me you love me and then you leave me two days later. You had so much time to let me know what was going on. I had no clue you had been signed to a label. I was in the dark about you going to New York for months to record an album. I was like a stupid kid, lost in my own little love-sick bubble thinking you were gonna come out soon and we’d be together and happy. Meanwhile, you knew exactly what was coming and decided that I didn’t need to know until the last possible minute. You don’t make decisions for me, Kingston!” he yells, pushing me in the chest. “Fuck you for keeping shit from me.” Another shove. “Fuck you for lying.” He pushes me again, and it’s only because of the barrier behind me that I don’t fall off the steps. “And fuck you for making me fall in love with you.”
I grab his wrists and yank him into me. He angles his head up, tears brimming his eyes as his chest heaves with deep breaths.
“Alejandro,” I say softly, leaning in slowly, waiting for him to pull away.
“I’m gonna miss you so fucking much.”
My resolve breaks and I slam my mouth against his. He doesn’t stop me. Instead, his arms wrap around my back and I frame his face with my hands, sliding my tongue against his.
Our kiss is passionate.
Angry.
Devastated.
It’s full of love and frustration.
The wetness of his tears touch my thumbs and my heart shatters.
We kiss so we don’t have to talk.
We kiss because we love each other.
We kiss to apologize.
We kiss to say goodbye.
27
Merrick
Present Day
It’s nearly seven-fifteen when Ali pulls up next to me in the parking lot of one of the elementary schools in Gaspar.
I hop out of the SUV, wearing a pair of black and white basketball shorts and a black T-shirt with the sleeves cut off.
“’Bout time, slow ass,” I say, coming around the front of the car to greet Ali.
“Whatever, it hasn’t been that long. Plus, we still have like an hour of daylight.”
“You bring the ball?”
Ali reaches into his backseat and then tosses me the basketball. “I haven’t played in a while.”
I laugh. “Already making excuses. You think I have time to play basketball when I’m on tour? But yet, I still know I’ll beat you.”
Ali just shakes his head then grabs a small duffle bag before closing his door.
“What all do you have in there?” I ask, dribbling the ball.
“Water, a small towel, and another shirt.”
“Shit, I didn’t even think to bring water.”
“I guess I can share.”
We make our way to the old basketball goal they have at the side of their building. There’s no net, but it’ll work.
“Want to take a few practice shots first?” I ask, giving him a hard time.
“Shut up and start playing.”
The first fifteen minutes goes by and the score is ten to twelve. I’m surprised we’re even that high considering we’ve been doing a lot of shit talking and laughing.
“Well, you aren’t completely terrible, but I’m still winning.”
“By two!” he shouts. “I still have a chance.”
I grin. “Sure. I’ve been taking it easy on you.”
“Fuck off, I’m getting a drink.”
He bends over to get the water bottle and I can’t help but check out his ass. As soon as I’m about to open my mouth to make a comment, I see movement off to my right. When I turn my head to get a good look, I notice two of the paparazzi cars parked along the street and one of the guys leaning against his vehicle looking through his camera.
“We got company,” I say.
Ali straightens up and follows my gaze. “Damn.”
“Yeah, but they’re the same ones who’ve been following me around. I don’t expect many more. I’m surprised they’re still here, actually. I told them I was gonna be pretty boring.”
“You wanna leave?”
I look back at the paps and shake my head. “Nah. It’s okay. Let’s finish.”
When we both get to eighteen points, a couple teenagers come from behind the school and keep stealing looks in my direction.
They linger around, and when Ali pauses to tie his shoe, they decide to approach.
“Hey, are you Merrick Kingston?” the tallest one asks.
I lift my chin in a nod. “Yeah, that’s me. What’s goin’ on, guys?”
“Shit, I told you it was him,” the shorter of the two says.
“Holy shit. I can’t believe it’s you!” the tall one says, his smile growing.
I put the ball under my left arm and reach out to shake their