Starlee's Turn (The Wayward Sons 2)

He pushes through the double doors leading to the field behind the school and the cool, autumn air feels nice against my face—warm and flushed since I arrived that morning. As always, I feel like I can breathe easier here, the dry air soothing.

“When I left home it was still ninety degrees,” I say, lifting my face to the sun. “It’s weird to be somewhere with real, definable seasons.”

“It’s weird having you here,” he says, tugging me around a small shed near the bleachers. “At some point you’re going to have to explain all this.”

“I will, to everyone, but the short story is that I left home and Leelee says I can stay with her.”

“For good?” I don’t miss the skepticism in his voice. I really want to run my fingers through his hair.

“I think so, yeah.”

“What about your mom?”

I don’t mention the call that morning. “I’m eighteen. She can’t force me to stay there anymore.”

He glances around and pulls me close, kissing me by surprise. His lips are soft, familiar, and it takes everything in me to remember where we are.

He seems fully aware and releases me quickly. “I missed you so much. We all did.”

“I missed you, too.”

“It feels like a dream having you here.”

“I know.” Charlie comes out the back door and I wave him over. Jake and George appear in their football gear and jog over.

“We’ve only got a minute before practice starts, but you owe us a serious explanation, Starlee,” Jake says.

“I know. Tonight. We’ll get together and I’ll tell you everything.”

“She’s staying,” Dexter says, obviously knowing what they want to hear. “For good. Ms. Nye agreed and her mom can’t make her go back.”

Relief floods all of their faces and that familiar burst of energy that I’d grown accustomed to over the summer hums between us. “Starlee, how are you getting home?” Dexter asks.

“Leelee assumed I’d ride with you.”

He smiles. “I’m headed back now to help Sierra at the shop. Charlie has tutoring; he and the guys will come after practice.”

I’d wanted to see them practice but there will be other chances. “Sounds good.”

A whistle cuts through the air. Jake grimaces. “That’s us. See you at home.”

I love how that sounds. “Yes, I’ll see you at home.”

George winks and clutches his helmet in his hand.

“I better run before Ms. Ross loses her shit about me being late…again,” Charlie says. Our eyes meet—a promise that we’ll hang out later.

Then it’s just me and Dexter.

“Charlie has to go to tutoring?” I say after he slips back into the building.

“He has to he

lp with tutoring. It’s his punishment for having his phone out during class.”

“Oh. Right.”

“You ready?” Dexter asks.