Page 17 of Play For Keeps

She laughs. “Yeah, yeah. You wouldn’t dare.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

We talk for a little while longer about the move. It doesn’t just mean a new house for Sierra, but a new job as well. She works for the Seaside Hotel company in Virginia Beach, and they have agreed to let her relocate here to Reed Point, but I know that Sierra will want to hit the ground running.

“Text me the route you’ll be taking. And call me when you hit the road, so I know what time to expect you,” I tell her. “And keep your phone charged in case of an emergency. Oh, and don’t stop at any of those dodgy road stops, people get murdered at those things. And call me as soon as you get here.”

"You do realize that I’m a grown-up, right? And that people drive on highways every day and get to where they’re going in one piece?”

“Yeah, yeah. Just drive safe.”

“I’ll drive safe, Jake,” she mutters, and I swear I can hear her roll her eyes over the phone. Sierra likes to complain that I’m overbearing and overprotective, but I think she’s used to it by now. When our parents died, I became the person who always looked out for Sierra. I was the oldest, and I know it’s what my parents would have wanted. My sister might not always agree.

She thinks I’m too serious, and she’s probably right. But I’ve had to be. While most of my friends were hanging out at the beach, I was working two jobs to help my grandparents out. When I wasn’t working or paddle boarding, I would lock myself in my room. I’ve always preferred staying in and watching movies over getting wasted at a party. Even before my parents died, I would sit and play video games for hours, perfectly happy. They used to have to force me to take a break. Looking back, I wish I had spent less time in my room and more time with my mom and dad.

My phone vibrates, and I do a double-take when I look down at the screen and see Everly’s name.

Everly: Hey, it’s Everly.

Everly: Can we still be friends? Sorry I didn’t reply sooner.

Jake: I think I can overlook it.

Everly: That’s good. I’m trying to overlook the fact that you pretty much sold my daughter on getting a cat and now that’s all I hear from her.

Jake: I guess I kind of did. Maybe I should buy her one. They are really cute when they’re kittens.

Everly: I would stab you.

Jake: Ouch. So violent.

Everly: That is how much I do not want a cat.

Jake: You better hope I don’t show up with a furry feline with a bow around its neck next time I see you then.

Everly: Who said there would be a next time?

Jake: Oh, there will be. :)

I stare at my phone with a stupid smile smeared across my face.

Everly: I better run. Night shift. I’m walking, so I need to get going.

While I watch the three gray dots bounce, I roll my shoulder forward and then back, but the movement only makes it ache more.

Jake: You walk home after a night shift? By yourself?

The gray dots appear. Then stop bouncing. Then appear again.

Everly: Yes, dad.

She follows the text up with a bald-headed man emoji.

Jake: You shouldn’t be walking so late by yourself.

Everly: My neighbor is watching Birdie for me, but she doesn’t have a car and I feel more comfortable if mine is there in case she needs it. And I’m perfectly capable of looking out for myself.

Jake: I know you are. I just want to make sure you don’t die.

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