Tiana eyes me for a second, then she smirks. “I know what’ll make you feel better.”
I narrow my eyes. “What?”
She bumps my hip with hers and grabs another chip. “Let’s go out tonight. Blow off some steam. A little dancing, a little drinking… there’s nothing a few cocktails won’t fix.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Ridiculouslyright,” she fires back, grinning. “C’mon, MJ. You need this. One night out won’t kill you.”
I sigh, already knowing where this is headed. “Tiana…”
She widens her eyes like I’ve just said no to free money. “Don’t ‘Tiana’ me. You’ve been moping around for days waiting for that call. You need to stop sulking and live a little.”
I cross my arms. “I’m not really in the mood.”
“Exactly why you should come. You sit at home, you’ll stew. You come out with me, you’ll laugh, dance, maybe even flirt a little. Boom. Problem solved.”
I give her a flat look. “You make it sound like some kind of miracle cure.”
“Itisa miracle cure.” She loops her arm through mine dramatically. “Now say yes before I blackmail you on my socials.”
Despite my resistance, a chuckle slips past my lips. My sister is impossible to argue with.
“Fine. One night. But you’re buying the first round.”
Her grin spreads wide. “That’s my girl.”
The Cowboys do,in fact, lose, and my stepdad isinsufferable.
He struts around the living room like he personally led the charge, jersey stretched over his chest, a smug grin plastered on his face. I swear, if he says “told you so” one more time, I mightretire from watching football altogether—and throw my dip at him.
Eventually, dinner is served, and the noise of victory chants is replaced by clattering silverware and laughter. My little brother finally bursts through the door, back from his friend’s house, and the table feels whole again.
A while later, when the plates are cleared, Tiana grabs me by the arm and drags me upstairs to get ready for our night out. Instead of going home to change, I decide to borrow one of TJ’s outfits.
We’re halfway through hair and makeup when my phone buzzes on the nightstand.
An email notification.
FromWorth Miller.
My heart lurches and my vision blurs for a second.
“Uh… why do you look like you just saw a ghost?” Tiana asks, eyeliner in hand.
“Worth Miller just emailed me. Why would he email me on a Sunday night at eight p.m.?”
Her eyes widen. “Oh my God. Open it!”
“I can’t.”
“Mya.”
“No, I’m serious, Tiana. What if it’s bad? What if he’s telling me I didn’t get the job? Or worse?”
“There’s only one way to find out.”
My heart slams against my ribcage, my eyes darting back and forth across each line.