"Was it something I said?"
"Maybe. You never know with that guy."
Winston's words had practically no effect on Tristan as he left the balcony in an almost trance-like state with the umbrella in hand and his mind solely set on following the troubled young Hollingsworth. He couldn't understand why Miles didn't share his excitement with the news that they had both made the basketball team. Didn't he realize that the mere idea of sophomores making starter was laughable?
Tristan was sure that his new friend was going to retreat indoors, but it turned out that he was headed towards the pool instead. Miles sat the edge with his bare feet dangling in the water. He was brooding, and couldn't care less about getting drenched in the falling rain.
The blond took a moment to study the sullen boy. What was his story? Miles didn't seem like the heart-to-heart kind of guy even though he did open up to him a little bit in Paris. But when his own best friend gives up on figuring him out, what more can Tristan do?
The discouraging thoughts did not stop him from slipping off his own shoes and hitching up his pants to join Miles by the pool. He would start by sheltering him from the rain. And if he wanted to talk about his troubles, Tristan would be right there to listen and cheer him up.
Because no matter what Winston said, Tristan wanted to know more about this guy and he was determined to find a way to make it happen.