nine
BRINLEY
There’s a soft knock on the door. “I’m really sorry, Brinley,” Van says.
“It’s okay. Honestly. Just took me by surprise. Sorry for the freak-out,” I say from the other side of the door because I cannot face him right now.
“Come out and let’s finish watching the show.”
“I’m really tired and I need to get up early tomorrow to watch my cousins play basketball. Go ahead and finish it though. I’ll catch up later.”
My back falls to my mattress, and I cover my head with a pillow. My cheeks burn from embarrassment. What was I thinking, asking him to share his confidence? It’s been so long since anyone has done that.
“All right.” I hear his sigh through the door. “Get some rest. And again, I’m sorry.”
I take the pillow off my face only to flop it back down again.
A normal twen
