Page 152 of Even Ground

Delaney and I look at each other and dissolve into laughter. By the time we’ve finished laughing, Reece has joined Josh in the doorway, an equally confused look on his face.

“We’re going to get takeout for dinner. Any preference?” Josh asks.

Delaney shakes her head. “Whatever you want to get is good with me.”

“Me too,” I say.

“I thought we might get some Chinese.”

“Are you taking Melly?” Delaney asks.

Josh’s lips tighten. “Actually, it was her idea.”

Delaney laughs. “I should have known. That girl has you twisted around her little finger.”

He shrugs. “So does her mother, but I don’t hear you complaining about that.”

She picks up one of her pillows and throws it toward the door. It misses by a mile, but the door’s already closed and they’ve gone.

36

Pania

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so empty at the thought of going home. Our time together has gone by way too fast, and for the first time in my life, I want to be somewhere other than back in New Zealand, surrounded by what’s familiar.

I have all that family back home—but I also have family here. And now I know how Reece felt leaving my mum’s place.

“Ready?”

I look up and meet Delaney’s gaze. They’re all taking me to the airport this time, and my heart’s so heavy at saying goodbye.

I’m not sure what my expression even is, but it’s enough for her to frown and pull me into her arms.

“I’ve loved having you here,” she whispers. “Come back soon.”

I nod, hot tears spilling onto her shoulder as she hugs me tight. This isn’t me. I never cry over anything.

“I’m going to miss all of you,” I managed to get out.

“We’ll miss you too. And we’ll take good care of Reece. Promise.”

I sniff. “Good, because he’s useless at taking care of himself.”

She lets out a laugh, and before I know it, I’m holding hands with her and laughing too.

“What on Earth is going on in here?” Reece stands in the doorway with his arms folded.

“We’re talking about you,” Delaney shares a smile with me before turning.

He shrugs. “Huh. Figures.”

“What?” she asks.

“Always talking about me behind my back. I know how hot I am, ladies.”

I’m the one who snorts first this time, but Delaney’s right behind me as we burst into laughter.

Reece crosses the room, and I turn toward him. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he takes in the sight of me. “I’m glad I made you laugh, but have your eyes been leaking?”