How crazy how things had changed. I really did wish him well and even more after what Thatcher said. I had a feeling he’d been fighting for me, and though I still didn’t know why, I wasn’t going to slap that in the face. I supposed kindness can be found in the most unusual places.
Even enemies.
The dark prince and I had been that too, but for some reason, I found it easier to look over things like what Ares had done. I didn’t know why.
Yeah, you do.
I stood with those thoughts as Thatcher eased forward.
“So are you ready to talk to us?” Thatcher stated, almost sounding hopeful. He studied Wells. “We were hard on you. Too hard, and that goes double for me.”
He was obviously referring to that nightmare dinner I hadn’t even gotten to have.
And why did my chest squeeze after what he said?
It was like he cared and truly did feel remorse. Hell, it was like I cared to even get the remorse in the first place.
Because you do.
I recalled Thatcher’s gifts after what I’d done for his sister at that football game. How he and Wells had come to sit with me nearly every day after that. I remembered their jokes and liking being around them even if I didn’t want to put that off. I liked being in their airspace, as if they were little brothers like my own. I liked them.
Wells smiled a little. “What do you say, Pretty Pretty Princess?” he asked, and why did my heart dance at that stupid fucking nickname. His smile stretched. “At least forgive me if you’re not going to forgive this big asshole.”
“Fuck you and your weak ass.” Thatcher brought Wells under his arm, mussing up the boy’s platinum-blond hair. This had both Bru and me roaring, and I’d missed that too. The two boys had often done that at lunch.
“She’s laughing, bro,” Wells said under Thatcher’s arm. He shoved him off him. “I think she’s forgiven us.”
“Have you? I mean, uh…” Thatcher passed that off. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Have you? And make it quick. D’s going to annihilate our asses for taking so long with you anyway.”
I wondered what “D” had in store. I cuffed my arms, sighing. “I mean, I might consider it if…” The two boys let go of each other, and I grinned. “I get Jax’s Burgers every day until holiday break.”
“Oh, easy fucking mode.” Wells pounded Thatcher’s fist. Wells put a hand on his chest. “Jax is my dad, and I will personally make sure you get them.”
The two Legacy boys locked hands, snapping after. I pointed at them. “But if you two fuck with me again, I’m going to annihilate your asses.”
“Oh, wouldn’t dream of it, princess. Wouldn’t dream of it.” Thatcher raised his hands before rubbing them. “So you ready for this, then? We’ve been told to get you set.”
His thumb shot back toward the field, and though I had no idea what that meant, I shrugged. “Might as well.”
Whatever was going on obviously would be occurring on the field. I started to eye that way, but the boys cut me off.
“No peeking.” Thatcher shot a finger at me, and almost seemed giddy of all things. Wells rubbed his shoulders before Thatcher took his big fist to the door leading to the locker rooms.
“She’s ready,” he said, and I had no idea who he was talking to, but then, the door opened and a little rabbit came out. Well, not an actual rabbit but his sister.
“Took you guys long enough,” she said, wearing another one of her bright brooches. She had it pinned to her dress top and was all grins.
That was until she saw me.
Her expression legit flatlined, and next thing I knew, she approached me.
“Oh, Sloane,” she tsked, shaking her head. She made eye contact with Bru. “Where did you tell her she was going?”
“Yeah, we definitely got on her bro for this shit already.” Thatcher slapped my brother’s chest. “Girl looks like she rolled out of a dumpster.” I shot a look in his direction, and he immediately raised his hand. His tongue slid out with his grin. “I mean, a pretty dumpster.”
“Fuck you,” I gritted, but at this point, Bow was taking me away. I shot a finger at him. “I’m coming for you.”
His grin stretched. “That a promise, princess?”