The SUV hums down the exit ramp, and Pete lets out a sigh. “Finally. I thought we were gonna die of boredom.”
“Pretty sure your talking already killed half my brain cells,” Sly says without opening his eyes.
Pete glances over with a grin. “You say that like you had brain cells to spare.”
“Keep talking,” Sly says, “and I’ll duct-tape your mouth shut.”
Pete grins. “Kinky.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help smiling at their banter.
“Oh, can you do that anyway?” Dex asks with amusement. “That way I don’t have to hear him scream again.”
“I don’t scream,” Pete argues immediately.
“Pretty sure you did when that bird hit the windshield two days ago,” Dex fires back.
“That wasinstinct.”
“Sounded like a twelve-year-old girl’s instinct.”
I can’t help the laugh that rolls out of me, and Pete glares at both of us through the mirror. “You’re menaces. Both of you.”
Dex grins. “You love us.”
Pete exhales through his nose. “You’re confusing love with endurance.”
I hide a smile, pretending to look out the window. The bickering feels almost normal, familiar in a way I never had growing up. It’s ridiculous and full of energy, but underneath it all, it’s safe. It’s a safety I didn’t have with Robert. I always had to watch what I said, keeping my thoughts to myself or risk disappointing him.
I scan the SUV as I contemplate how different things are now. I knew that I could talk to these guys about anything, even Elias. The only thing that ever held me back anymore was when I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer to a question or when I was embarrassed by the topic.
Elias clears his throat from the front seat. “We’ll grab food and drinks here. A quick stop only. No wandering off.”
“Definewandering,” Pete says.
Elias doesn’t even look at him when he answers. “If I have to look for you, it counts.”
Dex snorts quietly. “Guess you’re staying in the car then, Pete.”
“Ha ha,” Pete mutters.
When we finally roll to a stop in a secluded corner of the parking lot, Jagger helps me out, and I take a second to stretch, grateful for the fresh air. I instantly notice the difference. Fall is coming fast, and since we’re so much further North now, the temperature has dropped. A smile crosses my face as I wonder about the chance of getting to see snow. When would it start snowing here?
I have no idea how it works. We didn’t get much of a fall where I lived in Arizona, and certainly no snow. It was something I always dreamed of.
Pete hops out beside me, arms wide. “Ah, freedom. Air that doesn’t smell like old fries and Elias’s BO.”
“I don’t have BO!” Elias exclaims, looking horrified as he lifts his shirt and sniffs it.
“Could have fooled me,” Pete rumbles.
I step up to Elias’s side and lean forward, taking a small inhale of his chest. “I think he smells good.” Elias gives me an appreciative smile in return.
Pete turns to me, mock-wounded. “You’re supposed to be onmyside, angel.”
I shrug. “I’m just telling the truth.”
He narrows his eyes like he’s considering throwing me over his shoulder just to make a point, but before he can, Elias speaks. “Anyone want a drink, or something to eat?” He’s always the one to offer to get snacks. I think he’s trying to be helpful so the others will warm up to him.
