“You’re cold-blooded, Love, but I’m here for it. Make us sweat it out— it keeps us on our toes,” Wyatt murmurs when he leans in to press a quick kiss on my lips before he backs away, and we all start to head for the door.
Shay walks over to us once she’s up and out of her seat.
“Looks like you only need to choose what you’re putting on your bumpa,” she begins, looping her arm through mine and hip-checking Wyatt out of the way. “It also looks like my statement earlier stands.”
I flip her off again and dash out the door before she can pinch me.
It looks like I’m going to the game tomorrow night.
* * *
I’m lyingin my bed when there’s a knock at my door. I look up to see my dad standing at the threshold. He looks better each day. He’ll still need some physical therapy, but he’s coming along.
“Hey, Dad. What’s up?” I ask, gesturing him in.
He walks in and takes a seat on the sofa. “Nothing much, Ry. I just wanted to come and spend some time with you. It’s been a busy couple of weeks for you.”
It’s true. I’ve barely been home between dates, planning the Christmas and New Year’s Eve events, and school. It’s almost felt like I’ve been a real teenager minus the whole ‘you must get married or else’ bullshit. With Dad being home, I’m no longer filling the primary parental role. Of course, I still put Jamie and the twins first in almost all my decisions, but it’s been great also to make a few selfish decisions. I’ve even had fewer instances of panic attacks.
“I’m good, Dad. We’ve been planning the toy drive for Christmas and working on getting baskets filled for families at the shelter in Lincolnville. One of the girls, Summer, has been away with her family for like a month. I don’t know how she can leave during this whole thing since we’re required not to leave, but apparently, some family emergency.”
I’d be more worried, but I’m not for two reasons. One, she’s a grade “A” bitch, and two, these people disappear on long vacations all the time.
Dad nods. “I’m glad you’re helping with that, and I’m sure Summer will be back soon,” he expresses before his face gets serious. “Look, Ry. I will be taking my seat back on the Council after the new year, but not as the leader. I don’t know that I’ll ever want that seat, but it’s time.”
Way to change the subject, Dad!
“What does that mean exactly?” I ask because I know there are always strings. Everything in this town has more strings attached than Sam’s had nose jobs.I really should stop that.There’s nothing wrong with plastic surgery, she’s just a bitch, and I know it’s the only other sore spot she has besides the guys. Well, besides Wes. Because, let’s be honest, she only has eyes for him.
He sighs. “It means I’ll have far more responsibilities for what takes place in this town. It also means that at the Christmas dinner, we’ll announce the return of the Bradfords to the Fraternitas, which by default will announce your lineage.”
I groan. I liked it better when people thought I was a nobody. Now I’m sure it will mean all the ‘I always liked you’ people will be coming out of the woodwork. “Do we have to announce it? Can’t you just slide in through the back door?” I know it’s not possible before I even ask, but I can dream.
Dad laughs, and I want to throw my pillow at his face. This is serious stuff. My peopling levels can’t handle anyone’s fakeness.
“Simply put, no. It’s going to be important that the town knows for a few reasons, one of them being greater protections for Ky, Kellan, Jamie, and you,” he explains. I wait for him to elaborate, but he doesn’t.
“What are the other reasons?” I probe. The look on his face tells me he’s about to give me the same annoying line I’ve gotten since coming to this town.
“I can’t tell you that,” we both say simultaneously.
He rubs at the bridge of his nose. “I know you’re tired of hearing it. I’m tired of saying it. Nonetheless, it holds true. I won’t ever put you in danger, not because I gave you information you wanted but didn’t absolutely need to know.”
“Okay, fine,” I huff out and climb out of my bed. Once again accepting his rationale, at least for now, but I can feel my patience wearing thin on being in the dark.
He stands and walks over to me, then uses his good arm to squeeze me in a hug. “I love you, Ry. I know it frustrates you. Just be patient with me a little longer,” he murmurs into my hair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
I hug him back, careful not to hurt him. I’m still annoyed with the situation, but I’m happy to have him home.
Before I can pull back, his arm scoops under my armpit, and I’m being flipped into the air. A loud screech flies out of my mouth as I hit the mattress with a thud.
“Dad!”
“You haven’t been training. I shouldn’t have been able to toss you with only one good arm,” he chastises. “You’re back in the gym starting tomorrow. I’ll bring Mikhael here to continue your lessons until I’m well enough.”
My eyes widen in surprise, “Wait, my gym teacher?”
He smiles, “You didn’t think we’d have you at the school without someone to continue your training? I might still not be on board with you being part of all of this, but things were put in place to ensure you’d be prepared once you got here.”
