip. She was like a big sister, and she was great at her job. With her, life in a dysfunctional and rich family didn't seem so lonely.

After eating and allowing ourselves some sorbet for dessert, we left the restaurant towards her car. The downtown of Belinda was beautiful and, at night, something stood out there, it was like walking along streets decorated for Christmas, even though it was very far from the date. The feeling of joy was the same.

I was slightly distracted, observing things, and barely noticed when I bumped into someone.

“Oh, I'm sorry!” Was my first line, until my eyes met Derek Torres. “Oh, it's you...”

He smiled seductively.

“Do I know you?”

Always arrogant and insufferable. Exactly like his sister.

“Probably not, but anyway. I'm Kendra Winfrey, your sister and I are on the same cheerleading team.” I said, holding out my hand.

“Winfrey...” my last name reverberated through his mouth as he analyzed my face. “Oh!” He snapped his fingers. “You were the hot cheerleader that Jack had a crush on, a friend of mine from school. You went to Royal Prep, right?”

I tried hard not to grimace.

“Yeah…”

Always nice to be known as the hot cheerleader your friend wants to bang, I thought wryly.

"Oh,she’sthe cheerleader, then…" the guy who was with Derek started to speak, but I cut him off.

“We got it, his friend spent all of high school jerking off thinking about me. Can we change the subject now?”

Colleen laughed next to me, just like the two boys did.

“I'm Ivan, by the way.”

“Hi, Ivan.”

“I'm Colleen...” my cousin announced her presence for the first time. And I saw her eyes beaming in Derek's direction, it was impossible to control my expression of boredom in that situation.

“Are you a cheerleader too?” Torres questioned her. She confirmed. “Oh, cool, who knows, maybe we’ll see you at the games.”

“Oh, we do much more than support a men's sports team of questionable talent.” I replied.

Derek laughed.

“I know, I grew up in the same house as Veronica. So believe me, I know.” I agreed. “Well, girls, we need to go, but it was nice to meet you.”

They passed by us and waved from some distance away. I smiled almost forcefully, as Colleen looked like I had seen Rachel Weisz in some role where she kissed women. Those were my favorites of hers.

“Okay, can we go back to campus now or do you want to stare at his back like a psychopath?” I complained softly, even so my cousin gave me a light slap on the arm.

“The day you fall in love, I'm going to laugh so much!”