Page 257 of Cross the Line
3 days until Kiki arrives
A deep breath inflates my chest only for achy ribs to squeeze it out in a quick puff. With Kailey accepted to UCLA for kinesiology, she’s spending more time in LA to get her bearings before the full-time move.
JJ
Stay out of trouble
Eli
Have fun
JJ
Don’t let her corrupt you
I burst out laughing at Jayden’s message. Kailey is sassy, but she’s also laser-focused and responsible from years of strict training. An old soul wrapped in sunshine.
Fin
I won’t make any promises…
Let’s be honest, we all know I won’t leave the apartment unless I have to, and to walk Blanca and Samson. Even then, I’ll stay close. No more hikes until they return.
That makes me sadder. The hikes have kept my head clear when the voices threaten to pull me under. But the last two days—especially after Presley made bail—reporters have loitered outside on the street. Everywhere we go: work, training, the dog park…
At least with them stalking us, I know I’m safe. Presley wouldn’t dare come near me with the press watching my every move. He might be reckless, but he’s not stupid.
Anyway, no rabbit holes today.
No promises…except that I’m already missing you.
Eli
We’re going to call you all the time.
JJ
You might get sick of us
You’ll be lucky if I pick up with all the trouble Kiki and I are going to get into.
There’s a long stretch of silence as the wordTyping…appears and disappears beneath the name of our chat.
After a beat—clearly a deliberation—a new message lands.
JJ
Be careful. Please.
Eli
If anything comes up and you need someone STAT, call Lex.
JJ
I’ve made his contact a favorite so you can find it easy. And Dad’s.
Shouldn’t you be resting? Focussing on beating Colorado?
