I answer too fast. “Nope, all good here.”
“Yep, no worries, big E,” Finn adds. Determination etched across his face.
“You sure? Or do I need to track down Cole and we can put all this hostility to rest with a good old fashion vote?”
Finn slowly leans back in his seat, suddenly all smug-like, and my eyes close at the misfortune. “Yeah, where is our dear old friend anyway?” Goading, that’s what this look is.
How quickly the tables can turn.
“He mentioned something about having a conference call with Silas and an investor in Dubai?”
“Huh, he’s been missing lunch a lot lately, hasn’t he?” Finn’s tone was mocking. “Almost starting to feel like he’s avoiding us.”
When my lids crack back open, the only difference I find is now his arms are crossed.
“Maybe he doesn’t like us anymore.” My brother’s words come off innocent, but I hear the mocking irony in them.
Hitting me back just as hard as I had him.
We stay in a silent standoff until the bell rings and disperse off to our separate classes. I had mine with Eli this period, but by tonight I knew we’d be fine again. It’s how Finn and I are.
We argue, throw insults at each other, and then forget about it like it never happened to begin with. It’s a sibling thing.
Later that evening, I’m sitting up in bed, drumming my fingers on the comforter in deliberation. Finn has already come in to tell me good night, so now it’s only me and my thoughts.
My brother and I all good from earlier, like I knew we’d be.
Still, fighting sucks, all of this does.
My tapping grows the same as my impatience. How long has it been since I’ve been without my phone again?
I try and do the math in my head but end up exhausting myself before I realize I don’t care because it doesn’t change a thing. I’m not using it and that’s all that matters.
At the time, I let my anger fuel my decision-making, thinking I had been slick leaving it behind. As clever as switching tickets and a jacket with a stranger.
We all know how that worked out.
I move on, nibbling at my lower lip after biting off all the tips of my nails.
The phone is dead. It has to be. There’s no way it’s on, let alone functioning after this long. So why is it so hard to go over to the drawer and take it out? It won’t turn on, right?
Right.
I stare down at that corner of my room for so long that I give myself a migraine. I hardly feel it, my body so desensitized. Staying in the same position too long.
Leaning over, I finally decide. I will go through my phone.
I flick at the bedside lamp, leaving the soft glow from the other side on. Fluffing my pillow before wiggling my way down into my comforter.
Just not tonight.
twenty-three
Cole
Thebreezeiscalmtonight. It makes my mood that much more stale.
This kind of breeze a rarity from this spot up on the cliff. Usually, the winds are strong. Impulsive. That’s why I’d come up. I need carelessness.