Page 104 of Wayward

“You know what I mean.”

“I do. May I look at it?”

“Yes,” I say and almost instantly regret it.

“A list of reasons why having all of us in your life is better than just one of us?”

“No. Yes. Not really. It’s what I love most about each of you. It’s . . . I’m not going to read it to my dad. But I wanted to have my points blocked out in my head for when he comes at me.”

“At you? You don’t talk about your dad much. But I don’t like that phrase. You’re an adult. And he can’t make you live your life the way he wants you to live it. That part of your relationship is over. He had his say.”

“No, my mom had her say. Even when he was there, he wasn’t really there. It shouldn’t matter what he thinks.”

“But it does.” Sam nods.

“That’s really infuriating. You know, I wish I could be more like Dante sometimes.”

“‘Blunt, forthright, honest, culinary genius,’”Sam reads from my list. “Let’s not ever show him this.”

I laugh, and he continues, “‘Hard worker, has a soft interior and a sarcastic exterior, can make me laugh even in the bleakest of times, protective, and cares about others more than himself.’I might agree with a few of those.But you forgot hung like a horse. The world can’t handle more than one Dante.”

“I suppose you’re right. On both accounts,” I say with a laugh.

“Calvin.” His eyebrows raise. “‘Protective, responsible, skilled survivalist, reader, hard worker, loyal, and committed to those he trusts. Is willing to change even if he doesn’t know it. A gentle soul.’” Sam nods. “Easton.”

Easton turns his head. “What?”

I grab my list back. “Shh.” Not that there is anything I wouldn’t want the guys to read or know.

“What you got there, Sam?” Easton asks, and Calvin leans around the seat from behind.

“I’m a gentle soul,” Calvin says.

“Maybe remember that the next time you punch me.” Easton unbuckles from the window seat and crouches next to Sam.

“You okay with sharing, Haley?” Sam asks.

Dante’s standing behind me, hanging over my seat. “That’s a dumb question to ask now.” He laughs and leans down far enough to give me a kiss on my neck. “Speaking of sharing, we could all join the mile high club.”

“What’s the list about, Haley?” Zane crowds in next to Easton.

“Yes. I . . . okay, I’m nervous about talking to my dad. So I want him to know how great you all are.”

“Dad? Well, that’s a buzzkill, Sassy.” Dante gives me another kiss. “What does the list say about me?”

“I already read yours. You know, impossible, loud, a pain in the ass,” Sam says with a straight face.

“Sounds like you’ve finally learned the truth, Sassy.”

“It doesn’t say that.” I cock my head at Sam.

“I’m reading Zane’s next. ‘The most positive, optimistic person on the planet without being a Pollyanna, charming, dependable?—’”

“Sounds like Penny.” Easton rubs Zane’s head.

“I’ll take it,” Zane replies.

“There’s more,” Sam continues. “‘Supportive, a visionary, a master builder, an incredible artist, funny without being mean-spirited.’”Sam points a finger at Dante.