Page 137 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“I hope he doesn’t talk like that around Jason,” Mom said.

“You know, Aaron.” Ezra leaned back against the counter. “He speaks first, thinks later.”

“Yeah, well, it’s going to get him into trouble one day.”

“It could always be worse, my love.” Dad hooked his arm around Mom and pulled her between his legs.

“And that’s our cue to leave.” I got up and headed for the door.

“No, sweetheart. Wait. You don’t have to leave.”

“I’ll see you later, Mom, Dad.”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

Their laughter followed us down the hall.

“I never thought I’d appreciate that sound,” Ezra said.

“They’re pretty darn cute.”

“Yeah, they are. How are you holding up?”

His question caught me off guard.

It was Ezra.

Even though he’d become a lot more approachable since getting together with Ashleigh, he was still pretty closed off.

“I’m okay.”

“You know, if you ever need to talk…”

“Ezra Bennet.” I smiled. “Are you offering to be my person?”

“Shit, Sofe. You had to go make it weird, didn’t you?” He grinned back. “I’m just saying, I know we don’t do the whole heart to heart thing much, but I’m always here for you. One hundred percent.”

“Thanks, E. But I’m fine.” The lie soured on my tongue as we slipped out of the house.

“What about you, Mr. Football Star? How’s things with the team?”

“Things are good. Things are really fucking good.”

“I’m happy for you. You deserve it, E.”

“I know I don’t tell you enough, but I’m really glad you’re my sister, Sofia.”

“Jeez, don’t get all emotional on me, you’ll make me cry.”

He chuckled, giving a little shake of his head. “Kandon will be here soon, right?”

“Yeah, go.” I waved him off, needing a second to myself before I lost the fight to the tears building behind my eyes.

Ezra hesitated as if he felt that I was on the verge of breaking. But I forced a smile and ushered him away. “Go. Leigh will be waiting for you.”

His eyes narrowed. “Sofe, are you sure—”

Cole’s car appeared and I breathed a small sigh of relief.

---