Sully: Maybe we go easy on him? On the whole lying about Jo thing.
Evan: He lied to us for months.
Sully: I get that.
Nelly: With a teammate’s sister. His one big rule, and he broke it.
Sully: I know.
Bouch: That’s against bro code.
Nelly: And team code.
Sully: I know. But you saw him on that floor. Unconscious. That was scary. He’s out for the next 6 weeks with his arm. Who knows if he’s the captain after this? I think he’s been through enough. We should maybe support him right now.
Fish: Fair point. And they did say they love each other.
Bouch: Guess that’s sweet.
Evan: *Inserts trending photo of Jo & Emmett*
Evan: The photo was pretty intense.
Fish: You can see the love between them.
Sully: Exactly. So maybe we hear him out. Let him apologize. And we move on.
Nelly: Fine.
Bouch: Agreed.
Evan: He owes us an apology.
Fish: Big time.
Sully: He will. Trust me.
36
COLLETTE
Acouple of hours later, Mom surprises us with an urgent family meeting. She’s swept into Emmett’s apartment like a force of nature, Pierre and Felix trailing behind her like scolded children, Issy and Harper in tow. She’s taken one look at Emmett’s black eye, told Pierre she’s ashamed of him, and sat us all down for what she’s calling‘a civil conversation without punching.’
While Mom is laying down the law, I pull out my phone.
Collette: Mom has just turned up for a surprise visit and is laying down the law.
Fish: How bad is it?
Collette: Bad. Mom is handling it. But, Justin, I need you to come over. I think we should tell everyone about us. No more hiding. I’m not watching what happened to Jo and Emmett happen to us.
Fish: You think now is the right time?
Collette: Yes. How much madder can they all get?
Fish: He’s going to kill me.
Collette: He’s too exhausted. Trust me. Now is the time. Plus, Mom is here.