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"I'm so proud of you," Mateo says. His eyes are soft, genuine. "So do we get to go check it out or what?"
We?
"Monday, I think? Right, Mom?"
My stomach rises to my throat.
"Yeah. Coop and I go Monday. Can you bring yourself to PT?"
"I can reschedule, so Ican—"
"No," I snap. I don't mean to. But he, Coop, and I, aren't a 'we.' It's me and Coop against the world. "We'll fill you in after."
From where I stand behind Coop, I watch as Mateo's face falls. It happens in a flash, and then he's grinning at Coop again.
"Are you going to have to wear some nerdy uniform?"
"Ugh," Coop groans. "Probably."
I go back to my sketch, letting them finish their call. It's another one of Mateo, because he's all I seem to draw lately. But it's the first time there's a woman in it. She sits on the counter, her hair pulled up in a messy bun. He leans into her.
He leans into me.
I rip the sketch out of the pad, crumpling it in my fist and throw it in the trash. I'm not doing this. We aren't a we.
It taunts me from the barrel.
I swallow and pull it back out, tossing it in my nightstand drawer.
No promises.
Chapter twenty-three
Mateo
"Any news from them yet?" Dad asks.
I shake my head and check the time again. It's only been five minutes since the last time I looked.
"Funny how this all happened mid school year," he says, giving me a pointed stare.
"Yeah," I say. "Something about a student moving and a spot opening in time for the new term."
"Convenient," Dad says, patting me on the shoulder and retreating to his office.
I pull on a hoodie and go outside. The November air is cool, burning my lungs with every breath. But the house was suffocating. I grab a blanket out of the basket and settle on Mom's front porch swing.
My phone vibrates with a text.
Kyler
Hey man, I know it's last minute, but Leila decided we should throw a team Friendsgiving Saturday. No pressure, but it'd be great to see you.
It'd be nice to see Kyler, Leila, the baby, and the rest of the team.
I text him back.
I'll have Jade book flights tonight.
