Page 115 of The Strike Zone

His lip curved up in a smirk. “I don’t care if I insultyou.”

Quick as a flash, Holiday kicked her leg out. It would have made contact with Tanner’s thigh, but instead he caught it and twisted her around, until she let out a loud yelp. “Tanner!”

The roll of Parker’s eyes, and the fact that Lux and Radley were just watching them fight while they finished their breakfast, told me this bickering was a regular occurrence.

“God, you’re annoying.” Holiday rubbed her ankle as she took a seat at the countertop, next to me. “Anyway, where were we? Scout, maybe this afternoon you can give me a crash course in social media.”

“Sure, I’d be happy to,” I replied with a smile, trying as hard as I could to push away the niggling anxiety, at least until I got to work tomorrow, and glanced out of the window where it was still raining heavily. “What are the plans for today?”

“Lux is teaching me how to make cinnamon buns, and then we’re watching a movie,” answered Radley. “You want to learn too?”

“Oh…sure, why not. I’ve never made them before.”

Tanner clapped his hands together. “Okay, if you guys are baking before movie time, I’m setting up the PlayStation. Parker, you in?”

Parker’s eyes flicked from Tanner to me, like he was about to say yes, then thought better of it. “Um…”

“Hey, I’m good here, I’m learning to bake.”

“Thank you.” He rounded the counter and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me in. “I’m so happy you’re here, Davison. Promise you’ll shout over to me if you need anything.”

“She’ll be fine, Parker.”

He ignored Radley and held my gaze. “Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Good.” He smacked his lips against mine, before going back in for a softer kiss, lingering an extra few seconds. “And I’ve already shotgunned my lap for you to sit in when we watch the movie.”

“I appreciate that.” I grinned at him. “Now go and play video games.”

He didn’t need to be told twice, running off and vaulting over the back of the couch.

Turning back to the kitchen, Lux had almost finished cleaning breakfast away, Holiday was still drinking her juice while scrolling on her phone, and Radley was in the pantry loading her arms up with flour, sugar, and everything you needed for baking.

A buzzing started up on the counter, I glanced down to find Radley’s phone ringing. I assumed it was hers anyway, given the cover was pink and the screen saver was of Lux.

“Um…Radley, I think someone’s calling you.”

She hurried out of the pantry, dumped everything on the counter, and swiped the Answer key. The sound of traffic, rain, and people shouting blared through the speaker.

“Millie?”

“Rad? Radley?”

“Where are you? I thought you were coming this morning, Lux saved you pancakes.”

“I’m at Grand Central, can you come and get me? It’s so wet, and impossible to get a cab.”

“What’re you doing at Grand Central?”

“It’s a long story. But I have a huge case, and a box and I can’t carry it.”

“Yeah, sure, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver. I’ll wait by 42ndStreet.”

“Cool.”

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