Page 13 of Mine to Take

“You were on fire,” I cut in before the conversation can go off the rails. We all know why Maverick McKinnon has a bone to pick with River. Even if Mom doesn’t want to acknowledge it. “I’m sure they were impressed.”

My twin’s expression softens. His first love has always been hockey, and I can’t imagine that ever changing. “Thanks, sis. Glad you were able to make it.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

“Are you hungry?” Dad asks. “We can get some dinner before heading back home.”

River shakes his head. “Nah, a few of the guys were talking about grabbing something to eat. You don’t mind if I go with them, do you?”

“Of course not.” Mom glances at her watch. “If we hurry, we can catch the news.”

River flicks a glance my way. “Any interest in coming out to celebrate with us?”

I blink, thrown off by the unexpected offer. He usually doesn’t invite me out to party with his teammates.

“Really?”

He pops a shoulder as if it’s no big deal. “Sure, why not?”

I mull it over for a few seconds before nodding. “Okay. Yeah, that sounds fun.”

As soon as I agree, Mom frowns. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her. She’ll be fine,” River adds.

Even though she technically doesn’t have a say in what I do, Mom chews her lower lip with indecision.

“Rebecca, let the kids have fun. They’ll be fine. River will watch out for his sister. He always does.”

Irritation pricks at me.

“I don’t need anyone to watch out for me.” I huff. “I’m almost twenty-one.”

Dad waves off my comment, attempting to make light of it. “I know, I know.”

This isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation. Unfortunately, it won’t be the last either. Holland’s words ring unwantedly in my ears. My parents really do need to cut the cord before I get strangled by it.

We all say our goodbyes before they head out and we’re joined by a few of River’s teammates. When we were younger, I knew all the guys my brother played hockey with. We attended the same school and they’d stop by the house after practice and in the summer. I’ve only met the players on River’s college team a handful of times.

It’s easy to see that everyone is flying high from the win. There are lots of smiles, laughter, and good-natured ribbing.

“Let’s grab something to eat and then hit up a bar or two,” a tall guy with rich brown, wavy hair says.

After everyone agrees, he flicks mossy-green colored eyes in my direction before doing a double take and upping the wattage of his smile. “Well, hello there.”

The greeting barely makes it past his teeth before River growls, “Back off, Higgins. That’s my sister.”

Tension fills my muscles as I wait for the inevitable but pray that this time will be different.

“She had fucking cancer.”

It’s like dropping a bomb in the middle of an unsuspecting town.

Air leaks painfully from my lungs as the happy chatter of seconds ago dies a quick death and the guys closest to us turn and stare like I’m a circus oddity. Heat scalds my cheeks as pity floods their eyes. As soon as I meet their gazes, they shift and glance away as if I’m contagious.

The cute guy who’d been flirting seconds ago looks properly chastised by my brother’s comment. He drags a hand through his damp strands and mumbles, “Oh. Sorry about that. I didn’t know.”

After most of his teammates turn away, I ball my hand and punch River in the bicep.

---