Read Online Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray - Free Book Online Page A

Miriam’s life, but I was going to be there with whatever my best friend needed.
    My best friend.
    At least the thought of that brought a smile to my face. Because while we loved each other dearly from just about the moment we met, we had that one little hiccup where, I swear, I came close to tossing our friendship aside. And it was all because of Jamal . . .

    February 2, 1998
    I knocked just one time and then barged into Miriam’s bedroom. She was pretending that she was asleep, but I knew that she wasn’t. So I bounced on her bed.
    Miriam didn’t think I could see her, but through the reflection in her mirror, I could tell she was squeezing her eyes tighter as she snuggled into her pillow.
    Okay, I knew my suite mate was not an early riser on a good day, and certainly not on a Saturday. But after eight wasn’t early, right? Plus, I had waited a week and I needed to talk now.
    I whispered. “Are you awake?”
    â€œNo!”
    â€œYes, you are!” When she didn’t move, I added, “Come on, I need to talk.”
    With a sigh, Miriam finally rolled over and pushed herself up. She pressed her back against the headboard, crossed her arms, and glared at me. “This had better be good. And by good, I mean something like Oprah announced she’s running for president, or you’ve just won the lottery. Anything else could get you cut for waking me this early.”
    I laughed because that was a good one. I didn’t think Oprah was a Republican, but I’d vote for her. But even though I laughed, Miriam didn’t. “Okay, okay,” I said. “You’re going to love what I have to say.” I paused, wanting to build up the moment. “Give me Jamal’s telephone number.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œIf you don’t have it, get it from Chauncey.”
    â€œI have it,” Miriam said, “but why . . .”
    I didn’t even let her finish. “Because!” Then I grinned.
    She stared at me for just a second more, then she scooted back down in the bed and pulled the covers all the way up and over her head.
    â€œMiriam!” I snatched that blanket away, knowing that she’d be freezing in that little baby-doll nightie she had on.
    â€œDidn’t you hear what I said?” she asked.
    â€œYou didn’t say anything.”
    â€œWell, let me give you another hint.” She grabbed the blanket from me and covered up again.
    For a moment, I just stood there, incredulous. “Why won’t you give me his number?”
    Miriam didn’t say a word, but she knew me better than that. Did she really think I was going to walk away just because she didn’t feel like talking?
    â€œMiriam!” I kept calling her name until she tossed back the blanket and sat up again.
    She crossed her arms again and poked out her lips. “Emily”—she said my name slowly—“I introduced Jamal to Michellelee. I wanted the two of them to get together.”
    â€œThey didn’t like each other,” I said. “You saw them together. They didn’t say a word after hello.”
    â€œThat’s ’cause you were doing all the talking.”
    â€œNo. Jamal and I were talking together. Look, if I thought for a moment that Michellelee was into him, I wouldn’t be asking for his number.”
    â€œI’m surprised that you’re asking for his number anyway.”
    â€œWhy?”
    She threw up her hands as if I was aggravating her. “Jamal? Really? You’re trying to tell me that you’re interested in Jamal?”
    â€œYes,” I said with a frown. “Why wouldn’t I be? He’s really cute, really smart, loves basketball, hates Clinton, and he’s an overall great guy. Oh, and he’s Chauncey’s best friend, so can you imagine the fun we’ll have? Best friends with best friends?”
    â€œYou forgot one thing.” She paused.