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“Didn’t know we needed more bonding time.”Since you have Dad there now. “I figured seeing you in class every day was enough,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood in case he’s actually serious.
“It’s not enough. But I’ll take it. I guess I’m just used to having you around here for lunch more often too.”
“Well, I’m here today.” Because I’m not ready to face possible murder or accessory-to-murder charges since someone is definitely hell-bent on playing games with us through Topher who has been exceedingly edgy today. Maybe he just has a lot still going on at home, but it seems like he’s highly strung. More so than normal, anyway.
“That’s a good thing because I wanted to ask what your plans are if the hurricane keeps tracking this way.”
“Just watching it for now.” Along with everyone else. “It’s not like we can do anything until we know where it’s heading.”
“We can have a plan.”
My plan is to go wherever Morgan goes. “Don’t die. That’s my plan.”
“Great, smartass. But you might need a few steps of prep to make sure the plan works out.”
“Don’t worry. I’m keeping an eye on it.”
“That’s all we can do for now. But we’ve talked about heading out if it intensifies and comes our way.”
Thewein that sentence makes it certain that my plans won’t line up with Dustin’s. “Sounds like a good plan for y’all. I’ll let you know where I go if it comes to that.” Right now, it’s not looking like it’ll be necessary to leave. Though getting away for a few days does sound appealing… just not with my dad or with Morgan’s.
Unfortunately, the conversation doesn’t get any more appealing as my brother asks, “How’s ball going?”
“Good.” And it is. It’s the off-field shit that isn’t going so great.
“Good, huh?” Dustin watches me for a few seconds before he asks, “How’s it actually going?”
“It really is. Just a lot more politics than I’d like.”
“Well, looks like you might get a break this weekend if the forecast doesn’t change.”
Now, that does sound like a good plan. And thankfully the conversation switches to random stuff that doesn’t involve my father or football, so the remainder of the lunch period is great. And the rest of the day passes uneventfully until I get to my truck and Neil is standing beside it, a solemn expression on his face.
“What’s up?” I ask as I approach.
“Just wanted to see if you found anything out”—he lowers his voice—“about the messages.”
He doesn’t even know the rest of the story about the phone call. But I keep that to myself because he already looks like he’s about to fall over the ledge. “Haven’t found much out. So, I think we’re good. If someone wanted to cause real trouble, they would’ve already. Probably just some jerk messing with us and Topher.”
“But why would someone do that?”
“I don’t know. Why do these morons do anything they do?” That really is the million-dollar question.
“I guess.” His eyes drop to the ground as he shuffles his feet, then his eyes dart to mine. “You’ll tell me if you find anything out—even if it’s bad news, right?”
“Yes. I will tell you everything you need to know, even the bad shit, so you’re not caught off guard.”
He nods his head, a grateful and almost content expression on his face. “My parents aren’t coming back to the States with the tropical weather heading our way. So, you’re welcome to stay at my place as usual.”
“Thanks. Has Savannah still been staying there with you?” He nods his head, a slight smile peeking at his lips. “That’s good.” And it is. I’m glad he’s not there by himself all the time like usual. Especially since I haven’t been a great friend and have been concentrating a little too much on Morgan. “Are you hungry? I could really go for a burger.”
“That does sound good, but I’m supposed to meet Savannah in a few minutes.”
“Would she want to go too? The more the merrier. Or I can grab us all something and meet you back at your place?” I could use a break from Morgan, and maybe staying away will show her that she really does want me around. Doubt it. But I can hope.
11
MORGAN
