Page 421 of Face Off

“He let me into his apartment. He said allowing me into yours without permission might violate bro code, tenant law, or whatever remains of his dignity.”

“He doesn’t have any dignity.”

“He answered the door wearing one sock and carrying a hockey stick.”

“That sounds right.”

“He also said your place is cleaner, your couch is better, and you have food he wants.”

“Put him on the phone.”

“Why?”

“So I can tell him to let you in.”

Her breath catches, and the fear beneath our argument becomes quiet.

“Ryan.”

“Have Briggs let you into my apartment.”

“Are you sure?”

“I crossed four states before breakfast because I’m sure. Go inside and wait for me.”

“How far away are you?”

I look toward the snow falling beyond the passage and the road I need to take back around the lake. “Almost five hours if the weather holds.”

“You’re driving all the way back?”

“I came here for you, Charm. I’m not leaving you inside Briggs’s apartment because neither of us understood that come home meant immediately.”

A laugh breaks through the tears in her voice. “That was almost sweet.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be.”

“It was.”

“Give Briggs the phone.”

She calls his name, and I hear him complain somewhere nearby before his voice reaches me.

“Brother, I would like the record to show that I did not invite this chaos into my morning.”

“Let her into my apartment.”

“I knew you would say that.”

“Then why is she still standing in yours?”

“I’m hungover and needed time to process.”

“Use the spare key.”

“Are there rules?”

“Yes. Don’t touch my mezcal, don’t eat my food, and get the fuck out after you unlock the door.”