Page 89 of On the Breakaway

Now, she looks at me, confusion flashing across her face.

I’m just as confused because I shouldn’t care.

“Why? Missing her insults?”

I chuckle. “Yeah, I’m worried my head’s going to get a little too big if someone doesn’t knock me down a couple pegs.”

“I’m sure Wyatt can help you out in the meantime,” she teases.

Wesley still didn’t say why Avery wasn’t here, and now the question won’t settle. My face must give me away because she continues.

“I know you guys don’t get along, but Avery will warm up to you eventually. And when that happens, you’ll see that she’s pretty great behind the walls.”

I nod. “Sure. Yeah. I’m sure she is.”

I already know that she’s not nearly as bad as she wants me to believe. But I still can’t figure out why she puts up a front at all. Every damn time she shows me something real, she vanishes.

It’s exhausting and starting to eat away at me. I’m supposed to be using this time to learn more about myself, but instead, I keep learning more about her. And with every single thing I learn, another piece of her slides into place.

Maybe she’s used to space. Maybe I should give her space. It’s not like she owes me anything. But I can’t leave it alone. I pull out my phone, typing out a message.

Me: You alive, Chaos?

I slide it back into my pocket before I can stare at it like a loser.

I don’t expect an answer.

Wesley dumps part of her bowl into a smaller bowl for me while I pop the cap off a beer and head back to the living room.

My phone vibrates against my thigh.

Chaos: Why are you texting me?

Relief courses through me. There she is. Her attitude is intact, as if she hasn’t vanished for three weeks.

I lean into the couch cushions, a grin tugging at my mouth while Liam swears violently at the television beside me.

Me: Why are you responding?

Chaos: Maybe I’m a masochist and enjoy being annoyed.

I snort.

Nathan glances over from the kitchen island, where Wesley is wrapped in his arms. “You good?”

“Yup,” I answer absently.

He narrows his eyes, but Wesley distracts him by shoving a piece of popcorn into his mouth. His arms wrap around her tighter, while she giggles. He is officially out of the sling, but not fully ice-ready yet. Even still, he’s a lot less mopey now that the end is in sight.

My attention drops back to my phone.

Me: Am I annoying you already?

Chaos: It’s more of a constant state of existence where you’re concerned.

Me: So, you’re constantly thinking about me?

Three dots appear before disappearing, only to come back again.