Page 77 of Facing the Line

“That’s awesome!” Jonas gives his dad a back-slapping hug, grinning. “Hadley, you’ll get the full Chicago experience. It’ll be so much fun.”

His dad rubs the back of his neck. “You can invite your friend Hunter and his girlfriend, if you want.”

Jonas gazes at me, his features a mix of apprehension and anticipation.

“Of course,” I say. Why wouldn’t I want to see my brother, who I came to visit? It doesn’t make sense for my stomach to drop and swoop with nerves. “Can’t wait.”

Chapter

Thirty-Three

HADLEY

Kendall: So what do you think of Jonas’s family?

Hadley: They are amazing. Especially his mom. She’s so sweet. Would she adopt me?

Kendall: Would be kinda weird, since you’re hooking up with her son.

Hadley: Duh, I mean after this is over.

“Hadley, what do you want to do today?” Jonas’s mom glances at me over her shoulder from her spot at the stove. As if it’s second nature, she flips a golden-brown pancake in the skillet without breaking a sweat.

“I see where Jonas learned it,” I say, gesturing to her stack of pancakes plated next to her. “He’s been trying to teach me to cook, but I think I’m a lost cause.”

“No one is ever a lost cause.” Mary faces me fully, her green eyes glowing.

“Mom, stop being such a kindergarten teacher.” Emma limps into the kitchen, a scowl on her face. Her brown hair is a halo of tangles around her head.

Instead of taking offense, Mary laughs at her. She has the best laugh—boisterous and full of joy. “Oh, Emma, you know I can’t. It’s who I am.” She shrugs in my direction and whispers, “Emma is not a morning person.”

“I can hear you!” Emma perches on one of the bar stools at the counter and lays her head on the smooth surface. “I’m not deaf, you know.”

“We know.” Mary pats the top of her head, still smiling. “What do you think Hadley might like to do in the city?”

In a quick mood shift, Emma’s face whips off the counter to stare at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh, The Bean! Or maybe the zoo? Do you like Navy Pier?”

“Um.” I’m not sure what half of those things are. I shift my weight from foot to foot.

But thankfully Jonas pads into the kitchen and ruffles her messy hair. “Chill, Little Bird. You’re gonna scare her off.”

It takes all my self-control not to throw my arms around him. It’s the first night I haven’t slept plastered to his side in a week. I missed him. Missed his company, the sound of his breathing as he’s falling asleep. Missed waking to his kisses and enthusiastic morning sex. And in the middle of the night. And before bed. He’s making up for lost time and is a fast learner. My belly flips at the thought.

On that front, I have to tighten my hands into fists, so I don’t reach out and touch him and clear my throat. “Is The Bean a coffee shop? Cute name.”

Emma laughs. “No, silly! It’s a giant silver bean.”

Jonas shrugs when I glance at him for clarification. “She’s right. I’m sure you’ve seen pictures. Massive, mirrored sculpture thing that’s shaped like a kidney bean.”

“Oh, that does ring a bell. Put it on the list. And what’s Navy Pier?”

“It’s on the lake!” Emma practically bounces with excitement. “And there are rides and a Ferris wheel!”

“A Ferris wheel, huh?” I poke Jonas’s bicep. “I bet that’s your favorite.”

He blushes, and his mom and sister giggle.

“Oh, so Hadley knows about your fear of heights, I see,” Mary says, setting a platter of pancakes, eggs, and bacon down in front of us.

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