Page 2 of Away Game

For a brief second, I felt bad, but just as quickly, a smirk spread across my face.

If he knew what was best for him, West Jackson would steer clear of me.

2

Fin

Pullingup outside my best friend’s house, I honked the horn and waited for everyone to come out. Oz’s mom opened the door, and when she saw my Range Rover waiting, she smiled and started to come outside when Oz, Danica, and her best friend, Lo, pushed past her. Their mom followed behind them and came to my door as they threw their bags into the back of my car. I rolled my window down and gave her my best winning smile.

“How are you today, Mrs. Francisco?”

“I’m fine, Fin. I’m still not sure how I let you all talk me into letting you guys head up the mountain for a week with no adult supervision.”

She had no idea the amount of debauchery we were about to get into. “You can’t look out for them forever. In a few short months, we’ll be away at college and—”

“I know. I know, but I’ll still worry about all of you. You included Fin,” she interrupted. “You’re not as bad as you pretend to be.” If she only knew. “Will you do me a favor, Fin?”

“Anything for you, Mrs. Francisco.” I meant it. Their mom treated me better than mine ever had.

“Don’t get into too much trouble.”

I flashed her a smile as both Oz and Danica came around and hugged her.

“Have fun and text me when you get there, so I know you’re safe.”

“We will,” they said at the same time. Something they did quite frequently being twins. They even looked alike except for being of different sexes. They both had hair the color of wheat and blue eyes. Danica was a few inches shorter than her brother, but she was tall for a girl. She was the tallest in our school. Being athletes, they had strong, lean bodies from their sports.

Seeing how happy of a family they were always made me feel bittersweet, and it was bittersweet hanging out with them. While I loved seeing how happy the Francisco’s were, it always reminded me of what I long ago stopped wishing for with my own family.

Growing up, all my dad ever cared about was his success. Having a successful career with an overflowing bank account. Owning the biggest house, first on our street, then in our town. The prettiest wife—thank you to Dr. Durgeuss, a world-renowned plastic surgeon. And last on the list, the perfect athletic son.

I can’t remember a time when my father told me he loved me or was proud of me. He never came to my games until our state championship game. It wasn’t until we were about to make a name for ourselves that he showed up. Even though he never came to any of my games, he always seemed to know when or if I fucked up in a game.

He had this favorite quote by Jackie Mason he liked to recite to anyone he could get to listen to the shit he spewed. “Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money.” He thought he was so fucking witty when he used this in his toasts, and of course, all the suck-ups always laughed, no matter how many times they heard it.

I hated that bastard.

As for my mother, I internally sighed at the thought of her. She was loyal to my father, followed his every command, and fetched anything he needed. In return, he kept her in yearly appointments with her favorite surgeon, Dr. Durgeuss, daily shopping trips to the chicest boutiques, and perfectly groomed at the finest spas.

Where was I in the mix?

At the very bottom, written in pencil.

Once everyone piled into the car and clicked their seatbelts, I pulled out of their driveway and hit the road. It would take us a couple of hours to make it to my parents’ house at Lake Arrowhead, and I was ready to get away from all the bullshit of Santa Lucia.

Danica and Lo were already whispering in the backseat and giggling as I parked outside the diner and waited for a couple of other cars to arrive so they could follow.

Dean’s white Volvo pulled into the spot next to mine, and a second later, his window rolled down. A lazy smile stretched across his face. “Dude, why haven’t we been up to your house before?”

“Because I didn’t want the lot of you trashing my house,” I growled, letting him hear the threat in my voice. If he fucked up my house, I would kick his ass, and that would only be the start.

“But we can now?” Dean asked, seeming oblivious to my threat. Narrowing my eyes at him, I ground out a definitive no. “Cool, man, I’ll make sure it’s all good.”

Oz cracked up from beside me in the passenger seat. Turning to look at him, I shook my head. “I don’t know why you wanted him to come.”

“Because he’s the pussy whisperer. Where he goes, they follow.”

We both laughed at that. “Since when do we need his help getting girls?” We didn’t, so it made no sense. I didn’t know why I let him convince me to invite others, except Oz promised an epic party. “What does he have on you?”

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