“Are you nervous?” Evie asks.
“Yes. I asked this guy to play with me and help me get ready,” I say, pointing a thumb at Reid.
“You’re going to be fine, Riley,” Reid says.
“Yes, I’m going to be fine because you’re going to help me get ready.” I elbow him in his side. He doesn’t even grunt.
“Are you nervous about not being up to par?” Zane asks in typical older brother fashion.
“Wow, thanks, Brother.”
He all but rolls his eyes. “I’m just saying, you have nothing to worry about.”
“How would you know?” I ask him. “Have you suddenly taken up watching women’s basketball?”
Evie turns to him. “Yeah, Zane. Have you?”
He grins down at her. “Jealous?”
“If you were watching women’s basketball in your free time last year, then yes.”
He drops an arm around her and pulls her close. “The only time I’ll be watching the women’s basketball team is to watch my sister.”
“All right. Well, I'm done now,” I tell them, pushing my bowl forward. “I’m going to head back; I’ll catch you guys later.”
They all end up picking up their trash and following me. “Did you get moved in okay?” Evie asks as we walk out.
“I did; I feel really good.”
“What are you going to do for the rest of the night?” Zane asks.
I laugh. “You don’t need to worry about me, Brother. I’m a big girl now.” He frowns but doesn’t argue with me, and Evie puts her arm through his.
“We’re heading off campus but let us know if you need anything,” Evie says.
I smile at the two of them. “I’m really glad you guys got your own place this year.”
Evie’s smile is almost as bright as my brother’s. “Me too. You need to come over for dinner sometime soon.”
I can’t resist. “Aw, look at you two.”
Evie laughs and hugs me. “Call us if you need anything.”
“I will thank you.”
My brother pulls me into his arms next. “Love you, Bug.”
I scowl. “Really?” He just shrugs. “Zane, you can’t call me that anymore. I’m in college.”
“Bug?” Evie asks in confusion.
“She used to eat them when she was little,” Zane explains.
“It was one time! And you dared me,” I explain, exasperated.
“And that’s how the nickname was born,” Zane says. “And I’m sticking with it.”
I turn to Reid. “Can’t you do anything with him?”
