Breaking the Bro Code (Breakin' in the 80s, Book 1)

After practice, Molly had Cindy drive her to the hospital to see Trevor. They parked in the front lot and Cindy cut the engine.

“I hate hospitals. I’ll stay in my car listening to my new cassette. I got Brotherhood yesterday and I can’t stop listening to it. ‘Every time I see you falling, I get down on my knees and I pray’.” Cindy danced in the driver’s seat.

“You’re crazy. And the only black girl I know who likes New Order.” Molly unbuckled her seatbelt and opened her door.

Cindy shrugged. “That’s because I’m the only black girl you know. Do you plan on staying long? I have a lot of homework to do.”

“No, only for a few minutes. I want to say hi and see how he’s doing.” She smiled at Cindy’s doubtful expression. “I told Trevor yesterday I don’t want to get back together with him. This is just a friend visit.”

“Good, because both your options for men suck. You should wait until you go to U of I or UCLA. Maybe college men are more mature.”

Cindy might be right. But as Molly crossed the lot and went into the building, she remembered Hayden holding her after sectionals. How excited he’d been for her win and her offer from the scout.

Walking up the stairs to Trevor’s room, she mumbled, “Hayden’s not what you need.” Maybe not, but he was what she wanted.

Trevor was asleep again when she entered his room, so she walked to the chair. If he woke up, she would stay for a few minutes. If he didn’t, she would leave and come back tomorrow.

The chair creaked with her weight and Trevor stirred in his bed.

He smiled. “God I’m glad to see you. I’ve been waiting all day for school to end.”

Molly grinned. “Well, I had practice too. Cindy is waiting outside for me. I can’t stay long. How are you today?”

“Tired of laying down.” Trevor shifted in the bed and groaned. He tried to scoot further up the pillows. “Can you give me a hand? It’s easier if someone helps.”

“What should I do?”

“Just help lift my shoulders and push the pillows underneath.” Trevor took a deep breath. “Ready when you are.”

She put her arm behind Trevor’s shoulders. She lifted him and pushed the white, bleach scented pillows under his back. Trevor relaxed on the bed and, at the same time, pulled her chest onto his, smiling. “Oops, sorry.”

Sighing, she tried to pull away from him. “Trevor....”

“I know.” His blue eyes had a mischievous twinkle. He squeezed her tighter. “Must be the painkillers. They make me forgetful.”

He caressed her cheek and touched her lips with his finger. Molly pushed on his chest and this time he let go.

“Is there anything else you need? I have to go.” Her stomach clenched.

Trevor wrinkled his brow and pushed out his bottom lip. “You just got here. Please don’t leave yet.”

Guilt gnawed at her stomach. It probably sucked to be here, and Trevor might need the company. She sat back in the chair. “Then behave yourself.”

He grinned again. “I’ll try. So, what’s new at school?”

She shrugged. She didn’t want to tell him how everyone watched her and talked about her. Or about Hayden’s attempts to talk to her.

Trevor must have guessed though. He sighed. “Hayden’s tried to tell you I’m lying hasn’t he.”

Molly nodded. “I don’t want to talk about Hayden.”

“Okay. Let’s talk about us.” Trevor drew his brows together. “Molly, I want you to come back.”

“I’m not the one who left, Trevor.” She crossed her legs.

“I know. Does that mean you still want to be with me?” His eyes widened.

“It means I can’t come back to you. And no, I don’t want to go out with you again. We’re just friends remember?” Molly sighed and stood to leave. “Cindy is waiting, and I can see you want more than I can give.”

“But, Molly, I love you. I made a mistake because I listened to Hayden. Don’t make me pay for his lies. Tim already did that.” Trevor gestured to his broken leg.

“I’m not making you pay for anything. I needed space before you got hurt. This doesn’t change anything. There’s too much drama right now and I need time alone to think things over. I’ll only come back to visit again if you promise to be good.”

She leaned and kissed his cheek. For a brief moment, she thought anger flashed in his eyes and she frowned. But then he smiled, and she ignored her imagination.

“I promise to be good. Please come, it’s boring here. I can only stand so many crossword puzzles and TV game shows.”

She laughed. “Okay, then I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll bring a board game or something.”

Trevor rolled his eyes. “That would be sooo much fun. Why not just shoot me instead?”

“Watch it or I’ll bring Cindy. She’ll find a way to entertain you.”

Trevor shuddered. “No thanks, Monopoly sounds fine.”

“Bye, Trev. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Molly smiled and left the room.