Page 15 of Fanatic

“How’s the scholarships going?” I inquired, changing the subject. Fanatic lit up.

“Fuckin’ amazing. There’s some real talent, and we’ll starting consultations for our intake again soon. We have hired people to help run it, as it’s grown too big for us now. We’ve put a chairman in place and several admin staff, but the interviews still come through me and my siblings.”

“I’m glad, Fanatic.”

“The plan had been to utilise the Ewok Village and Rivendell and use Reading Hall as dorms, but the scholarships grew too quickly. We’ve got dormitories set up on the school grounds now, although the facilities are used at Reading Hall and will remain so,” Fanatic continued.

“I read Aaron was presented a spot at the Chiefs. Seriously, I was surprised he didn’t pick the Bears.”

“Ha, I don’t think Chicago could handle three Michaelsons running rampant.” Fanatic chuckled.

“How’s Harley’s arm?”

“Fuckin’ perfect, it’s improved, believe it or not. Cubs have offered him a three-year deal, and Harley permanently is fourth to bat now. If bases are loaded, he invariably gets at least two home. And Jared is still UFC fighting. He’s going for the title. Mum refuses to watch him, although Dad and my brothers go to see Jared fight.”

“I saw Nova took gold at her last event, and Falcon claimed his gold, too,” I said.

“Yeah, Nova is freaking amazing, considering she’s only twenty. And Falcon is the fastest out there and he keeps pushing himself. He’s like a fuckin’ fish. They’ve joined the scholarship board now and are looking for sponsorships for their sports,” Fanatic explained.

“Nice. So much talent in Rage,” I replied, genuinely pleased.

“Money helps. Look at Aria. That kid is a natural skier, but it’s such an expensive sport. Aria intends to go straight to the Olympics, which is fucking with Dante’s mindset.”

“Oh, I bet it is. Dante is an asshole who believes women belong at home. Aria has no intention of that,” I replied, thinking of nine-year-old Aria.

Eight-year-old Dante was too much of a cocky bastard for my liking. Apparently, Fanatic agreed with my assessment.

“Dante is heading for a fall. He’s far too conceited. Fuckin’ kid needs to learn humility.”

“That’s your brother,” I said, laughing.

“Yet Dante remains an arrogant little shit. I can see a lot of heartache in his future. Aria won’t put up with his bullshit. She’s got a promising career ahead. I know Dante’s eight, but I don’t think he realises Aria hates him right now.”

“Damn.”

“Mum and Dad tell Dante constantly, but he’s buoyed by the Hellions.”

I yawned, and Fanatic squeezed me. “Sorry.”

“Go to bed, Willow, we’ll be home tomorrow.”

Fanatic shifted out from under me and headed out. He set the door to lock on his exit and winked as it closed on him.

I checked Danny before curling up and hugging a pillow. Just like I’d done since Grey’s death.

Fanatic

I kept expecting to see Willow disappear from my mirror and envisioned chasing her down the highway. But she stayed close as we entered South Dakota, although she did fall back a little. Willow pulled off into a diner just over the border, and I let her dither about. It had been a year since she’d been in SD.

It was easy to tell Willow was struggling. She held Danny as her eyes focused on the Black Hills. A shudder ran through her, and I got out of my car. Willow was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t hear me coming and jumped as I wrapped my arms around her.

“Don’t leave me,” she whispered.

“Not happening. We are going to go home, unpack, you can take a bath, and I’ll fetch fried chicken and doughnuts. Then we’re gonna stick on Buffy and begin from episode one and binge. Chance knows not to expect me for a few days. Tomorrow, we’ll order food or go shopping and start sorting the house out,” I said.

“Thanks, Fanatic. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Willow replied softly.

“Girl, you’d be hiding under a stone still and refusing to face life.”

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