Page 67 of The Change Up
“Speaking of getting out of there. I want you to come and stay with me for the summer. We can get you packed and moved out after graduation. I’ve talked to the guys, and they all agree we’ll give you the attic as your own space. I just need you out of there, Bug. I don’t know how much more of Dad’s wrath I can take.”
Leah reaches over, wrapping her hand around mine and squeezes. “Thank you.”
My brows furrow as I stare at my sister. “What for?”
“For everything, Cody. For taking the brunt of Dad’s abuse, for showing me how to be brave, and for offering me a place to stay after graduation.”
“Leah, I would do anything for you.”
“I know that. I also think you should know that I’ve applied to some colleges that are further away.”
“How far away? Did you not hear back from CTU?”
I watch as Leah avoids my eyes as she stares holes into the wood table. I have a feeling I’m not going to like what she’s about to say, but no matter the news, I’ll find a way to be happy for her. She deserves the opportunity to go out on her own and live her own life.
“I heard from CTU and I got in—” She stops me mid-breath from congratulating her. “But I’m waiting to hear back from the University of Washington.”
My jaw nearly hits the table because the state of Washington is far away. Like clear across the country. Her bottom lip starts to tremble, and at that sight, I’m up and dropping to my knees in front of her. Pulling her into me as she wraps her arms around my shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Cody. I know how bad you wanted me here with you, but it’s just too close.”
“Bug, you deserve this. I’m so fucking proud of you.”
She sniffles in my neck as she mumbles, “You’re not mad at me?”
“I could never be mad at you. This gives me a chance to visit. Hell, I might even try to have the Mariners come scout my games.”
Leah pushes back and stares at me. “Dude, that’d be awesome.”
We both smile, and everything is right in the world.
“Am I interrupting? Baby Jacobs, he better not be making you cry,” Hudson says as he makes his way over to the coffeemaker.
The smile she gives to Hudson has me quirking a brow. Does my little sister have a crush on my best friend?
Clearing my throat, I watch her eyes widen and a nervous look replaces the love-struck expression on her face. I ask her a silent question with a look, and she shakes her head, but her worrying at her bottom lip doesn’t ease my mind.
My best friend and sister? Nope, not even going to touch on that today.
“So what’s for lunch?” Hudson asks. “Am I ordering Cousin Jimmy’s?”
“Lunch? It’s—” Pulling out my phone I check the screen and see that it’s 12:45 in the afternoon. “Oh shit, we slept the whole morning away.”
Hudson sits in the empty seat across from me, which happens to be the other empty beside Leah. “I think I crashed around three.”
“Was there anyone left?”
“Just a few people. Niko was manning the house.”
“Of course he was.”
“Did you enjoy your first CTU party?”
Leah perks up and turns her full attention to Hudson. I watch both of them to make sure there aren’t any hidden messages behind their words. I love Hudson like a brother, but he better not have let his lips touch my sister. “It was fun. I think the parties back home are wilder, but I had a good time.”
“Last night was tame since we are in season. You’ll have to come for a football game, well, you’ll get the chance next fall if you get into CTU.”
“I’m actually waiting to hear back from the University of Washington.”
Hud’s eyes widen, and he glances over at me. “Well, shit, little sis, I hear the parties out there are crazy. You’ll get in, there’s no doubt.”
