Overwhelming. Chaotic. Stressful. “Good.”

Henry smiles knowingly. “Parts get easier. I’ve heard nothing but good things about your work so far.”

I flush, forever unable to take a compliment gracefully.

Henry’s eyes flit away from my face to look behind me. “You’re here.” His tone changes. I know what that means before I turn around to look.

Gray Phillips closes the final couple of feet that separate us, appearing at my side to face our fathers. “Don’t sound so excited, Pops. I might think you’re happy I made it home in one piece.”

My father and I both shift uncomfortably. Gray and Henry have always had a strained relationship. They butt heads at every possible opportunity. Henry likes to be in control of situations, to command them. It’s what makes him a fantastic chief. And it’s a trait he passed along to his son.

“You signed up for it, Grayson.”

Henry held out hope for years that Gray would follow his footsteps to Duke and its medical school, right up until Gray announced he was headed to the Air Force Academy in Colorado instead. Gray hadn’t even told anyone he applied. It was the talk of Charleston East High School—not to mention, our neighborhood—for weeks.

“Damn right, I did.” Gray looks away from his father to mine. “Good to see you, Adam.”

“You too, Gray. Nice to have you back.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

Out of all other options to greet, his gaze slides to…me. Last choice, like always. Aside from the occasional teasing comment, Gray usually treats me the way people who don’t like animals treat their friends’ pets—with polite indifference.

“Hey, Everleigh.”

My teeth grind together. I hate being called by my full name. Which he knows. With the exception of my parents and Noah, who occasionally call me Leigh-Leigh, I go by Evie everywhere.

“If you’re going to be so formal, Grayson, you should call me Dr. Collins.”

I don’t know what his official title in the Air Force is, or I would use that. Noah mentioned he was the youngest something or other, which doesn’t surprise me at all. Gray is a born leader. He oozes charisma when he wants to, and he uses it.

Gray studies me, the picture of amused indifference. If the sniping with his father bothered him, there’s no trace of it visible on his handsome face now. His green eyes scan my features. Aside from my lack of bangs, I don’t think I look that different from the last time he saw me, even though it’s been three and a half years.

“Noah mentioned you finally graduated. Well done.”