12 Chapter 12

“Diablo?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

Her eyes sparked. “Yeah. Do you play? I usually group with people from back home, but if you want in…” The moment of enthusiasm died when she saw his blank expression.

Terrell tried to look cool and casual, not like a guy worrying that she might think he was gay because he didn’t play video games.

“Never mind,” Riva said. “I’m glad you showed up. My mom was having a nervous fit down there.”

Terrell took a seat next to her computer. “So, what was the problem with the beach?”

“No, the beach was fine. The beach was great. Before I went there, I made an idiot of myself in school, and now my boyfriend’s mad at me.”

Terrell sighed. “Who’s your boyfriend?” A word or two from this year’s Homecoming King would probably settle him down, and then Terrell wouldn’t have to feel guilty about ignoring his mom’s exhortations to look out for Riva.