Page 48 of Tequila Tuesdays

“Getting back tothistrip,” Martina interrupted. “If all goes well, and no one wants to kill each other by the end, I’d love to do something like that.”

Sebastian smiled. “Yeah, we used to take some fun road trips with our cousin, Matías.”

Martina gave Sebastian a disgusted look. “I still haven’t forgotten when you and Matías left me at the hotel room in Venice Beach while you took off with those two big-boobed college girls on spring break.”

Sebastian winced. “I know you haven’t forgotten. You still bring it up, and it’s been eight or nine years.”

Laurel patted his chest. “He’s trying to do better.”

Sebastian gathered Laurel in his arms and kissed the side of her neck. “Cielo, I have done better. I’ve got you.”

I smiled at them, but my heart still ached a little for what I’d lost years ago.

Chapter 17

Wewerescheduledtoplay Damien and Zeke’s team at ten that morning. It was our first match of the season against them, and I wanted to win so badly I could taste it. I sent out a text to my team an hour before the game, telling them if we won I’d take them all to Norma Jean’s Café for breakfast afterward. If bribery got us the win, I was perfectly fine with that.

I thought my braids looked especially intimidating, and I was mentally ready. I’d eaten my go-to pregame breakfast of wheat toast and a fruit smoothie, and on the way to the park, my pump-up playlist was blaring. I’d also turned off my phone to cut down on any distractions before the match.

At the park, when I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed most of my team was already there. They were huddled together talking. As I walked across the lawn, I noticed Kevin look up and spot me. He spoke to Jaime and pointed at me.

Jaime’s face was somber, and I realized with a jolt he’d never looked at me without a smile, a smirk, or even a cocky wink before. Looking back, somewhere in my subconsciousness I must have known something was wrong. Jaime gazed down at the ground for a moment, almost like he was praying or gathering courage, and then started walking toward me.

I noticed out of the corner of my eye Damien watching on the other side of the net. Jaime finally stood in front of me, blocking my path.

“Harley…” He stopped, then took hold of both my arms.

The look on his face frightened me. “Jaime, what’s wrong?”

“You texted me about Frankie.Dios, there’s no easy way to tell you this.” He closed his eyes.

I dropped my bag and water bottle then grabbed the front of his shirt. “Jaime, what happened?” I whispered.

He looked at me and laid it out. “She overdosed on Thursday night. Her mom found her in the bathroom. They think she took a dose similar to what she’d been taking before she got clean.” Jaime swallowed. “She’s gone.”

I shook my head and let go of him, then stepped back. I absently noticed my hands shaking.

“No,” I said softly.

“Yes. Harley. She’s gone.”

I slowly folded over and clutched my stomach.

“No. No!” My team came over and stood around me.

I looked up at their faces, hoping this was some sick, fucking joke. Tiana had tears running down her face, and Josh appeared to be in shock. Kevin was clenching his jaw and looked like he wanted to punch someone.

Tiana pulled me up, then put her arms around me. “Honey, it’s gonna be okay. She was struggling. Every day was a struggle for that girl.” She wrapped her arms around me and whispered in my ear. “She’s finally at peace, Harley. She’s free.”

“Why, Tiana? Why? She was amazing and sweet. And kind. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body.” We were both crying. “Why?” I softly wailed.

Tiana let go of me, and I felt strong arms wrap around my torso. Josh hugged Tiana while she cried.

“I’ve got her.” Somewhere in my mind I registered it was Damien who held me.

Jaime stepped forward. “I need to get her out of here. She’s taking it hard.”

Damien eyed him. “She’s mine, Jaime. I’ve got her. Can you help Zeke get her Sequoia back to her house? She’s in no shape to drive.”

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