The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

Talking to my best friends had that effect on me. We’d been through so much together. It felt good knowing that they always had my back, no matter what.

Over three years apart, but we were stronger than ever.

Brothers bound by choice not blood.

Family.

And I wouldn’t change them for the world.

Hailee

Senior year wasn’t quite what I expected. I thought Cameron and I would enjoy our last year of college, that I would flourish with my art and he would carve out a name for himself among NFL scouts.

The reality was quite a bit different.

After that first game, when his parents and Xander had visited, Cameron began splitting his time between Michigan and Rixon as much as he could.

Sometimes I went with him, but most of the time, I didn’t. I had classes, friends, various installations across the city.

I had a life... here.

But more and more, his life became back in Rixon.

I watched him pack his weekend bag with a tightness across my chest. It was the third time this month.

“I thought you were going to try to stick to the schedule,” I said.

“I was.” He leaned down and kissed my hair. “But Xander has been doing better. I don’t want to ruin all his progress.”

“But what about classes Monday?”

“I spoke to Professor Joffrey. As long as I get a copy of the notes and submit my essay on time, he’s happy to excuse me.”

“And practice?” The team were on a winning streak, and Coach Byford was determined for them to go all the way to playoffs.

“I’ll be back. I told Xan it’s a fly-by visit. If I leave tonight—”

“Tonight?”

“Yeah, I thought I told you that was the plan?” Cam stuffed another t-shirt in his bag.

“We just got home, it’s late.” Not to mention the fact he’d just played a football game. “You can leave in the morning. You’ll be there tomorrow night and then you can have all day Sunday together.”

“I promised him I’d take him to the park.”

“You can’t go to the park Sunday?”

“Hailee...” Cam paused what he was doing and lifted his eyes to mine. “I need to do this.”

“I know. I just don’t like the idea of you driving through the night after a game.”

“I’ll be careful, I promise. I’ll stop halfway and get some rest.”

My lips pursed. I didn’t like the sound of that any better.

“What?” he asked.

“I just worry you’re pushing yourself too hard. I know you want to help Xander, but you can’t be everything to everyone, Cam. Something has to give eventually.”