Page 7 of Defensive Zone

“Fine. Fine. Best behavior.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“I am capable of resisting the pull of a perfect prank, you know. I am an adult.” He puffed out his chest.

“That’s debatable,” she deadpanned.

“Life is fun with laughter and surprises. Nothing I do is ever with malice,” he said.

“I know that, but you know Gabi. She doesn’t like surprises or practical jokes.”

“Humor would do her a world of good, but I won’t tease her,” he said, unsure if he was capable of keeping that promise. Sometimes a perfect joke was too good to pass up.

“Max,” she drew out.

“Fine. How are you doing, Av?” he asked, patting the barstool next to him.

Ava glanced toward the hallway.

“Gabi’s got Elise, and her crying has stopped. We’re both here to help, so let us do that,” he said, sitting down on the barstool at the kitchen island next to his sister. “Now. Be honest.”

She sighed. “I’m muddling through. It’ll be easier with Gabi’s and your help. It’s just so freaking hard,” she said, a hitch in her voice, before she dropped her head to his shoulder.

He wrapped his arm around her. “I’m sorry, Av. I wish I could do anything to make it better.”

“Oh, Max. You are.” She tilted her head up to look at him, giving him a watery smile. “I needed to get away from everything, and you were right, going to stay with Mom and Dad in Montreal wouldn’t have been the best idea. It would’ve been cramped and they’re always working.”

“Told you. I need the noise in this house. It’s freaking quiet most days,” he said.

“Oh please. I know you have the guys over a lot and you’ve never been quiet,” she teased.

It thrilled him to no end to see her moments of humor, teasing him as she’d always done. What she’d gone through was awful and he could never fully understand, but he would do anything to help her move forward.

“Thanks for everything, Max. I mean it.”

“Don’t get me all choked up.”

She elbowed him in the ribs.

“Shit. Av. I already have a bruise there from the hit from Jones the other night.”

“Oh my god. I’m sorry,” she said, pulling away from him.

“I’m kidding. Bruise was from over a week ago and it’s all healed.”

“You’re the worst.” She laughed.

“But you’re smiling, and that’s all that matters.”

She rolled her eyes at him and slipped off the barstool. “On that note, I’m going back to bed.”

“See you in the morning, Av. Love you.”

“Love you, too. And be nice to Gabi.”

He put his hand to his chest. “Does my promise mean nothing to you?”

She laughed softly as she walked out of the room.

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