Me: Invite all your brothers if you want. I’d pay to see Bishop freefall over a cliff.
The screen stays blank longer than expected. I count five steps, ten, fifteen. A shadow falls across me as I pass under athree-story flat, goosebumps rising where the sudden coolness touches my bare arms.
Gage added you, Rafe, Cruz, Bishop to a group chat.
I snort loud enough that a passing woman glances at me.
Gage: Black Point Cove. Tuesday. 4pm.
Rafe: No
Cruz: Strong pitch
Bishop has left the group chat.
I huff a quiet laugh, side-stepping a couple holding hands.
Gage has added Bishop to the group chat.
Gage: Dude, what the fuck.
Cruz: You know his old ass doesn’t like group chats.
Gage: I know, but I thought he could live a little. You know, do something youthful
Cruz: Are we talking about the same brother?
Bishop: Both of you fuck off
Bishop has left the group chat.
Gage: Great. We’re jumping the actual Point, so get your nerves out now, Cruz so you don’t bail last minute again.
Cruz: First of all, fuck you very much. And second, I was like fifteen.
My lips curve into a grin, and before Gage can do it, I add Bishop back in.
You added Bishop to the group chat.
Me: Bishop, if you’re too afraid to jump, you can just say that. You don’t have to keep leaving the group chat.
Three dots appear, disappear, then reappear. My phone vibrates with a separate text notification. I swipe to it.
Rafe: Do you really want to jump Black Point or is my brother pushing it?
I bite the inside of my lip and ignore the way butterfly wings flutter inside my stomach.
Me: I’m sorry, who is this?
His reply is immediate.
Rafe: Cute
Me: thinking emojil. Bishop, is that you?
Rafe: You want to play, baby?
Those butterflies kick up a little, swirling around inside me.
