Somebody For Me

Next Time

Two weeks later, Miranda packed up her stuff at the end of Webber's class. "I need this recipe," she said to him as she bit into one of the cookies he'd passed out before dismissing the class.

"I'll ask Adele," he said reaching into his bag, pulling out of another tin of cookies. "She sent you these as well."

Miranda squealed softly. "I really am your favorite."

He shrugged in a noncommittal way that told her everything she needed to know. "Share them with that boyfriend of yours, huh."

"I'll think about it."

The two of them laughed. "And where is that boyfriend of yours? I'm surprised he's not picking you up from class."

"He's with his grandmother."

He lowered his voice. "How is she?"

Miranda cleared her throat. "Not that good." Grandma Dorothy had fallen victim to another stroke a month ago and unlike the last time, she wasn't bouncing back as quickly. "But, uh, his family is... they're managing."

"Well, I will keep him in my prayers."

"Thank you. I will relay that message."

A few nights later, Miranda, Terri and a few of their friends went to a Kappa house party, enjoying the fact that the school year was nearing its end. The young women danced together, laughing and having a great time. In the back of her mind, Miranda couldn't stop thinking about the summer that was upon her. And about Ben. She'd invited him to the party, but he was keeping his grandmother company. Miranda said she'd go with him, but he'd declined her offer. "Go and have fun, babe. You've earned it. I might drop by later," he'd said before they spent fifteen minutes in an empty lounge making out because Terri and Brandon had been occupying the room.

Needing a break from the party, Miranda stepped outside into the cool air. There were a few people out there already, including Tucker. He spotted her and waved her over. "What are you doing out here?" She asked.

"Just thinking."

"About what?" She asked.

He took a deep breath and looked at her with a smile. "I got an offer to play overseas," he said.

Miranda grinned. "Tucker, that's amazing!" He nodded. "What? Why aren't you more excited?"

Tucker sighed. "If I go, I won't be back until January. I'll have missed an entire semester."

"Oh." She moved closer to him. "That's tough."

"It is," he said picking up a cup from the ground, drinking it. "If I play overseas, I lose my scholarship and I may have to postpone school. If I don't go..."

"You might miss out on something great."

"Exactly."

They stared out into the parking lot where people milled around talking loudly and dancing to the music. Miranda shook her head. "Well, far be it from me to give you advice—"

"Please, Mandy, you know me better than anyone."

She smiled at the truth of it all. "But I think you should go."

"You think?"

"Playing professionally has been a dream of yours for a long time. And, shoot, maybe you'll make enough money to continue getting your degree."

"You're right. You're always right. Damn it, this has been driving me insane for weeks."

Miranda shrugged. "You could have asked me."