Page 120 of The Pass Protection
As Grant faces the audience, his eyes skim the crowd, looking for the section I texted him. I can’t help but reminisce on our time together growing up. Days of playing superheroes with our dress-up capes and creating our own professional football games in the backyard. He’s always been there for me, including me in his games and watching over me. Our time together is coming to an end. I couldn’t be more proud of the man he’s become, and no matter where life takes us, I’ll always be in his corner, cheering for him.
Crew and I watch the speaker announce Cody, JP, Hudson, Cody’s roommate, and Chloe. I feel so much excitement as I watch them take the first step of their future. Our lives will all take us to different places, and while it will be hard, I know we’ll always have each other. The bat signal will fly whenever someone needs us. Because the thing is, the bond created in this family is stronger than whatever life will throw at us.
We’re tethered together.
As the ceremony closed, Crew held my hand as we navigated the crowd. We moved toward the exit, where we told Grant we would meet him.
“That will be us next year.” Crew muses in my ear.
“I can’t wait.”
“Oh yeah? What are you looking forward to most?”
“Silo Bay.”
His head whips in my direction. “What’d you say?”
“Silo Bay.” I chuckle. “You’ve got a farm to take care of, and I will have endless walks along Lake Drummond in the future.”
“Are you saying you want to live in Silo Bay after graduation?”
“After graduation. After a few years of watching you play in the NFL. Whichever.” His mouth is slack as he stares at me. It’s as if I’ve short-circuited his brain. “I want to create a life with you in Silo Bay.”
“Rebel, I fucking love you.”
The bright sun bearing down on us as we step out onto the concrete interrupts our conversation. I dig through my purse for sunglasses, and my phone buzzes against my hand.
Brynn: Tell my best friends happy graduation!!
Me: Will do!
“Hey, Crew.” He turns from where he is in conversation with my dad. “Did you hear Savannah’s name?”
He shakes his head as I type another message.
Me: Did Sav not walk?
Brynn: Grant didn’t tell you?
Brynn: She had to withdraw this semester. She’ll be back next year for one semester!
Locking my phone, I drop it into my purse. I am curious as to why she had to drop out, and it runs through my head. I don’t have much time to dwell on it before Grant walks toward us, gown partially unzipped and a diploma sleeve in his hand.
“Congratulations, sweetie!” Mom yells as she wraps him in a hug. Dad follows her with a handshake before pulling him into a hug.
“You did it!” I say, throwing my arms around my big brother. “I’m so proud of you, G.”
“Thanks, sis. I guess I’ll have to rely on Crew to look after you next year.”
“Yeah, right. You know your ass is staying to help coach me.”
“Ah fuck, Dad, I might need to rethink that offer. I don’t know if I can coach this joker.”
Dad shakes his head at their antics. In a way, it’s like he gained another son with Grant and Crew’s brotherly friendship.
“Bret, stand next to your brother for pictures.”
For the next fifteen minutes, we go through an endless cycle of poses as Mom ensures every situation is accounted for. The spring air is hot in Texas, and I can feel sweat rolling down my spine.
