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BODHI

“Later, man.”

“You were the life of the party, St. James. Can’t wait till next year,” Mike, another player on the team, calls out to me on my way back into the building.

I throw my backpack over my shoulder and walk through the entrance searching for Navy. I don’t have to look far, finding her waiting for me at a round table with Cal and Kodi.

“Ready?” I ask Navy as I walk to stand beside her.

She looks up and connects her green eyes to mine. “Sure.”

“You guys heading home?” I ask Cal and Kodi.

Cal looks at his wife, waiting for her response. “Yeah, I’m beat,” Kodi says with a yawn.

They both collect their things while I hand my backpack to Navy. “I brought you some things if you want to change,” I tell her.

“You brought me some things?” She looks at me, puzzled.

I laugh. “Yeah. It’s just a change of clothes and some girl stuff. Nothing crazy.”

“Girl…stuff…” Navy pauses.

All movement between the four of us stops, and I’m now questioning if I did something wrong until Cal blurts out, “You brought her a care package?”

“Aww, that’s adorable,” Kodi turns into a pile of mush.

“I don’t know if I’d call it that,” I say, turning to face Navy. “I wanted to make sure you were comfortable. I know how badly heels kill your feet.”

Tears well in Navy’s eyes. “B, that’s so…thoughtful. Thank you.”

She stands to hug me softly before accepting the bag and walking toward the restrooms to change.

“Would you look at that…” Cal says on a low whistle.

Here it comes.

“What?” I ask him, playing it off.

“I’ve known you most of my adult life, and I’ve never once seen you bring a woman a care package ,” Cal tells me.

“It’s Navy.”

“My point exactly.”

“Should I not have, Cal? Should I have let her be in pain from dancing in heels all night? I was only trying to be considerate. I am her date, after all.”

“I would expect nothing less from you, B. She deserves it. I’m glad to see you finally show proof of where you stand,” Cal tells me.

What is he trying to say?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask him.

“We’re due for a talk, man. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

I stand still as Cal pats me on the shoulder, grabs Kodi’s purse, and guides her toward the exit doors to leave.

What the hell was that? Does he know something?

I planned to show Navy how I felt tonight, but I did a terrible job hiding it from Cal. I’m almost positive he knows.

My best friend knows I’m in love with his sister.