Page 90 of Bad Wolf

but I heeded at least some of what Scott was trying to say.

I also have this gut feeling that won’t go away. It’s faint, barely noticeable. Unnamable even, but it’s there all the same.

Maybe it’s just the aftermath of what I’ve put my body through recently. I’ve pushed myself to the very limit, and I need to get healthy.

Making up with Wren will go a long way, but I also need to make it right with my brothers and sister. As of this morning, Scott and I seem like we’re okay, but the rest will need an apology at the very least.

The easiest thing would be to write a groveling text in the group chat and then hope everything returns to normal, but after all the shit I’ve put them through, I should look my family in the eye when I apologize.

As I make my way toward my apartment, I stop in at a laid-back juice bar and peruse the menu boards. I’m not really a juice man, but I’ll do anything I can get back in top condition.

I go for a tropical-protein-multivitamin-supercharged smoothie and extra-large it. With the plan I have for today, and the workout I got in with Wren last night, I think I need it.

The drink is cold in my hands as I continue down the bustling street, taking sips every few steps. I have to swerve a few tourists as I navigate the sidewalk, and grin at the awe on their faces. Our apartment building is close to the park, and on a day like today, with the spring sun high in the air, thick blossoms coating the branches of the trees and the birds chirping happily, this area of the city floods with people all day long.

My phone rings just as I’m finishing the last dregs of my sunshine smoothie and when I pull it out of my pocket, I’m actually glad to see it’s Mama.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Well, I don’t believe it. You actually picked up. You are goin’ to be the absolute death of me.”

“It’s been...” I blow out a breath and feel shitty all over again. Apart from seeing my parents at games, I’ve hardly spoken to her, “I wanted to do this face to face but now that you’ve called, I’m sorry, Mama.”

“Now, now that’s okay. I just wish you’d have let me visit. I could have looked after you. Coralie said they haven’t seen you much.”

I hear a chuckle in the background and my dad’s low voice. I can picture them sitting at the dining table together eating lunch, “What happened to tearing that boy a new one? He has you wrapped around his little finger.”

“Oh hush,” she says, “this has been so hard for him!”

I smile but continue, “Dad’s right, you should be mad. I haven’t really been acting like my best self and I’m sorry for that. For being so grumpy. It has been hard, but I think I’m finally in a good place. Dad helped me with that.”

“He jumped in that car before I could even register what he was doing. Just grabbed some leftovers from the fridge, his keys, kissed me on the head, and told me he was goin’.”

“I’m sorry I made you all worry so much. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

She hums in that knowing way of hers, “By bringing Wren out to see us? Or by arranging for us all to have dinner after the next home game? If she’s back in your life Knox, then she’s part of this family again.”

I chuckle and hear Dad do the same. She had my number before I’d even picked up the phone.

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Fabulous. I can’t wait to see her again.”

“I’m sure she feels the same way. Okay, Mama, I’m back at home and I need to go work out.”

“I love you so much. We’ll see you soon, Sunshine.”

I smile at the name she calls me. We all had a lot of nicknames growing up, but Mama has always called me sunshine.

“Love you both, too.”

I hang up, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I shed my jacket, jeans, and tee and change into workout clothes, making my way to our home gym.

Well, technically it’s Hollywood’s home gym. He has enough equipment to get a full and thorough session in.

Neither my brother nor Hollywood appear by the time I’ve finished, so I head for the shared lap pool. The maintenance assistant hands me a towel and I change into my trunks behind the privacy screen.

As I’m the only one up here, I set my drink bottle on the very edge and start my second warm-up of the day, focusing on my back, shoulders, and calves.

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