Page 36 of Breakaway

“He can tell that Ryder is close to deciding.”

I grab my bag and follow him to the doors. “Maybe. Or maybe he’ll just tell both of us to fuck off.”

Evan is a great friend for lots of reasons, but at the very top is his ability to switch topics tactfully when it seems like the conversation is about to veer into the pits. He claps my shoulder. “Want to come to my place later? We can get takeout from that Thai restaurant on Westbrook; Remmy’s been wanting to challenge Hunter to a new mission in Call of Duty.”

Hunter is one of Seb’s teammates, and thanks to the two of us, the hockey and baseball teams have become tight. Last year, we were friendly with the football guys, thanks to James, but not so much this year. I should work on homework before tomorrow, since I doubt much will get done when I’m with Penny, best intentions aside, but the thought of an evening spent unwinding with my crew sounds too good to pass up. Milton, or Call of Duty? While my teammates are getting some shuteye on the drive to New Hampshire, I’ll be puzzling over passages of Areopagitica, but it’ll be worth it.

“Hell yes, let’s do it.”

Chapter 19

Penny

October 5th

Callahan

Would you rather live in the Star Trek world or the Star Wars world?

Good morning to you too, Red

Idk I was just thinking about it last night

Take a guess

Star Trek?

Nope. I’m more of a fantasy guy

But they’re basically the same thing

. . . Red

No

???

Star Trek is science fiction. Star Wars is space opera. Totally different

Well, I choose Star Wars because I wish I could hug Chewie

And make out with Han Solo

You’d look good with Leia braids

My Halloween costume?

October 6th

Callahan

Wait, so you’ve written a whole book?

Not quite

More like half. But I’ve written shorter things before, like fanfiction

That’s seriously cool, Red

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