“Get him, Gunnar!” I cheer, knowing Kevin deserves every bit of this.
Benjamin eventually collects himself and runs to help Kevin, making it two against one.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Ignoring the pain in my knees, I push off the ground and grab the back of Benjamin’s shirt, swinging him off Gunnar.
It sends us both tripping over the other and landing on the ground again.
Gunnar finishes off Kevin then turns around and kicks Benjamin in the ass as he tries to get back up.
The two of them finally realize they are no match for Gunnar and race back up the rocky hill they came down.
“That’s right, you better run,” I yell from my place on the ground. “And don’t even think about coming back!”
Once they disappear from view, Gunnar rushes over to me, concern etched on his face. “You all right, Elle?” he asks, dropping down beside me.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I assure him, brushing off my scraped knees. “How about you? I saw he got a few punches in.”
“Are you kidding? He hits like a girl,” he scoffs, before catching himself and adding, “Uh, no offense.”
I wave away his concern, knowing what he meant. Besides, we both know I’m not a typical girl.
“I’m sorry what he said about your mom,” I add softly, feeling hurt on his behalf.
He shrugs as if it isn’t a big deal, but we both know it is. Kevin knew exactly where to hit.
A mischievous grin settles over his face. “I have to admit, that was one hell of a shove you gave him.”
My shoulders straighten in pride. “It was, wasn’t it?”
He nods, his grin fading. “I appreciate it, but next time, let me handle it on my own, okay? I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“No way,” I reject firmly. “We’re a team, remember? If someone messes with you then they mess with me too.”
His half grin turns into my favorite smile. The one that makes my heart pitter-patter in my chest.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asks again.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” I promise.
“Good.” Standing, he offers me his hand.
I accept it with a grateful smile and allow him to pull me to my feet.
“Let’s pack up and go tell Paw and Ryland about your big catch,” he says, flashing me another grin.
The reminder fills me with renewed excitement.
We gather up our belongings quickly then head to the gas station across the street for a slush before running home to tell Paw and Ryland the big news.
That day marked several firsts for me: my first catch, the first time I stood my ground, and the first time I helped take down a bully with my best friend.
It was also the last day Kevin Parks ever dared to bother either of us again.
Gunnar
Present Day
Main Street buzzes with energy as I kick back on the patio at the Grizzly Paw with my two good friends, Linc and Dawson. We nurse our locally brewed beers, celebrating our first win of the season.
Bear lounges at my feet, his eyes tracking the passing crowd.
Coming here is pretty much a ritual during baseball season. Ellie would be with us if she had shown up like she said she would, but she didn’t, and it was a major gut punch.
It’s been two damn days since we last spoke, which might not be a big deal for most people, but it’s huge for us. We never miss a day without at least checking in on each other, and if I’m being honest, it’s fucking killing me.
I considered sending her a text yesterday but held off, figuring I’d see her tonight. Except, she didn’t show, and you know what? I’m mad about it. Actually, I’m downright pissed.
She might be too, but that doesn’t mean she can just slag me off, especially when she said she’d come. And what about Bear? I got him all dressed up in this stupid jersey, and she just leaves us hanging, making him look like a fool?
Well, fine! She can go ahead and be like that. We don’t need her.
Except, she can’t be like that because Friday is quickly approaching. The day she is going to make this huge life-altering step without me, something I am not sure I can live with.
“What the hell is going on with you?” Linc asks, breaking into my turbulent thoughts. “You’ve been sulking all damn night.”
I shoot him a glare, not appreciating the call out. “Nothing’s going on with me. What’s going on with you?”
