Page 70 of Whirlwind

“Hawk’s right,” Ezra says. “Look at it this way: If you quit, and your relationship with Finley doesn’t work out, will you still be happy to move on?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation. I can honestly say I would be.

Finley wanted space to slow things down and think things through, so I’ve respected that. For the past two weeks, my thoughts have been consumed by her and my job. If I want to be with her, the best option is to resign. She won’t be my student anymore, and we can be together. I can still mentor her alongside my team. Teaching has always been important to me, but it’s only one piece of my life.

Weather is my life. Storm chasing is my life. And after the success of our rocket launch, our research is on the cusp of something transformative. Storm chasing isn’t just my passion—it’s the work I’m most excited about. It’s work that will take me on more chases with my team—and hopefully with Finley. The thought brings a genuine smile to my face for the first time in days.

“I think you have your answer then,” Hawk says.

“And if Finley becomes a permanent fixture in my life, are you really both okay with it? Not to mention the loss of funding and potentially our research.”

“We’ve gone over this,” Hawk says. “The funding is replaceable. And I don’t think the school is going to throw awaythe research from this weekend regardless of what you choose. Everything can be worked out, Ryker.”

“No matter what happens, that’s all secondary to your life,” Ezra says, leaning forward to squeeze my shoulder. “We like Finley, and we want you to be happy. And we’ve already told you we would like her on the team. Joey, too.”

That makes Hawk smile. “Don’t forget that we have your back. We always have. Even when you’re being an insufferable asshole.”

My cheek twitches, and I exhale a breath, my shoulders easing after so many days of tension. “I don’t deserve friends like you.”

“Whatever, man. Would you do the same for us?” Ezra asks.

“You know I would.”

“Then that’s that.”

I sigh. “I really am sorry for all the bullshit I’ve caused—and for being a dick.”

Hawk and Ezra look at each other and nod before looking back at me. “We accept your apology,” Hawk says.

Ezra rubs his hands together. “Now, less talk, more action. The sooner you quit and talk to Finley, the sooner we can make the TT Upgrade Chat official and plan our next chase together.”

My smile mirrors his as I open up my email. “I’ll email HR now.”

“That’s my boy!” Ezra cheers. “Or should I sayTornado Daddy?”

I groan and throw a pen from the table at his chest.

Fuck, I love my friends.

Chapter twenty-six

Finley

“Are you at home?”Jake asks through the phone.

“Yeah, sitting on my couch—at least for now. I’ve been tracking a thunderstorm south of here that I may head out to chase.”

“Alone?”

“Yes, but this one won’t develop into a tornado. I want to go get some pictures for my website.”

“Ryker isn’t going with you?”

The sound of his name makes my chest sting, but I swallow down the emotion. I told Jake everything that happened, leaving out the details he didn’t need to hear. He surprised me by being more understanding than I thought he would be, and he’s been a good ear since I got back from Oklahoma—not that I’ve said much about everything since I first dumped it all on him. I haven’t wanted to.

“Of course not. I told you things are…” I trail off before deciding on the right word. “…weird.”

“You haven’t tried to talk to him yet?”

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