Page 309 of Face Off

“My ride’s coming.”

“You could’ve warned somebody.”

“I warned the people carrying me to the airport.”

“That isn’t what I meant.”

Ryan’s mouth shifts faintly. “I know.”

Aura steps into him and wraps both arms around his waist. The hug lasts only a few seconds before she releases him and points one finger at his chest.

“Text when you land.”

“I’ll text East.”

“I said text me.”

“That sounds controlling.”

“It is.”

“Then absolutely not.”

Easton catches Ryan’s hand and pulls him into a brief embrace. “I’ll tell her when you land.”

“Coward.”

“I enjoy peace.”

“You chose the wrong woman for it.”

Aura smacks Ryan’s arm while Easton laughs and pulls her against his side.

Rider steps forward next. “The song’s still in your messages.”

“I deleted it.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“I considered it.”

“That’s close enough to emotional growth for one weekend.”

Ryan flips him off before they clasp hands and lean into each other’s shoulders. Rider strikes his back once and releases him without adding anything heavier.

Briggs reaches Ryan last. He has removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie, making the bruise around his eye look even more violent. The two of them stare at each other long enough for the rest of us to feel everything they refuse to say.

Ryan breaks first. “There’s a box of Fruit loops in my room. Don’t eat it in one sitting.”

“You don’t own cereal.”

“I Door Dashed it.”

“You abandoned it then.”

“I accept that.” He looks at Briggs and another moment passes and we all know its their silent way of saying I got you. “I’m going to be gone for a few hours, asshole.”

Briggs’s grin appears slowly. “Then I guess this isn’t goodbye.”