by Jenny Manzer
“If you like skinny little brown guys,” blurted Sameer, looking down and pretending to study his notes. Where did that come from? he thought. Vijay is my friend…
“You’re a little brown guy.” Gracie laughed, swatting Sameer on the shoulder with the back of her hand.
“An even littler brown guy,” Simone pointed out. “Not so skinny though…”
“Okay, okay, Simone. You can stop right there.” Sameer’s ears felt hot.
Simone looked at him, her head tilted and her eyes narrowed.
“Hmmm. Maybe Vijay’s not the only one who likes—”
“Oh, look,” Sameer interrupted in desperation, pointing urgently at the court, “here’s a basketball game that’s happening in this gym. And here’s a mic! Maybe I better call this thing.”
“Yep, back to work. Go, Simone.” Gracie shooed her friend away.
“Aaand we’re back, Gladiator Nation!” said Sameer into the mic. “Anybody else find that the longest time-out ever? Let’s play some ball!”
