Page 59 of The Way We Collide

“Well…” She straightens. “I love broadcasting, and I like that we’re an indie station. Not to mention TV jobs are hard to get in this town.”

We’re at Ward’s office, and he’s still on the phone. Stardoesn’t even pause, and I guess it’s because she thinks I’m passing on the offer.

Stopping at the exit, I think about the jobs I’ve had where coworkers were only focused on their own careers and didn’t give me the time of day. I think I could learn something here.

“I still think it would look great on my résumé.” Her eyes widen, and she lifts her clasped hands to her lips. “What he said was not cool, but if I let every unevolved person turn me away from opportunities, I’d never get anywhere.”

“Are you saying…?” Her eyes light, and I’m pretty sure this is the right call.

“I’d like the internship if it’s still available.”

“It is!” She squeals, jumping up and hugging me. “If he does anything to make you uncomfortable, come straight to me, and I’ll handle it.”

She takes my hand, leading me back to Ward’s office. “I’ll introduce you to the big boss. Ward’s pretty old-school, too, but he tries, which helps.”

Nodding, I see her point. “I can work with that.”

A sly smile crosses her lips. “If worse comes to worse, we can figure out what night Wilt’s working late and let Hendrix know so he can kick his ass.”

She’s teasing, but my stomach clenches. I don’t plan to say one word about this to Hendrix. I have a feeling I know how he’d respond, and I’d prefer Haddy’s dadnotbe in trouble with the law.

15

Hendrix

Hey, man, got time to give me some advice?

Jack

Did you wake up with sticky stuff in your bed again?

I chuckle, remembering my confusion after my first wet dream.

Nah, I got that part figured out.

Any time I was worried or didn’t know what to do or my body changed, my big brother Jack was there to reassure me.

Mama gave Dylan to Zane after she was born, and he took her under his wing. I went to Jack.

He wasn’t on my back all the time like Garrett, pantsing me or putting monster masks in the refrigerator. Jack taught me to throw a perfect spiral. He carried me up to my bed when I’d fall asleep on the couch hugging a football.

He was the golden boy, star quarterback. He was sevenyears older than me, but he’d still stop and scoop me onto his shoulders after a winning play. He’d give me his jersey and let me tag along with him. He made me feel like one of the guys.

Poopy diapers—I can’t get past the smell. I feed her, bathe her, put her to bed… She even stops crying when I hold her, but I can’t do it. I don’t want to let Raven down.

Jack

When I was in Houston, a pediatric nurse gave me this.

He sends me a link, and I read the title. StinkBalm.

Jack

Swipe it on your upper lip, and you won’t smell a thing. It looks like chapstick, so no one will ever know. You should be able to get it at any drugstore. In the meantime, try Vaporub.

Damn, bro. Does Garrett know about this?

Jack

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