“If I would ever let anyone mark me just so someone could have the bragging rights, it would be for you,” I told him. He grinned.
“Why are you grinning?” Finlay asked as he came walking.
“Amie just told me I’m her number one person,” Sam said.
“I did no such thing!” I objected.
“You did. You just used other words, but I know what you meant.”
“Give me back my book so I can throw it at you,” I told him. He just laughed.
“I’m off to call Meadow to report my mission was a success and I have stopped you from working yourself stupid,” Sam said as he got up. He headed for the cabin, whistling and looking very pleased with himself.
“My book?” I asked.
“You will get it back when we are home,” he answered.
“Want me to make him give it back?” Finlay asked as he took the seat Sam had been in.
“No. He’s right. I hate to say it, but he is. I have already read the thing four times. I won’t gain anything by reading it a fifth,” I admitted. Finlay smiled.
“I get it. We all feel restless,” he told me.
“I wish they had placed the games closer together. We would not have these endless days between them and we would be done sooner.”
“It’s so we can rest and be at our best. And give the packs with wounded members a chance to heal,” he reminded me.
“I know. It still sucks.”
“It does,” he agreed. “At least the next game is tomorrow.”
“Yeah, it will be nice to have something to do.” There was a silence as we both looked into the trees surrounding the cabin. “Going to tell me what’s up?” I asked.
“My mom suggested dinner the day after tomorrow with my brother, my aunt, me and her,” he told me.
“Oh. How do you feel about that?”
“I don’t know. I’m split. I don’t look forward to eating with my brother, but I would like some time to talk to my mother. We have barely spoken since I left. And if Aunt Matilda is there it feels a little better.” There was some silence between us again. “Would you come?” he asked.
“To your family dinner? Would I even be allowed?” He gave me a weak smile.
“You are family. I want you there and my aunt will like the idea as well,” he told me.
“If you want me there, I will be there,” I decided.
“Thank you,” he said on an exhale.
“You have supported me through my messed up things. The least I can do is be there for you. We are a team.” He gave me a steadier smile.
“We are,” he agreed. “I will tell Aunt Matilda and then my mother.”
“Where is the dinner being held?” I asked.
“We said it would be best to do it on neutral ground. My mother booked a room in the communal building. She and Aunt Matilda will both be bringing food.”
“Sounds like a good solution. If Matilda is cooking, I made the right choice.” My phone rang and I saw it was my dad.
“I can leave,” Finlay offered.
