Page 111 of Breakaway
“See you soon, Reesey!” Pippa did a little squeal, making me chuckle. The call ended, and I closed the laptop, spinning my legs over the bed.
“It’s weird to think about Christmas without snow. Maybe we should visit the Vancouver house instead.”
“Listen to you. ‘The Vancouver house.’ All these hockey stars have made you spoiled!” Henley teased, smacking me with a pillow.
“You including yourself, Miss star forward? Huh?” I smacked her back, laughing as she acted offended.
She rolled her eyes, wrapping her arms around me. “Come on. I have many tears to shed between here and Seattle.” She faked cried as she walked out the door.
“You’re going to miss me!” I shouted, picking up my suitcase.
“About as much as I miss an ingrown toenail!” she hollered back.
“Freaking sisters,” I mumbled, smiling to myself. I knew she was trying to make it less emotional, and I loved that about Henley. She somehow always knew what I needed.
Fletcher took my suitcase when I entered the kitchen and wheeled it over to the door. Reed handed me a travel mug with my name on it, and Dax gave me a lunch box.
“Are these the protein balls?” I asked excitedly.
“Yup. You have your own bag and one for the twins, so you don’t even have to share.”
“You’re the best.” I hugged him as he patted my head.
“You hear that? I’m the best, Punchy.”
“Only because you gave Reese food, Goldie.”
Snickering, I shook my head as I took a few steps forward. All three of the guys in my sister’s life had become big brothers to me, with a side of dad at times. Dax cooked me yummy things, Reed always ensured I had what I needed for the day, and Fletcher spoiled me with whatever I wanted. Plus, he gave great hugs and advice.
Lady Sterling wrapped around my legs, and I bent down to pat her and snuggle before I stood. I glanced around the kitchen and living room, and a wave of melancholy hit me.
“This will always be your home, Reese. You’re just starting your own journey now,” Henley said from the doorway.
See, she always knew.
Taking a deep breath, I hugged Reed and Dax before walking out the door. They had to stay back for training, but I honestly think it was more so they wouldn’t be caught crying in front of a crowd. They still denied it, but I caught Dax wiping away a tear earlier, so I felt confident in my assessment.
Henley hugged me before she climbed into Fletcher’s Jeep, and I took one more look back at the house, my home. My phone beeping drew my attention, and I glanced down at the chat thread as I climbed into the back.
Briana
Reese, you need to slap B when you see him. He’s being gross.
Braden
She’s the one who needs to be slapped.
Cam
Twin fight! And go!
Jack
I think I’ll miss the twin fights more than anything—Le sigh. Don’t forget me.
Cam
You’re two hours away, dude.