Page 70

CARSON

Tugging on my jacket sleeve, I adjust it yet again and roll my shoulders. Fuck, I hate wearing a suit. Mom helped me pick it out, and apparently I look amazing and it fits perfectly.

It feels like a fucking straitjacket, and I can’t wait to get out of this thing.

But I want to look good for Nylah.

Mom told me I didn’t have to, but I called Coach Jones anyway and let him know that I’m ready to win his daughter back. He really appreciated my call and even wished me luck just before I hung up.

Felt pretty fucking good, actually, and Mom was proud. At least that’s what her beaming smile told me.

“Love you, babe.” She kissed my cheek and gave me yet another hug.

You know, I never thought I’d think this, but I’m gonna miss her when she leaves tonight.

Her bags are packed and waiting by the front door, and I’ve thanked Zander enough times today that he told me to shut up already.

“Who are you?” He laughed in my face. “You’ve never been this polite or grateful for anything.”

Giving him a pained frown, I blinked and rasped, “While I’m at it, I might as well say this part, too, then.”

“And what’s that?” Zander crossed his arms with a teasing grin.

“Thanks for not giving up on me.” My voice came out all croaky, and Zander’s smile slipped away, replaced with a look of admiration that I don’t think I’ve seen before.

“Got your back, man. Always and forever.”

We hugged it out for a beat, and then I walked away before I said something else embarrassing.

I was grateful to all my friends, and I would let each one know in turn.

But one sentimental moment per day was my limit, and I’d already be exceeding it when I said goodbye to Mom and then told Nylah how I feel.

Fuck, I’m strung out already and haven’t even left for the dance yet.

“We’re running late,” I call into the bathroom, waving away the plume of deodorant spray I just walked through. “Wily, seriously? Did you use the whole bottle?”

“Gotta smell good for the ladies, man.”

I roll my eyes and walk downstairs before I suffocate.

Mom’s waiting at the bottom, smiling up at me. “Wow. You look so handsome.”

With a soft grunt, I let her adjust my bow tie. Her eyes are all watery, and I gruffly mutter, “This better work. I feel like an idiot.”

“Yet you look like James Bond.” She smooths back my hair. I’ve put so much fucking gel in there to try and tame my wild locks. I don’t know if it’s worked.

Zoey wanders down the hallway in her pajamas, stopping next to my mom and pointing up at me. “Pity!”

I crouch down so I can see that smile face-to-face. “You think I look pretty?”

She nods.

“Well, I think you look pretty.” I poke the yellow duck on her pajamas and she giggles, snuggling against my mom’s leg.

Brushing my finger down Zoey’s chubby cheek, I stand tall and clear my throat. Fuck, these nerves firing through my stomach are gonna kill me.

“Hey.” Mom pats my chest. “It’s okay. Just breathe. She’s going to forgive you. She’d be crazy not to. You’re a catch.”

“Mom, come on.” I try to brush away her compliment.

“Well, you are.”

“She’s right.” Sienna appears, resting against the railing and giving me a once-over. “You look good.”

“Pity.” Zoey points at me again.

“That’s right, lil’ bug. Carson looks so pretty.” She gives me a teasing wink, lifting Zoey into her arms so they can both grin at me.

My lips twitch as I tug at my choking collar for the thousandth time, then turn when I hear footsteps behind me.

But it’s not Wily.

“Is he coming?” I ask Grady.

“He’s perfecting his hair,” Grady mumbles. “I don’t know.”

I roll my eyes and resist the urge to holler up at my roommate to hurry the fuck up.

Grady moves around me, reaching for my mom’s bags.

“What are you doing?” I ask him.

“I’m gonna take your mom to the airport.”

“What? Why?”

“So Zander can stay here with his girls.”

“You’re not going to the dance?”

Grady pauses by the front door, clenching his jaw and giving me a quick headshake.

I frown at him. “What about Teah? That’s totally her thing, isn’t it?”

He shrugs and shares a quick look with Sienna. She bites her lips together and looks at the floor.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” Grady shakes his head. “She’s not feeling very well. She just wants a night to herself.”

This doesn’t feel right, but Grady bolts out the front door with Mom’s luggage before I can ask any more questions, and finally my slow-ass roommate makes his big entrance.

“Oh my gosh, Wily Wilson!” Mom smiles past me. “You hot thing. I could just eat you up.”

“Gross, Mom. Just… can you not?”

“What?” She laughs, flicking her hand through the air. “He looks about as gorgeous as you do.” Her impressed smile says otherwise.

By the look on Mom’s face, Wily fucking Wilson looks good enough to eat, and it’s grossing me out.

“Okay.” I step in front of her and shake my head. “You better not blush.”

“Oh, stop. I’m a married woman.”

“Exactly.” I give her a pointed look.

She gives me a simpering smile and then tweaks my jacket. “You really do look amazing, babe. She’s gonna love it.”

I shake my head, still not sure.

Mom grabs my chin and forces me to look down at her. Her eyes are bright with conviction once more as she raises her eyebrows and tells me, “I’m really looking forward to meeting her one day.”

I’m sure my expression is kind of desperate and pained, but she just smiles, taps me on the butt, and tells me to get going.

Pulling her into a hug, I squeeze her tight and whisper, “Thanks for being here, Mom.”

“Anytime you need me, I’ll jump on a plane for you, babe. Always know that.” She kisses my cheek. “And you’re welcome in San Fran anytime too.”

Leaning away from her, I give her a dubious smirk, and she just winks at me like she knows how to control Johnson, so I don’t need to worry about a thing.

“Love you, babe.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

She smiles at me, then points at the door. “Now go get your girl.”