Page 96 of Lost Boy
Sofie groans. “Joel, you’re only fifty-one. Don’t sound so old.” She rolls her eyes, flipping her braided pigtail over her shoulder, glitter streaked across her cheeks in silver and red designs.
“Sofia Eleanor! You just aged me two decades. I’m barely thirty! And don’t you have a birthday coming up too? You sure that’s a smart play?”
“Are you threatening me, possible-future-step-father?”
“Sofie,” I snort. “Stop.”
Then I turn my reprimanding glare toCoach Rivers. “Don’t encourage her, Joel. We need our heads in the game and our asses on the road.”
“Yeah. Yeah. But she’s just so cute!”
“I’m right here. And I’m about to be fifteen. I am not cute!” She throws her arms up dramatically, huffing out a breath.
“You are,” Fallon insists with a little smirk, and I love seeing his playful side. He doesn’t show it enough.
Sofie narrows her eyes, ready for a comeback, but we just don’t have time. And Georgie beats me to it anyway.
“Alright, everyone. Get yer arses moving. Let’s not be late for Ryder’s big game.”
We hustle out the door, ready to head to the academy. Joel and I will ride the school athletic bus with the rest of the team, and Dad will follow behind with Fallon and Sofie.
After the team dinner, Dad and Joel are leaving for San Diego, and Sofie is staying at Katie’s for the weekend. So Fallon and I will have the houses to ourselves. And we’re staying at my place.
“I forgot something in my bag,” Fallon mumbles, turning and running up the stairs.
I narrow my eyes at his retreating back. He better not be bringing drugs or a flask or some shit. I thought we already went over sneaking and drinking around my family.
“Set the alarm and lock up when you’re done, mijo. We’ll be in the car.”
I use the opportunity to my advantage and chase him up the stairs, barging into my bedroom.
“What are you doing?” I ask somewhat suspiciously.
Fallon spins around with his hands behind his back. “Nothing,” he mumbles. “Why are you creepin’ on me, Ry?”
I huff out a laugh and step forward, crowding him into the wall. His duffle bag is on the floor between us, unzipped and gaping open. I glance down but don’t see anything but his usual black clothing.
He’s hiding something.
What the hell?
“Whatcha got there?”
His arms are crossed behind him and pressed against the wall.
“Nothing,” he repeats.
“Liar. Show me.”
With a deep sigh, Fallon brings his arms back around as I step back, revealing a medium-sized gift wrapped in silver paper with a maroon bow. Our school colors.
I ask another question that I think I know the answer to.
“What’s that?” My throat is a little thick.
“A present. For when you win the championship.”
“Fuck.Blue.” I grab him and squeeze him to my chest, banding my arms around his smaller body in a tight bear hug.
