Page 119 of Burnout

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“Yeah.” He bobs his head. “How’s it going there?”

“Good,” I answer quickly, then add, “Tiring.”

“It’s week one. Better suck it up.” My baby brother grins at me.

I laugh quietly and run a hand through my matted hair. “Yeah. No doubt. I need a shower and sleep.”

“What time is it there?”

“Same time that it is in Valley.”

His brows lift. “It’s early.”

“Not when you’ve been awake since five.”

“I’ll let you go, old man. I’m going to meet up with some friends to celebrate Charlene. She got accepted into Stanford.”

“Is Hendrick driving you?”

“No, they’re swinging by to pick me up.” He’s already moving around his room like he’s getting ready.

“Have fun. Be careful. I’ll call tomorrow.”

As soon as we hang up, I scroll through my missed texts. The group chat, currently titledBrogan STOP changing the group name, has several new messages.

Archer

Major Flynn update: he showered!

Brogan

I think I caught a whiff of cologne too.

Hendrick

A whiff? I can smell it all the way out in the garage.

I smile as I type out a reply.

Me

Tell ’em to F off, little bro.

Flynn

?? You’re all just mad because you’re old.

Brogan

Oh snap. No he didn’t call me old.

I have other texts. Colter and Oak, even Brooklyn. They’re in Texas this weekend and it feels weird not to be with them. I doubt I’m going to have a chance to keep up with practicing freestyle with my current schedule.

After I’ve sent a few replies, my eye is drawn to Avery’s contact. She was there for me when I needed her, and it meant more than I could ever say. I’m not great at accepting help, but just knowing she was willing made my load lighter.

I’ve thought about texting her more times than I can count.

I left without saying goodbye and that has weighed on me. It just felt too final.

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