Page 90 of Rebellious

My entire body locks up tight, every muscle coiling in tension. “What happened?” I’m already looking for my keys.

“Your grandfather fell trying to clean the gutters,” she says.

“Wait, Grandpa? Not Dad?”

I can hear footsteps, meaning my mother is more than likely pacing across the hardwood floors. “Well, your father was upset, seeing as we weren’t sure if it was a stroke or what condition he was in.” She inhales. “I was at the store, but Theo was here and picked up Cade and they drove to Jekyll to check on him yesterday.”

Not that I don’t love my grandfather, but knowing it wasn’t my father, relaxes me. “Is he okay?” I ask, pouring water into the coffee maker.

“Dislocated his shoulder but apart from some bumps and bruises, he’s going to be fine. Your father and Theo stayed to fix a few things before heading back.”

Grandma and Grandpa are the only grandparents I have. They adopted my dad when he was young. Uncle Theo acts like he’s their child too, so it doesn’t shock me they both went to check on him. “Good,” I tell Mom. “I’m sure they got him situated.”

Mom hums her agreement. “Bennett…”

She sighs and my stomach tightens. Grandpa wasn’t the real reason she called.

“Yeah?” I try to sound nonchalant.

“I received a call today.”

Oh no.

“Bennett, son.” Her voice is pained. “Did you accept an offer to another school?”

Fuck.

I rake my hands through my hair. There are two weeks left in the summer before Aspen will board a plane to Boston. I had to do something. The past six weeks haven’t been long enough. No amount of time with Aspen will be long enough. I might not know what the fuck I plan on doing about it past this moment right here, but I know I can’t let her get on that plane without me.

Clearing my throat, I confirm. “I did.”

There’s nothing left but the truth.

“Bennett,” she almost cries. “Your whole football career will be delayed a year.”

I nod, though she can’t see it, my gaze focused on the water outside the wall of windows. “I understand the consequences.” My tone is flat.

“You won’t graduate on time,” she adds as a plea.

“I know, Mama.” I do, and it changes nothing. “I can’t live without her.”

It’s as simple as that.

“But—”

I cut her off. “I thought you were the one who told me connections like mine and Aspen’s are rare.” Honestly, I thought if anyone was on my side, it’d be her.

“I did, but Bennett—” She groans. “Have you talked to Aspen about this?”

I feel my back straighten. “No.”

“Do you think she would like you losing a year of football to follow her to Boston?”

Rolling the tension from my shoulders, I sigh. “Mom, I don’t really care what she thinks. Where she goes, I’m going.” My argument is final. “I’ve given it a lot of thought over the summer. I’ll use the year off to hone my skills and bulk up. By the time I can play again, I’ll be better than I was this year.”

Hopefully.

“And what happens with you and Aspen?”

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