I tip my chin, gesturing to the dorm he still hasn’t invited me into.
“Careful when you go to unpack it. There’s a whole pumpkin pie at the bottom.”
He scoffs, his hard eyes disbelieving. “You brought me a whole pie?”
I shrug. “My aunt makes them from scratch, and this is one of our most popular during the holidays. I assumed that if you can’t play or attend practice, you probably don’t have to follow such a strict diet right now. Figured I might as well bring you the good stuff.”
He scrutinizes me, studying me warily, but his expression has softened a fraction.
He lets out a low grunt. “Pumpkin pie isn’t any good without whipped cream.”
I hold back a smile. “Brought that, too. It’s in the other bag, along with apple cider, tea bags, honey I harvested myself, homemade cold brew coffee, and a few flavored creamers.”
Tytus’s eyebrows knit together, his defensiveness bubbling up to the surface once more. “Honey and frou-frou coffee? Did you pack this for me or for her?”
I shrug, working to keep my posture relaxed. “I brought it for you. Sawyer loves the stuff, and knowing how close you two are, it was a fair guess you’d like it, too.”
He goes rigid at the sound of Sawyer’s name. “She’s not here, you know.”
The words are flippant, but it’s so clearly a front. He’s hurt.
“Didn’t think she would be,” I answer honestly.
Though I had hoped.
Regardless, seeing her wasn’t the goal of this mission.
My intention was to check on Tytus and forge a connection. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t have picked this kid out of a lineup. Now he’s intricately woven into the heartache and despair plaguing the two people I love most in this world.
I don’t expect him to have any answers for me. I didn’t come here thinking I’d come anywhere close to compensating for all the damage that’s been done.
But I’d like to start to make amends.
For several seconds, the two of us only stare at each other.
He doesn’t move, and I don’t falter.
This is a test.
From what I know about Sawyer’s past, it’s safe to assume this kid won’t be keen on trusting me anytime soon. Even without the trauma from what happened at the event, I suspect he’d be wary.
But I’m a patient man.
I can wait. Bide my time. And push, just a little, when I deem it necessary.
And right now, it’s necessary. So with a loud breath out, I hold both bags a little higher. “Please don’t make me carry this all the way back across campus.”
That cracks him.
“Why not?” He snickers. “Afraid your back can’t handle it, old man?”
“Hey now,” I warn, keeping my tone light. “Do you want this or not?”
He lowers his arms and gives a solemn nod. “Yeah. I’ll take it. Thanks, man. I can’t lift anything while I’m healing. Do you mind bringing it in for me?”
I keep my expression even despite the hope surging through me. “Sure thing.”
Inside, I set the bags on top of the nearby dresser and unpack the items.
