Page 19 of Wrap Around
"Before we even think about that, I'd like to try moving you back on the same line," he says cautiously. "When you weren't outright fighting with each other, it was almost working. I'm hoping having this same conversation with Shepherd will be the kick inthe ass he needs to get his shit together. But I wanted to talk to you first, considering you're the only one that's actually gotten hurt in all this."
Coach stands, and I follow suit.
"I should have stepped in earlier–" I open my mouth to remind him that we're grown-ass adults, but he raises a hand to stop me. "I know he's been paying off some of the other rookies to switch rooms on away games. If it'll keep the peace, I'll make the change permanent, but I'd like it if the two of you found a way to work together."
I stare down at my hands. Part of me wants to let him keep us apart, give Gideon the space. Let him keep running from me. But I don't think it'll help in the long run.
"It would be better if he got used to having me around. Avoidance isn't going to heal anything."
Again, Coach looks surprised.
"Alright, son. I'll talk to him. But just so you know, I'm rooting for both of you. You're better together. Probably always have been."
If he only knew.
Hopefully Gideon will come around, because I really don't want to leave now that I'm here. I don't want to pack up Lily and Adaline and make them move again. But I also won't let Dempsey keep me in Gideon's place.
Because despite what he thinks, I was the one that hurt Gideon first. And it was a hell of a lot worse than a busted nose.
CHAPTER 8
GIDEON
I let out a low whistle as I pull into the driveway, impressed by how their neighborhood has gone all out for Halloween. It's a far cry from our childhood, but I can see that Lily has gotten fully into the spirit.
Our father would be horrified.
I've barely parked before the front door swings open and a tiny blur of blue barrels out, floppy ears bouncing and arms waving excitedly.
"M'uncle Gid-On!"
Lily and Silas follow a few steps behind, laughing and calling for her to slow down. They're both dressed in fuzzy onesies and ball caps stitched with little felt ears just like Adaline’s.
I huff a laugh as I climb out of the truck and get to one knee to catch my favorite girl.
"M'uncle Gid-On! I Booey!"
"Look at you!” I say lovingly, laughing as she wraps herself aroundme in a full body hug, arms and legs wrapped around my side. "I like your costume!"
She's dressed like the little blue dog from her favorite cartoon. It was no surprise what she wanted to be for Halloween. She's obsessed. To be fair, it's a pretty damn cute show. We've watched almost an entire season together in the last week alone, to the point that I catch myself humming the theme song without realizing it.
"Nice costumes," I say, grinning at my sister. "You did a good job." I didn't know that she or Silas would be dressed up as well. They're the snarky parents from the cartoon, of course.
"Thanks," Lily says, pushing to her tiptoes to kiss my cheek and peel her daughter off me.
"You ready to trick-or-treat, Pickle?" I ask Adaline, turning to pull a paper bag out of the floorboard of my truck.
Addy jumps up and down, squealing, her little tail wagging with every bounce. Ugh, she's freaking precious. I finally understand cute aggression. I want to chew on her chubby little cheeks.
"Pickle?" Silas asks quietly, looking at his wife.
"Last week, Gideon came by to bring Addy a birthday present, and they were playing a color game," she explains. "They were naming everything that was green like her eyes. Adaline, of course, said pickles."
"Pickles!" Adaline shrieks, giggling.
"She does love pickles," Silas says with a low chuckle.
"Who doesn't?" I say, directing my words to the puppy currently bobbing around, shaking her little bum, chanting the word pickles.
