The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,10

other.” We laugh as Mya shrugs her shoulders, heading into the shower.

Not long after, I step from my room, dressed and ready to meet Deanna. Mikey is sitting at the counter, eating a bowl of cereal, and Mya is nowhere in sight. His head is resting in his hand, looking as if he has been run over by a truck.

“Good morning,” I say cheerfully, entering the kitchen. “Sleep well?” I add, giving him a wink.

“Don’t start,” he grumbles.

“Start what?” I ask, playing innocent and trying desperately to hide the grin that is forming on my face.

“You know what,” he shoots back. “It’s not a big deal. She’s cool about it. Not everyone is like you.”

“Oh my God!” I say, unable to control my laughter. “Did you two rehearse that? That’s exactly what she said.”

“You know what I mean and don’t go blabbin’ to your sidekick today.”

“Why? I thought it’s not a big deal,” I continue the bantering, knowing he’s not in the mood. The funny thing is, he’s already agitated. If the hangover isn’t enough, the thought of spending the day with Jeffrey has to be making him feel just as bad.

After my teasing, Deanna meets me at one of my favorite little cafés. We order lattes and muffins and not even two minutes into the conversation, I can’t help but blurt out Mikey’s rendezvous with Mya.

“Mikey and Mya don’t even like each other! She is Mrs. Dark and Gloomy and he is Mr. Optimistic and Positive,” Deanna squeals. “Mya did look pretty last night, though, wearing normal clothes, rather than Goth-ing it up as usual,” she weighs in.

I nod my head in agreement and we laugh about it, although I notice a hint of jealously that Deanna tries to hide.

“I’m left out of everything. The three of you spend so much time together. I should have never gone to school in Phoenix.” She pouts.

I feel bad and try comforting her by reminding her that Mikey is away most of the time, especially now, since he’s playing ball with his new team. Not to mention, she would have never met Jeffrey if she didn’t go to school in Arizona. She half-heartedly agrees; although, not convincingly.

I laugh to myself wondering how long it’s going to take before they both realize they are happiest with each other. I’ve been watching the same scene play out since high school. Mikey hooks up with some random girl, Deanna gets jealous. Deanna falls for someone, Mikey gets jealous.

We shop in some of my favorite boutiques as we stroll along Seventh Avenue and find some really nice things. I’m enjoying spending the day with Deanna. It feels good having her here; I miss her. I, too, secretly wish she never attended school in Phoenix, but I don’t say it aloud, since I know she feels bad enough about being so far away.

***

(Deanna)

Later that day, we pick up a late lunch and find a spot in the park to eat.

“I was thinking… Why don’t you come spend the summer with me?” JJ asks.

“I would love to, but I can’t,” I reply without giving me an explanation. I can tell by the look on her face she is waiting for me to elaborate, but, I’m afraid to have this conversation with her. “JJ, I need to go home. My mom needs me. Why don’t you come home this summer for awhile?” She begins to shake her head, disagreeing with the suggestion. “My mom would love to see you, and I’m sure David would love for you to come home… It’s been a long time,” I say softheartedly.

“I… I… can’t… I have work… I can’t go home… Is Maria okay?” JJ stutters. I see that the mention of home upsets her.

“She’s fine,” I reply apprehensively, stalling with my news.

I know David would be thrilled to have her home for the summer. It’s been almost two years since the last time she was home. My mom and dad have only seen her a few times since she’s moved to Florida. It was during their visits to attend Mikey’s games.

“I don’t know, maybe I’ll come and visit,” She exclaims, but I doubt there is any truth to her words.

“Will you at least come and stay for a couple of weeks this summer?” She asks me.

“Yeah, sure,” I agree with empathy while taking her hand. “J, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

I can instantly see her face go white and her body tense up. She knows what’s coming even though