Page 33 of The Pass Protection
“Okay, before we get this whole thing started,” Brynn’s energetic voice carries me back to the present. “I’ve gotta know what the hell Ishould call you. I had no clue you were like a double agent with your multiple personas.”
Bret chuckles softly. “Grant, and occasionally, my mom will call me Addy. I’m Bret to everyone else, but you can call me whatever.”
“Be careful, or she’ll give you some stupid nickname.” Speaking of her brother, he chimes into the conversation as he steps in from the kitchen.
Brynn rolls her eyes. “Bret it is. Welcome to my house. Ignore your brother. He hates me.”
“He’s a grump to everyone,” Bret adds, turning to hug her brother. “Isn’t that right, big brother?”
Grant scowls at his sister and then Brynn. The two have history, not romantic history or anything like that. Brynn was a wildcard until last year when she got with Quinton. Speaking of Quinton…
“Q here?” I haven’t seen him since he moved to Denver in May. Last spring, the Denver Mustangs selected him first in the NFL draft. The two of them quickly found an apartment to rent in the city, and Q moved west. Brynn spent the summer with him, so the start of this school year is pretty much one big family reunion.
“Did someone say my name?” Quinton appears at the top of the stairs. I can’t help the surprise that washes over my face as he hops down to where we’re standing. With a quick kiss to Brynn’s temple, Q sticks his hand out, and I grab it firmly. We pull each other in for a quick, one-arm hug as our shoulders bump, clapping each other’s backs. Stepping back, I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“How’s it going, man?”
“Good. Glad to be back for the weekend.” Quinton drapes his arm around Brynn, and she beams up at him. Both of them glow. Happiness looks good on them. “Nice game yesterday.”
“Food’s ready,” Chloe shouts from the kitchen, interrupting the conversation. Q and Brynn turn, and we all follow them into the kitchen.
“Chlo, you’ve got to meet Bret.” Brynn’s energy vibrates as she reaches over the counter and snags a tomato out of the salad bowl.
Bret stands at my side, her brother moving through the kitchen. Chloe kicks the fridge door closed with her foot as her honey-blonde hair flies in her face, and she turns, bringing salad dressing bottles to the counter.
“Oh, hey! You’re the girl who was at the lunch table on our first day.” Bret’s smile widens before she steps around me, moving closer to the kitchen. The two chatter as I move outside the patio door.
“You and Campbell?” Q steps out on my heels.
“Grant and I are fine.” Lifting the top of the cooler, I shift around the ice until I find a bottle of water and Coke for Bret.
Quinton reaches inside and pulls out a bottle of water. “Not Grant, Bret.”
Twisting the cap, I take a sip, busying myself as I scan the small backyard where tables are lined up. “Just roommates.”
“Yeah, okay.” Q nods to the guys sitting around the table. “Use your brain.”
The creak from the sliding door has us turning our attention. The girls are piling out with hands full of plates. Quinton and I step out of their way before following them. The white plastic tables are decorated with a few ceramic vases with fresh flowers, and clear holders hold small white-lit candles. Each table setting has a clear plastic disposable plate and napkin-wrapped silverware set. The girls always make sure the dinner feels special.
“S’up, man.” Cody nods next to me. Cody Jacobs is a pitcher for the university’s baseball team, which just wontheirfirst nationalchampionship. It’s been a good year for CTU athletics, and I hope it continues. He and Chloe started dating last spring. The two of them have a sordid past they kept a secret from our friend group. But it’s all worked itself out. I feel it won’t be long until they say ‘I do’ like Q and Brynn. Only this time, I hope we’re all invited to the wedding and not that surprise elopement bullshit.
I nod, taking in the spread. “Chloe, the food looks amazing.”
She leans forward from her place next to Cody. “Thanks. I thought you boys could use a good meal after last night’s game. How are the ribs? That hit looked nasty at the end of the game.”
“Oh my gosh, you should see the black and purple bruise on them,” Bret adds from her place across from me.
“And how would you know?”
Bret’s eyes roll. “My roommates walk around without shirts, Grant.”
“Yeah, Grant. A girl’s got to get it where she can. And hell, I don’t blame her for looking.”
“You’re extra spicy tonight, B.” Grant leans forward on his elbows. Here we go. “I thought you’d be a delight with Q here.”
“It’s all my freaking—”
“Who wants salad?” Quinton interjects, and Brynn glares at him.
