Page 21 of Actions and Reactions
Not only because I don’t want to see Aunt Elle go feral on all of us, but because one, I might want to avoid talking about last night even if I do want a repeat, and two, I do have plans to wake up early tomorrow and I didn’t sleep last night.
“I’m going to start with some laps around the dock,” I tell Dad when I announce I’m going to bed.
“I’ll join you,” he says, and I know he won’t, but I still smile and nod like a good boy.
“Good night,” I tell everyone, and I look at Silas pointedly. Then, when I’m sure no one’s looking, I walk down the hallway and close the door to my room.
But I stay outside, and then I walk as silently as a cat into Si’s room.
6
Silas
Uncle Hulk draggedVinny away for a “lake talk” almost as soon as Lottie and I got to the gazebo, and I had to assume it wasn’t a coincidence.
Ruko “the Hulk” Jankowski is far more intuitive than anyone gives him credit for, and only our families really know it.
I was scared about havingthe talkwith Vinny when they got back and we were alone on the dock after he pushed everyone into the lake, and though it did take me by surprise, I was unreasonably grateful when he pushed me in.
Being singled out for anything hasn’t been good for me since I lost hockey, but before the accident it was great, especially because I had Vinny by my side being singled out as well.
Being singled out now... not so fun, but our time by the lake was, though.
It felt more like family time than anything has in years, and I hate to even think it, but I know it’s thanks to our meddling mothers.
Now, getting ready to start a game of Monopoly, I watch Vinny as he leaves the room, and when I hear the door to his room close, I focus back on the coffee table we have for board games in the living room.
Mom, Lottie, and Ruko are sitting on the floor, and I appreciate Dad and Lex for following my lead and sitting on the couch because I can’t actually sit cross-legged. I could maybe pull it off by stretching my legs out under the table, but there’s not a lot of room down there.
Mom has this glint in her eyes I know very well, and I have no idea why Vinny thinks he’s going to be able to sleep once she starts screaming—because as soon as the game really gets going sheisgoing to scream—and that plants a seed in my mind I can’t get rid off.
So much so, that Iintentionallylose all my money after only three rounds.
Mom looks disappointed in me while everyone else rejoices in my failure, and I stand and try my best at pretending to be sad about it.
“I’m going to bed,” I announce.
“What? Why?” Dad asks.
“I just want to put my leg up,” I lie. “Good night.”
I go around to hug everyone, and then I buy some time getting a glass of water. I want them all back in game modeso there’ll be enough noise that they won’t hear me go into my room to change and then walk back out to go to Vinny’s.
Lottie’s voice has risen enough by the time the glass is almost full, and I take my shot.
I try not to walk too fast, because they’d be able to hear that too, but it’s hard.
The anticipation of being close to Vinny again... of being alone with him in a room with a door that locks...
I open my door and stop in my tracks.
He’s here.
Fuck, great minds really do think alike.
He left the nightlight on, and it’s enough for me to see he’s completely naked... and asleep. I don’t mind that, not one bit. His body is a work of art, full and strong... steady. Even if the accident hadn’t happened, I doubt I’d be in that kind of shape. Pure luck and ability were enough for me to be the best on the ice... and that’s not bragging, it’s a fact that haunts me more than it fills me with pride.
I had nothing to do with the talent I was born with. I had nothing to do with the opportunity to become the best from a very young age. Sure, I put in the work, but it was never actually work. It was love.
