A little late but… “Okay.”
“By the way, Jamie’s really interested in Tolliver University, so we’ll probably do a college visit down there soon.”
“Oh, so cool.” My little brother’s getting recruited all over, but it would be amazing to have him here in Orlando. Tolliver is like the Duke of Florida.
“And look, I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I think your dad’s finally realizing how much he missed, especially for Dylan and you. And he has regrets.”
Mom’s explanation connects the dots for me, but I can’t quite seem to absorb what she’s saying. It’s so different than the actual experience I have had with my dad.
“Okay, that’s good to know, I guess.”
She sighs. “I don’t expect you to do anything you don’t want to, Aves. But if you want to talk to him more often, I think he’d like it.”
I’m not sure what to do with that information?
“Thanks for telling me all that.”
I’ve spent so long thinking he doesn’t reallyseeme that it’s hard to open myself up to the possibility of something different.
Do I want that?
The thought of having a confidant in Dad, talking to him freely about my dreams, ones he’ll very much relate to—I don’t hate it. At all.
But it’s going to take time, and right now, as I throw my bag in my car for my first road trip as a starter, I don’t have that.
32
RAWLEY
When Avery leaves my house, I feel the lack of her within the hour.
Shit, we are going to be apart for a week again.
I really shouldn’t dwell on the thought, but it lingers. After being inside her for the first time, sharing things about myself only my brother really knows—it feels wrong for us to be cut off for a week.
I try to distract myself with a workout, but only one thing makes the sensation go away: when Avery texts me a few hours later.
AVERY: Getting on the plane to Detroit
I wasn’t sure if we were going to talk again today, or even soon. During her prior trips we only texted once or twice, largely to make plans.
Needless to say, I respond right away.
RAWLEY: Have a great trip :)
AVERY: Hopefully I’ll get a nap on the plane. Someone woke me up in the middle of the night
A smile comes over my face.
RAWLEY: I don’t remember many complaints last night
AVERY: Hindsight is 20-20
AVERY: JK. The memory will keep me going on this road trip
I like that. We’remaking memories.
Sex memories, but still.
