Page 67 of The Trade

“We’re dramakings, sis.”

“Exactly,” I say, lips curving into a wide grin.

“I don’t know,” Shannon says softly. “It sounds like a classic sibling adventure to me. You two have always had each other’s backs.”

Jade nods, a smile of gratitude forming on her lips. “Yeah, we may fight like cats and dogs, but when it matters, we’re there for each other.”

“That’s the best part about family, isn’t it?” Mica asks, clapping a hand against my shoulder. “No matter how much I might piss my sister off, we’ll always have that unbreakable bond.”

Jade’s resounding laughter lights up her features, a rosy shade of pink flushing through her cheeks as she smiles. Beneath the table, her fingers tap against my knee, a silent invitation to thread our hands together.

And in that moment, an overwhelming sense of contentment washes over me. It feels so fucking good to see her happy like this—cheerful, relaxed—surrounded by people who care about her more than anything.

God, I can’t wait for more of it.

* * *

A few hours later,we make a collective decision to call it a night. Stepping outside together, we huddle beneath the shelter of the restaurant’s awning, seeking refuge from the pouring rain. Water cascades off the side of the building, forming puddles at our feet, as we prepare to part ways.

Mica’s gaze drifts toward the parking lot before returning to his sister. “Why don’t I go grab the car while you hang back with Shannon?”

Jade’s voice is soft as she murmurs her agreement. “Sounds good.”

Shannon adds her thanks. “Thank you, Mica.”

Taking a step forward, I extend my hand toward him, hoping to bridge the gap between us. His gaze narrows as he gives me a quick once-over. After a tense moment that seems to stretch into eternity, the star cornerback finally takes a leap of faith, gripping my hand and shaking it twice.

“I’m glad we got to meet,” I say sincerely, my words carrying the weight of appreciation. “Thanks for giving me a second chance.”

“Sure.” He shrugs, relaxing into his stiff posture. “You know, you’re actually not a huge asshole.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Coming from my brother,” Jade interjects with a teasing tone, “that’s pretty much a glowing review.”

“It’s true,” Mica says, grin widening. “I’ll catch you next time, man.”

“Looking forward to it,” I say, a genuine sense of anticipation coloring my words.

With one final nod, Mica races through the bustling parking lot, raindrops streaming down onto his flimsy baseball cap.

“That actually went super well, all things considered,” Jade says, her voice filled with warmth. “I think you guys—”

“O’Connor!” Her words are cut off by the sound of an all-too-familiar female voice piercing through the rain-soaked air.

“Oh!” Shannon’s attention quickly shifts toward the source. “Hey, Cassidy!”

“Hey, girl.” Cassidy’s voice resonates with cheer as she turns her gaze toward me. “Oh ... and you’re here with West.”

“Hey,” I mutter, giving her a stiff nod.

“Cassidy.” Shannon pauses for a moment, glancing in Jade’s direction before continuing. “This is my new roommate, Jade.”

“Ohh, new roomie!” Cassidy claps her hands together with enthusiasm. “I used to live with O’Connor, too, from sophomore year until last term.”

“Right, she told me about that,” Jade says sweetly, extending a friendly hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Mhm. So, are you two, like, on a date tonight?” Cassidy asks, her curiosity evident as she gestures toward me and Shannon.

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