Page 41 of On the Breakaway

“I’m building character.”

“You taught Mason how to trash-talk.”

My lips tilt up in a smile. “He’s a natural talent.”

I hear Mason yelling something unintelligible in the background, followed by Katie laughing.

My shoulders relax at the sound.

“They all said they love you,” she says like she knows I need the reminder. “Remember that when you’re busy acting like the world is ending over one hockey game.”

I lean my head back against the seat and look out the tiny oval window. Boston lights glow faintly below us now.

“Yeah,” I murmur. “Love you guys.”

“Love you too, Gray. And bring Wyatt to dinner.”

Wyatt groans immediately, overhearing her words. “Why am I involved?”

“Because she likes you more than me,” I tell him.

“Who doesn’t?”

My mood is significantly less bleak after talking to her. Despite my family’s constant state of chaos, I always feel happier after talking to them.

Wyatt peeks one eye open. “So, family dinner?”

“You’re expected.”

“With the tiny psychopaths?” He cocks an eyebrow at me.

“They’re children.”

“One of them bit me last Christmas.”

I shrug. “That was because you told him Santa wasn’t real.”

“He needed to hear it eventually.”

“You deserved to be bitten.”

He grumbles under his breath as the plane’s wheels hit the ground.

“You’re also getting a drink with me tonight,” I add.

“No, the hell I’m not.”

“Oh, c’mon.” I start putting my things into my bag. “If I said captain’s orders, would you reconsider?”

“You could be the fucking King of England, and I still wouldn’t reconsider.” He pushes his hood back, but leaves his hat on, casting a shadow across his face. “I want to sleep.”

“It’s only nine. I’m too wired and pissed off to go home.”

“Sounds like a you problem.” He tosses his bag onto his back.

The second we deplane, Wyatt disappears toward the parking garage while I contemplate my choices.

Going out alone isn’t really my thing. I’m not a solo guy. Then again, my inability to be alone is why I’ve sworn off relationships for a while. Maybe that means going out by myself is a step in the right direction.