Chapter Twelve #2
“Hey,” I said as soon as I answered. “Where you been, loca?”
Denise huffed a breath and pushed several braids over her shoulder.
I couldn’t remember the last time she had looked so disheveled, and with the dark marks under her eyes and the sharp pinch to her mouth, it was obvious my poor friend was exhausted.
“I’ve been up to my eyeballs with this goddamn project, and it may kill me. ”
“Ugh,” I said. “I figured you were slammed and that’s why I hadn’t heard from you.”
“Yeah, they have us working around the clock, and I’m dead on my feet.” Denise released a long sigh, and her shoulders slumped. “So I doubt I’ll be able to make it to the game this weekend. But please thank Alex for me.”
I was shaking my head before Denise finished speaking. “But it’s only Tuesday. Things may have cooled off by then.”
Denise narrowed her eyes. “I mean, I hope. But if I’m even half as tired then as I am now, I’m just going to want to sleep.”
A frustrating mix of glee and panic merged into a lead ball in my gut. If I went to the game, it would be just Alex and me. Like we were on a date.
“Sorry to bail on you again.” Denise rubbed her brow. “First homecoming and now this. I would be depressed about my lack of a social life if I had even a second to think about it.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmured, embarrassed to be worried about spending time alone with Alex when my friend was struggling. “I’ve missed you. I feel like there’s so much to tell you about homecoming and everything.”
“Well, the end is in sight, and as soon as I regrow some brain cells, let’s get dinner.
” A voice offscreen called Denise’s name, and she turned to speak with someone I couldn’t see.
A few mumbled words were exchanged and Denise nodded.
“I have to go, Sof. I’ll be in touch as soon as this bullshit is done. ”
“Okay. When you’re ready, I’ll cook for you,” I said impulsively, knowing Denise liked my cooking.
My friend’s brows shot up and she laughed. “God, I would love that. Your fried pork chops with yellow rice and beans?”
I chuckled at the enthusiasm in her voice. “You got it.”
Denise waved and I called out a “bye” a second before my screen went dark.
Putting my car in reverse, I released a noisy breath.
When my mind began to wander to the upcoming game with Alex, I ruthlessly shoved the thought away.
Instead, I mentally reviewed what ingredients I would need to get to make Denise’s meal and debated whether we should stay in and watch a movie afterward or go out to La Respuesta.
No, wait, I thought, if we went dancing, we’d have to invite Alex. That wouldn’t do.
After I arrived home and put away all the groceries, I grabbed a can of sparkling water from the fridge and headed outside, sinking into a cozy chair on the patio.
It had started to drizzle again, and I sighed in contentment.
Several minutes passed as I just watched the rain fall, and when I was relaxed, I reached for my phone and tapped on my conversation with Alex.
Sofia: So it looks like it’s going to be you and me for the game. Denise can’t make it, but she asked me to thank you for the invite.
I didn’t expect to hear back from Alex right away because I knew how busy he was. So when my phone vibrated, a giddy delight swelled under my ribs.
Alex: I’m sorry she can’t make it, but I’ll do my best to make it as fun as possible.
Sofia: You better.
And I smiled at my phone like an idiot.
—
Saturday arrived with sunny skies and a high of eighty-two.
Perfectly idyllic, as far as I was concerned.
I wasn’t scheduled to meet Alex until later in the day, so I spent my morning filming several videos and sorting through emails.
I had received several brand partnership offers but didn’t think any of them aligned with my feminist history content.
Partnerships with fast-fashion clothing companies or makeup brands were interesting, but after contemplating the details and aesthetics, I had to turn them down.