Page 73 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Sofia caught my eye and narrowed hers. “What’s going—”

“Good news,” Mom burst into the room. “We can take you home.”

“Thank God,” Sofia sighed with relief.

“That’s great news, Sofe.” Poppy beamed. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” She leaned in hugging my sister.

“No school for you for at least a couple of days.”

“Mom, is that really neces—”

“Yes, yes it is. Aaron can bring you any notes home. Since he will be in school.”

“Gee, thanks, Mom.” I teased. “It isn’t like I’m injured or anything.” I lifted my taped arm.

“You’ll live.”

“Oh, it’s like that, huh?” My laughter echoed through the room.

“I’m going to go,” Poppy said, moving toward the door.

“Bye, sweetheart.”

“I’ll walk you out,” I said, hoping we could clear the air. I didn’t want to leave things awkward between us, and she’d been so angry earlier.

“N-no, it’s fine,” she rushed out, barely meeting my eyes. “You should stay with Sofia.”

I felt my sister’s suspicious gaze on the side of my face. Just what I didn’t need, another person grilling me on what had happened.

“Yeah, okay.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. “See you at school Monday.”

She murmured something, slipping out of the room.

“I’m going to say goodbye to Jason and get your prescription. I’ll be back.” Mom dropped a kiss on Sofia’s head and followed Poppy out.

Leaving me alone with my sister. She pinned me with a knowing look and said, “What the hell happened?”

I’d lied.

I’d looked my sister in the eye and lied. It wasn’t my finest moment, but I didn’t want her to a) worry or b) read too much into it.

It was just a kiss.

One that should never have happened.

“Okay,” Dad said, cutting the engine. “Let’s get you inside.”

“Seriously, Dad, I’m fine,” Sofia said.

His eyes met mine in the rearview mirror and I saw his silent request.

“Just humor us, Sis.” I gently nudged her shoulder.

“Your injury is way worse,” she protested. “I don’t see them fretting and fussing over you.”

“It’s different, sweetheart. Being a football player comes with a certain level of risk. You fainted.” Mom inhaled a sharp breath. “You collapsed right in front of me and—”

“Okay, babe.” Dad palmed her cheek. “Let’s not get overemotional. Our girl is home and she’s fine. Right, Sofe?”

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