I took my face from his shoulder, wanting to see him when I explained. “No, not the music. The JackholeS’ music will always be epic. I meant life. Renee and Norah are always over at Brian’s house. We haven’t had a family dinner this week. I ate pancakes all by myself this morning. And now you’re practicing with the Pappies, and you’re going to leave me too. Even after you forced your friendship on me.”
My bottom lip quivered as I thought about how lonely I’d be without Trip coming over and watching movies on the couch with me. There were times he was the only company I had, especially with Renee and Brian’s relationship getting more serious.
Trip’s hand ghosted over my face, pushing the wet strands of hair off my cheek.
“I’m sorry,” he said in a whisper. His fingers brushed the bottom of my tangled hair.
“I don’t like change. I’m scared I’m losing everyone I love.” Big tears raced down my cheeks.
Trip grabbed my neck and pulled my head back into his shoulder.
“Shhhh, baby. You’re not losing anyone. You’re too amazing of a friend. Nobody wants to lose you.”
Did he just call me baby?
“I’m not used to being by myself. I lived with my parents and then Renee and Norah. It’s so quiet.”
“What can I do to make it better?” His hand tightened around my shoulder before continuing down my spine.
“Can I call you Alfred?” I asked, not wanting to miss an opportunity.
“No, but I can start coming over more.”
“You don’t have to. I know you’re getting back into the swing of things with your team. You don’t need to come over and keep me company. You go and be Trip Butler, baseball star extraordinaire.”
“I don’t want to be Trip Butler, baseball star extraordinaire. I want to be Trip Butler, McKenna’s friend. Besides, two nights a week isn’t enough to get all the facts stored in your brain.” Trip tapped the side of my head. “I feel like I’m missing out. And what are friends for?”
“Really?” I lifted my head and felt a real smile form.
“Of course. Come on, let’s get take-out and go to your place to watch TV. I saw Coach Mae lurking around here, so you go get dressed and I’ll get the food and meet you at your house.”
“Hey, how would you feel about being Alfred Butler, friend to McKenna Raine who may or may not be Batman?”
Trip shook his head as he placed his finger over his lips to keep me quiet. For a brief moment I wished my lips could replace his finger.
Trip took off after giving me a thumbs-up indicating we were in the clear with Coach Mae. I threw on a hoodie and raced to my car, wanting to get home and changed before Trip showed up.
Trip must have some type of wizard blood in him. My breakdown was forgotten as I relaxed on the couch, my feet in his lap. We watched a comedy and the sound of Trip’s belly laughs made my body feel light.
My eyes got heavy, and I snuggled further into the couch.
Trip’s arms gathered me up and before I could register what was happening he was tucking me into my bed.
“Get some sleep, Raine.”
“Night, Alfred.”
I dreamed of his lips ghosting over my forehead as I drifted off to sleep.
“Rise and shine, Raine.”
I grabbed the covers and groaned at the amount of effort it took to pull them over my head. Clearly I should have stayed in the ice bath longer.
“What are you doing here?” I grumbled from under my blanket protection.
“I brought you breakfast, grumpy.”
I flipped the covers down, surprised at his answer. His hair was styled in a messy sexy way as his blue eyes sparkled. He waived a brown paper bag in front of my face.
