Page 132 of Burnout
“You know it. Shirtless handstands.”
“Oh no. Shirt on. I don’t want anyone ogling you when I’m not around to throw down.”
I laugh at the image of her fighting anyone. Not that she’d ever need to. I’m all hers.
“Are you back at your dorm for the night?” I ask her. “And what’s this fun news?”
“Actually, I just stopped by to see Flynn.” She must move the phone toward my baby brother because a second later he mutters a quick, “Hey, man.”
I freeze, wondering if he’s going to give me away. He knows I’m coming back this weekend, but Avery doesn’t. I wanted to surprise her, but I wasn’t expecting her to be at my house.
“Okay, so I got a call today from one of my USA teammates and she’s putting together a summer tour of some of the top gymnasts in the country, and she invited me to join.”
“Princess, that’s awesome.”
“I know! She’s only asking ten total gymnasts and I’m one of them. Can you believe it?”
“Of course, I can. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I wish you were here to celebrate. Quinn is taking me out. Oh, and Colter says hi. I think he misses you. He keeps watching videos of your freestyle routines and talking about how much progress you made in such a short time.”
I shut the engine off and grab my bag from the back seat. “He might not need to miss me for long.”
“Are you coming back soon?” she asks, and I don’t miss the hopeful lilt in her tone.
I throw open the door, my steps faster. I’m eager to see her. The weeks are long. We’re managing on phone calls and lots of texts, but every time I leave Valley, I’m counting down until I can get back.
“Yep. Real soon.”
“When?” she asks, and I can hear her voice from the kitchen.
I toss my bag on the floor and she whips around, jaw dropping as she takes me in. She lets out an ear-piercing squealand runs toward me and jumps. I catch her and hold her up so I can kiss her.
Damn. I missed her, and the way she’s kissing me, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.
Flynn clears his throat, and I chuckle as I break away from my girl. Avery flushes as I set her on the ground, but I don’t let her get far. I circle her waist with an arm and walk toward my brother.
I let her go only to hug him. I’ve missed him too. “I swear you grew another two inches this week.”
His lips curve and he puffs out his chest. “I’m taller than Hendrick now. He hates it.”
“Yeah, I bet he does.” I ruffle his hair. “Arch said you went to dinner with Dad last night. Everything good?”
I hate asking, but I know Flynn won’t talk to me about Dad after everything I’ve said about the man. And I want to know, for no other reason than I’ll never stop looking out for my baby brother.
He pauses like he isn’t sure how to respond. “Yeah. He took me out to celebrate.”
His elbow isn’t completely healed, but he’s making progress every week, and he accepted a scholarship to his top choice college in Houston, playing for his dream coach, Luka Champe. It doesn’t cover the full cost of tuition and room and board, but the way he lit up with excitement when he got the offer, I knew I’d do whatever it took to make it work. I’d do anything to see him achieve his dreams. It’s going to be tough when he goes, but I couldn’t be prouder.
“Good. I’m glad.”
He chuckles. “You are?”
I consider my words carefully. “You should have lots of people who want to celebrate your wins.”
Do I think Dad will stick around and start acting like the father Flynn deserves? No. But I’m not even sure Flynn expects that at this point. And at the end of the day, I guess all I can do is be there for him. I’ll just keep showing up in all the ways I wish someone had for me.
Flynn grabs his phone off the counter. “They’re expecting you at the bar. Can you give me a ride to the school on your way? There’s a school dance tonight.”
