Page 55 of Walk the Line

“Wow, thanks.” I slide back in, noticing the girl beside her who I recognise from the party.

“This is Mimi, my other housemate,” she tells me. “We’re like the only two non Hockey players here.”

“Hey,” I say.

“Hey, I love your earrings.”

“Thanks, I love yours too.” I wince immediately when I realise my error. “You’re not wearing any.”

They both laugh, but it doesn’t seem like it’s based on any malicious intent.

When Jalissa says, “Oh, that is hilarious,” I take my own advice and relax a little bit.

“My bad. I usually do think before I speak.”

“It’s funny, don’t worry,” Mimi says, then watches the table. “I’m telling you, it’s times like these I wish I played Hockey.”

“It’s not too late, girl,” Sierra pitches in, but her main conversation seems to be with another group.

“Yeah, nah, I’m happy with my Basketball.”

“Your Dad must really hate that, right?” she says.

“He’s always trying to get me on the Hockey ship. But it’s always been Basketball for me.”

“You play Basketball?” I ask, my mind not far off from what I just did on her Court.

“Yeah, that’s my thing.”

“I’ve been meaning to watch it a bit more,” I say. It’s the truth, but this whole evening feels like a prank.

“I would definitely recommend. No offence to my Dad but I wouldn’t want to be on a team where he’s my coach. Bit too much pressure for me, which is why I like that we’re both doing separate things.”

“Oh, is your dad Coach Campbell?”

“Yeah, but I see he’s conveniently forgetting to tell people he has a daughter called Mimi.”

“No, I think he did mention it. I feel like I’ve just taken in so much information I forgot, sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry. I was joking, even. I would prefer if he keeps me out of conversations.”

Mimi laughs, then says, “I’m the only one who doesn’t do a sport.”

“Love that for you, cause you don’t want to.”

“Yeah, not gonna lie, I don’t. But you know I’ve been your biggest supporter and I will continue to be.”

“How long have you guys been friends?” I ask.

“We met pretty early on last year.”

Jalissa nods at her friend’s words. “Yeah, we just vibed straight away and that was it.”

“That’s cute,” I say, meaning it. I’m not too afraid to admit I would like something like that for myself.

“I love friendship. And now we have one,” Jalissa says to me, which sends a warm feeling through me.

But it is funny when Mimi responds with, “J, stop scaring the girl.” I can tell she’s joking, but she still continues with, “Isn’t it only your first time hanging out together?”