Page 54 of Full Body Hit, Part 1

Charlie

That’s so cute. Uncle Aunix

Aunix

That’s Daddy Aunix to you

Charlie

Lololol ok daddy sorry you’re right

Is your sister younger or older?

Aunix

Older. She likes to pretend that means she’s smarter than me.

Charlie

Well I mean if she says that…

Aunix

Wow. And here I thought you’d be on my side

Charlie

Sorry daddy I want her to like me if she meets me

Aunix

Oh she’d love you, that’s for sure

Charlie

<3 <3 <3

***

Auston’s bones weighed approximately a hundred tons by the end of the road trip. He dragged them into his apartment, leaving his suitcase on his bed to deal with later and then going to the living room to collapse on the couch.

It had been an okay stint of games—they’d won two, lost one in OT, and one in regulation, so it could have been better, but it definitely could have been worse.

He’d told his baby he’d be back home the following day, not wanting to let him come until Auston was good and rested, and he was enjoying Charlie’s obvious struggle.

He unlocked his phone, opening the text waiting for him there.

Charlie

Hey daddy. Last day of your trip right?

Aunix

Yep. Although I was thinking of staying a few more days…

Charlie

Don’t be mean! I’m dying here. And my week sucked