The Senior (College Years 4)

“I’m good, Gracie.” He flashes her a smile from over his shoulder and I swear I just heard her sigh. “And I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, but call me Drew.”

“Okay—Drew.” She giggles.

So does Hayden.

I roll my eyes.

“I think your friends have a crush on your father,” Mom whispers to me.

I make a face. “It’s kind of gross.”

Mom waves her hand. “It’s harmless.”

“You really don’t mind?” I meet her gaze, noticing how unbothered she looks.

“If I had an issue with every woman who’s had the hots for your dad over the years, I’d be long gone by now,” Mom says with a laugh.

Her confidence in my father is staggering, but then again, it’s not; they truly love each other and nothing can keep them apart.

I remember feeling like that with Eli…

My phone buzzes and I pull it out of the back pocket of my jeans to see I have a text from Ellie.

Where are you?

I send her a quick reply.

Me: Tailgating before the game. Where are YOU?

Ellie: Wouldn’t you like to know?

Hmm. What’s up with that?

I watch my friends fangirl over my dad while Beck and Addie are making semi-awkward conversation, as Jocelyn looks on with amusement. Mom is going through the food in the giant ice chest that currently sits in the back of her brand-new Range Rover and I go to help her, shrieking when cold fingers suddenly touch my bare arm.

Whirling around, I let out another, much louder scream when I see Ellie standing before me with a giant smile on her face. I pull her into my arms and clutch her close, fighting the tears that want to spill. I can’t cry. Not right now. But I’m so happy my best friend is here—it’s been months since I’ve seen her—that I squeeze her extra hard, worried I might never let her go.

“I’ve missed you,” I tell her, my voice shaky.

“Surprise,” she murmurs as she gently pulls out of my embrace, though she still keeps hold of my arms. Her smile is kind, her eyes brimming with tears just like mine. “We kept our coming here a secret.”

“You suck,” I say with a sniff, giving her another quick hug.

“But aren’t you glad?” She laughs, wiping beneath her eyes. “We only just got here about an hour ago.”

“Did you drive or fly?”

“Drove.” Ellie rolls her eyes. “Jackson wanted to go over the Grapevine with the windows down on the Porsche, blasting the radio.”

“So old-fashioned,” I tease. “Tell me he was at least streaming.”

“Nope.” Ellie shakes her head. “He wanted the radio on. Said something about keeping it authentic? He’s so funny sometimes.”

I take a step back, really drinking her in. She’s wearing jeans and a navy Bulldogs sweatshirt. Her hair is longer than usual, and the ends are wavy. Her dark brown eyes sparkle and there’s a flush to her cheeks. I give her yet another hug. “You look so happy, El.”

“I’m really happy.” She drops a kiss on my cheek. “You look sad.”

“I am,” I say, being completely honest. We separate from each other again, though we’re still standing close. “It probably wasn’t a good idea, coming to this game.”