Page 20 of Dirty Play

Slamming my locker shut, I walk out to the rink and link up with the rest of the guys. Harris and Miles are standing by the ice, watching as a couple of the guys race around, loosening up a bit, Trevor in the lead laughing like a fool. The good thing about tonight’s game is we can enjoy it for what it is, the last game of the season, and Trevor definitely is. Playoffs have already been written off for us, so we’re all out here just having fun, playing the game we love.

Did it suck not to make playoffs? Obviously. But at the end of the day, there are only so many teams that can make it, and it just wasn’t our year.

“Hey,” I grunt as I walk up to the guys.

“Late night?” Miles asks curiously, glancing at Harris like I’m walking out here in my underwear or something.

“No. Why?” I ask.

“We heard you and our little friend ended up spending some time together after Ellie’s birthday party. Figured you met up for a round two, and that’s why you’re so tired,” Miles jokes.

That would mean I hadn’t fucked up that first night.

“You guys are the biggest gossips I’ve ever met,” I grumble, grabbing water and taking a big gulp. “To answer your question, though, no, I’m not tired. I’m just annoyed.”

“Why?”

“My sister is in town.”

“Wait, you have a sister?” Trevor asks as he skates up.

“Yup. Kylie, or Baby Williams as I call her,” Harris pipes in for me.

Harris is the one guy—well, besides Rex—who knows the story of my family. Rex only knows because he caught me in a weak moment a couple of years back on the anniversary of Veronica’s death. I ended up wasted and spilling the entire story to him. That was it, though, besides one other time, and we haven’t mentioned it since. Harris, on the other hand, lived through it with me.

“Why do I feel like you have this entire secret life from us? Do you have a wife? Kids? Are you some super-secret spy sent to steal hockey secrets or discover the secret sauce in some restaurant?” Miles starts questioning me, shock evident on his face as he just stares at me, waiting for me to talk.

What should I say? I’ve done a good job of hiding my family because it’s easier that way? Instead of constantly reminding myself of the pain I caused them, I chose to run, and the memory of it still hurts.

Every single time my sister reaches out, I wonder if I made the right decision. It’s been eleven years since Veronica died and ten since I left. I went back a couple of times for Christmas, but after a while that stopped too. I haven’t been home in at least five years, and sometimes I would give just about anything to get a big hug from my mama, but it always makes me feel guilty—like I’m undeserving of the comfort.

“Nope. Nothing like that. I guess I just don’t really talk about my family.”

“Is Kylie coming tonight?” Harris asks, sidetracking our conversation for me, obviously sensing my discomfort in entering this conversational territory.

“Yeah, she said she got a ticket.

“You’re really letting her sit in the nosebleeds?”

“I mean… I guess I could give her one of my tickets. I didn’t even think about it.”

“Do that, and then make sure she’s coming out with us after the game. I haven’t seen Baby Williams in years.”

“She’s not a Williams anymore, remember? She’s an Edwards now. I’m sure she doesn’t want to hang out with us after the game. We aren’t in high school anymore.”

“Whatever, she’ll always be Baby Williams to me. I’m texting her now.”

By the time we finish our morning skate and I’ve changed, I send a quick text to my sister.

Is it just you in New York, or is Brandon with you?

Kylie

Just me.

Interesting. Kylie and her husband have been inseparable since they got together in high school. Back then, Brandon was one of my best friends. He, Harris, and I all grew up together, all living on the same block from the time we were born and all through high school. I should’ve known he’d end up with my sister, the way he was always checking in with her, asking me about her. Somehow, when I found out, it was still a shock.

I’m happy for her, though. He’s a great guy, and she deserves someone to take care of her—deserves someone to protect her. Even though I’m her older brother, I’m no good at protecting anyone.

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