The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

“Yeah, he’s really worried about Xander. Apparently, he’s getting into some trouble at school.”

“Shit.” I’d known things were bad, but we hadn’t talked in a few days.

“I think he’d move back to Rixon in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for Hailee.” Jason let out a weary sigh. “I’m worried about them.”

“They’ll figure it out. Xander is one of the most loved kids I know.”

“Yeah.” He said. But he didn’t look convinced.

And maybe he was right. Maybe sometimes love wasn’t enough.

“It’s good to see you,” I said.

I had friends at Temple. Diego, Aiden, Farrow, and the rest of the team. But none had ever come close to filling the hole left behind by Jason and Cameron.

What we had was rare.

Special.

It was a fucking blessing.

And I thanked the universe every day for giving me two of the best friends a guy could ask for.

“Mya, it’s so lovely to see you.” Mom pulled my girl into her arms and my heart swelled watching the two of them.

They’d formed a special bond after the shooting, and it was a giant relief that the two most important women in my life got on.

“Son.” Dad extended his hand and I accepted it. “It’s good to see you both.”

It had only been a few days since he drove out to see me, but it was the weekend before the team’s first game, so we wanted to do dinner before life became too hectic to see them.

“Something smells delicious.” Mom beamed.

“I slaved for hours over this, you’d better enjoy it,” I teased, shooting Mya a knowing wink.

“Let me guess, sweetheart,” Mom said to Mya. “You did all the heavy lifting.” She chuckled.

“Ash likes to think he prepared everything, but sitting on the stool, giving me instructions on how to chop the onion—”

“Hey, I helped.”

“Give up now, Son,” Dad suggested, managing a rare smile.

“Fine, fine. Steal all my thunder.”

“Oh, hush.” Mom came over and ruffled my hair, her eyes clouded with melancholy.

She’d found it hard after everything to let me go, but she understood, perhaps better than anyone, my desire to follow Mya to Temple.

“Why don’t you get your parents a drink?” Mya said, “and I’ll finish up in here.”

“Sure thing.” I moved around Mom and went to her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Holler for me if you need any help.”

“I think I have it handled,” Mya mumbled, going back to stirring the contents of the pan.

“Come on, why don’t we wait in the living room?” I got them a drink each and we made our way through the apartment. I took a seat in a chair, leaving the couch for Mom and Dad.

“How are classes?” Mom asked.