I wave and let my gaze flit over the rest of the aisle where Joel’s entire family sits. Kill me now. They’ve been sitting within spitting distance the entire first half without my realizing it. Joel’s father is talking with someone I don’t recognize, but Isa moves to the end of the aisle as we approach.

“Katrina, this must be your son.”

I tug on Christian’s hand. “Christian this is Joel’s mother, Mrs. Moreno.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she says to him and then smiles back at me. “I was thinking about you earlier this week. How’s the play coming along?”

Christian pulls on my hand, bored by the adult conversation.

“Good. Thank you again for answering my questions.”

“Maybe you’ll come back to the house for Sunday lunch again?” she asks, and I get the distinct feeling her motives are self-serving and that Joel would probably freak if he knew his mom was inviting girls over. “And you could bring Christian, of course.”

I let Christian pull me with him. “Oh, thank you. We’ll think about it.”

We get in line at the concession and I text Blair as we wait.

Me: I’m at the game. I saw you jumping up and down for your man.

Blair: Where are you sitting? Are you coming to The White House for the after-game party? Should be a lot of people to help celebrate Zeke and Wes’ last home game.

A pang of disappointment hits me that I can’t go and then guilt. Did Joel know about the party before he made plans with me and Christian? I can’t imagine he’d want to miss a party in honor of two of his roommates.

Me: No, Christian’s with me. We’re sitting behind the team.

Blair: Let’s catch up sometime this week. I want details about whatever is going on with you and Joel!

Me: I’ll text you this week.

I tuck my phone away, promising myself I will text Blair this week. I’ve done a shitty job of making connections with people, using Christian as an excuse. If I’ve learned nothing else from spending time with Joel, it’s that I need to put myself out there more. I’ve fooled myself into thinking it was best for Christian, but as I look at the huge grin on his face today, I know that it was about protecting me and not him.

24

JOEL

Typically after a game, we make our way straight to the locker room, but since it’s the last home game, we linger on the court letting the seniors soak up the moment. I try and do the same just in case. I don’t really think I can give up another year of this, but if the right opportunity landed in my lap… well, I don’t know what I’d do.

Z and Wes hug at half court. It’s a bittersweet moment for them as seniors and because of all the shit Wes has been through this year.

Nathan bumps my shoulder. “Ready to party?”