Page 78 of Huge Games

Shrugging, I continue. "It's having friends who care for the same woman, knowing that we're a group against the world, not just a couple. There's something reallysupportive about it."

"And you have that with Elias?"

"Yeah, and Travis."

"Travis, I can see. He's easygoing, but Elias is a hot head."

"He really isn't. I used to think the same, but now… he's a decent guy. A solid person. He's good for Celine, and he's loyal to the rest of us in a way I don't think he expected of himself."

"I always thought of Elias as a lone wolf."

"I think he always thought of himself that way. Funny how circumstances can throw everything up in the air so it falls differently."

"And what about the rest of them? Do you think they feel the same way?"

"I don't know," I admit. "Maybe it seems too crazy for them."

"Well, they know us, and they know Gab. Does it look that crazy from the outside?"

"Surprisingly not."

"Then maybe there's a chance?"

I shift my feet, allowing myself to imagine a time when I could call Celine my girl and keep Travis and Elias in our lives.

"Maybe," I say. "If the universe gives us all a moment between the drama, it keeps tossing in our direction."

She crosses her fingers and holds them high. "Tell Celine I told her to call me when she can and come over soon. The boys would love to see you."

We hug again and I watch my friend disappear into the crowd. She's found her place in the world. I'm still working on finding mine.

Am I close? Only time will tell, I guess.

Or maybe now's the time to put everything on the line.

25

CELINE

As we leave the police station, I slide my hand into Elias's. For a second, he seems to flinch as though the idea of holding hands doesn't fit with his super independent persona, but then he relaxes and squeezes my fingers gently as he leads us back to the car.

It was mostly a wasted morning. The police were sympathetic to both of our circumstances but without clear evidence, there isn't much they can do. Elias's mom could have fallen down the stairs while she was alone in the house. It could have been anyone behind me in the video. They didn't tell us what the next steps would involve, just that they'd be in touch. I couldn't work out if that was a promise or a way to get us out of the building.

"I'm sorry," I say when Elias opens the car door for me. He jerks his head back in surprise.

"You didn't push my mom down the stairs."

I punch his shoulder gently, nudging him away. "I know I didn't. I mean, I'm sorry they're not going to rush out and arrest your dad."

"She'll tell them when she wakes up," he says. "Thistime, I'm not taking no for an answer. I swear to God. She's reporting that bastard, or I'm never seeing either of them ever again. And then they'll have to charge him."

"Do you think she will?"

"She could have died."

"I know, but do you think she will?"

He's thoughtful for a moment, then shakes his head. "No. I don't think she will."

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