Page 6 of Colliding with Ten

“I came across the flyer by accident, and I decided to audition since I wanted to dance.”

He leaned back against the counter, arms crossed. “If you’re on the Flight Crew,” he said, “our lives get entangled at work.”

“We are siblings. Our lives have been entangled since I arrived and stole your Pop-Tarts.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

His mouth twitched.

I rose and moved closer. “AJ, I know this is complicated.”

“You don’t know how complicated.”

“Then tell me.”

He looked away. There were things he wasn’t saying. Things about football culture. But I think he hesitated because he didn’t want to take this away from me. For the first time since leaving California, I had something to look forward to.

“I’m not trying to make your life harder,” I said.

His eyes met mine again, and the frustration in them eased. “I know.”

“I just . . .” My voice shook. I steadied it before I continued. “I felt like myself there.”

AJ sank slightly before sighing. “I don’t love it.”

“I gathered.”

“But if it’s making you happy . . .”

I waited.

He rubbed a hand over his face. “Then do it.”

I giggled. “Really?” Then I threw my arms around him.

He caught me with a grunt. “You’d better follow every rule they give you.”

“I will.”

“And don’t use my name.”

“Never.”

“And don’t talk to players.”

I pulled back. “That seems like an odd request.”

“Ayla, I mean it.”

“What if one says hello?”

“Walk away.”

“What if he needs directions?”

“He has GPS.”