Page 67 of Barinov

And again.

Until my arms shake but my form refuses to crumble. Until I’m not just swinging anymore, but actually hitting and connecting.

When I finally drop my arms, he tosses me a towel.

“Not bad,” he says.

“Thanks,” I gasp, sweat pouring down my back. “Hate to admit it, but you’re a good teacher.”

Briggs laughs. “Thanks,” he says, leaning down to pick up his hat. He brushes it off before putting it on.

There’s a few awkward moments of silence before he speaks again.

“Look, about your sister, I’m sorry we kept it from y’all. Ellie just—”

“I know,” I cut in. “Haley told me. And I’m sorry too. I’ve been an ass to you.”

“Nah, don’t worry ‘bout it,” he says, pulling an arm through his leather jacket. “With everything you guys have been going through, being a dick to me is the least of your worries.”

I huff a laugh as we both sit down, our feet dangling off the mat.

“So,” I say, side-eying him. “Haley mentioned some things.”

“Yeah?”

“She said after the Masquerade the way you comforted Ellie.” I sigh. “You really love her don’t you?”

“I’ve never loved nothing more.”

I want to tease him and jab at him a little. Maybe call him out for falling in love with someone as crazy as my sister. But before I can open my mouth, his phone rings.

“Hey darlin’,” he says. “Yeah, I know. I’m on my way.”

I hear Ellie’s high-pitched voice on the other end, but I can’t quite make out what she’s saying.

“Alright. Love you too.” He hangs up. “Look, I’ve got to get,” he says, pocketing his phone. “If I’m late to Ashmoor your sister’ll have my balls.”

“She wears the pants in this relationship, huh?” I tease.

“You have no idea,” he says, boots hitting the ground as he pushes off the mat. “Catch ya later.”

“Later,” I say.

I pull my phone out of my bag. Two missed calls, both from Ellie. Seven unread text messages, also from Ellie.

ELLIE: Do you think you and Lex are going to make it today? Haley and I could really use you there.

ELLIE: So… Haley was just texting Khoza and he told her something very interesting about you and Caleb!

ELLIE: Why is my boyfriend with you???

ELLIE: And why are you at The Pit?

ELLIE: I just tried to call you.

ELLIE: Why aren’t you answering your phone?

ELLIE: CADE!