Page 90 of Headstrong Like Us

“Healthy and alive.” I look up at him. “If you believe in your parents, then you should believe they’ll be less stressed now that your grandmother can stop complaining.”

He scrunches his face. “Where’d you mine all that profound wisdom?”

I point to my chest. “Yale undergrad. Yale med school.” I point to him. “Harvard Dro—”

“We know. The world knows. Thank you for the second nickname.”

I grin, and I decide to mention other shit that we’re dealing with. “You need to stop dragging your feet about the move.”

We’ve been in this house for over a month. Maximoff was siding on Team New York, but ever since last week’s family dinner, he’s brushed off Luna, Sulli, and Jane whenever they surface buying a place.

As much as I love Lily and Lo and the Hale siblings, it’s better for us if we have more privacy. And for Ripley to have more stability. I don’t want this kid to become used to this house only to be ripped away.

“I’m not dragging my feet,” he says strongly. “It’s just bad timing, man.”

Maximoff.

I try to soften my gaze. His parents are addicts. There’ll always be bad timing. But Maximoff’s heart is cast in gold, and all he can see is the path to helping his parents.

I love him because he believes those paths exist.

“They’ll be okay when we leave.” I can’t believe I’m the one instilling the faith. Shit, I did not see this role-reversal.

Maximoff nods, then sneezes. He pulls a new Eagles hoodie over his head.

“You cold?” I frown and leave the crib.

“You upset?” Maximoff smiles. “Your presence can’t even heat me up.”

I roll my eyes. “No, smartass. It’s fucking hot as shit in this room.” I round to the thermostat. Sure enough, it’s really warm. I’m only wearing a black tank.

He noticeable shivers.

“I’m taking your temp.” I head to the door. Away from him.

“Where are you going?”

“Luna’s room. I left my med bag there.”

Maximoff scrambles to get off the bed. “Wait, why the fuck is it in Luna’s room?”

I realize he’s about to follow me, so I grab the baby monitor on our way out and a pack of gum. “Patient-Doctor confidentiality, wolf scout.”

Worry crests his eyes.

I give him a look and slip a piece of gum in my mouth. “Just ask her yourself.”

“Never thought of that.” His sarcasm is thick.

“That’s why I’m here.” I smile wider and I push my tongue against the inside of my mouth.

He looks very agitated, somewhat hot and bothered, and ten times less concerned.Mission achieved.

Since I’m fucking with him, Maximoff knows that Luna’s “malady” must not be a big deal. Or else I’d act more serious.

She thought she was stung by a yellow jacket. See, she went to one of Sulli’s sport climbs out in the middle of fuck-knows-where.

But it wasn’t a yellow jacket sting. It was a scorpion. Not life-threatening, and it wasn’t severe. Just mild swelling, which has already subsided.