Page 171 of Offside Rules

Wolf doesn’t have to wait until I’ve finished everything else.

I hand Beau his phone.

"Send me the ticket."

His shoulders drop a little. "Yeah?"

"Yeah. I’m going."

He starts tapping the screen, then looks up when I step closer.

I put my arms around him.

He hugs me immediately, holding the back of my head the way he has since we were kids and I could still fit beneath his chin.

"I’m still mad at you," I tell him.

"I know."

"And you still have to talk to him."

"I will."

I pull back and wipe beneath my eyes.

"You really couldn’t find a flight that gave me time to shower?"

"This one was non-stop."

"Fine. That’s a decent answer."

Me: I got the shop. I still need to talk to you. Let me know how the appointment goes.

I stare at it after I hit send.

I could tell him I’m coming. I probably should.

But I don’t want another message telling me to stay in Seattle and concentrate on my business. If he wants to send me home, he can have that conversation with me in person.

Beau drops me at departures with enough time to get through security, provided I don’t stop moving.

"Call if you need anything," he says.

"I will," I say. "And thank you Beau."

"And I’m sorry I made you feel like being happy with him was something you had to hide from me."

My eyes sting again.

"You’re really making it difficult to get on this plane without looking like a mess."

He gives me a small smile, and I hug him before heading inside.

By the time I reach the gate, they’re already boarding my group.

I hand over my pass, walk down the jet bridge, and find my seat. My overnight bag fits beneath the one in front of me, although it takes some effort and a quiet apology to the man waiting in the aisle.

When I finally sit down, I check my phone.