“That’s…” Finley trails off, the indent in her right cheek appearing as she fights to keep her emotions from her face. But I can see them even if Li and Larsen can’t. Every ounce of appreciation and love, and a little guilt, too. They’re all there, pooling in her eyes.
“Don’t mention it,” Li warns. “Literally. The guys will make Larsen sleep on the ice or something if they hear he told you.”
Larsen runs his hand through his hair, a sheepish look on his face. “It’s just such a nice thing. I don’t know why I can’t tell her.”
“Please pretend you understand the concept of a secret,” Li urges.
“I do,” Larsen argues. “I just think it’s a dumb secret. I would want to know if the team said nice things about me.”
“They didn’t,” I say, choosing to jump in.
“Never,” Li agrees.
Finley lets out a sound that’s half laugh, half exhale, like she’s holding on to her composure by a thread.
“You guys are bullies; you know that, right?” Larsen accuses, pointing at each of us in turn.
Li sighs. “I regret everything.”
“That’s better.”
“No, that’s not…” Li trails off, apparently giving up on correcting Larsen. “You know what? I think it’s time to go. Let’s text Herrera and see if he wants to come play that new racing game.”
“Yes!” Larsen agrees. “Oo. Let’s just invite everyone over. You guys in?” he asks us.
“No,” Finley answers, though she smiles at the end.
“Ah, come on!”
“Maybe next time, Larsen,” I offer.
They disappear out the door, Larsen’s voice echoing, loud as ever as he says, “I’m telling the group chat she almost cried. It’s important. Character development.”
“Larsen,” Li groans, “I swear to God—”
Their voices fade, and suddenly it’s just us again, in the quiet.
“I can’t believe they did that,” she admits.
“They knew you were the best option.”
She swallows, and her gaze drops for a second, right to my chest, like she’s wondering whether she can ask for a hug or not.
I pull her into me, tucking her head under my chin.
“I don’t want them thinking I need—” she murmurs into my chest.
“Them to fight your battles,” I cut in gently. “I know.”
“I don’t.”
“They weren’t doing it for you, Fin. They were doing it for themselves.”
“I hope I didn’t let them down.”
“They’ll get over it,” I say. “Culture of accountability, and all that.”
“What a terrible idea, in hindsight,” she sighs.
