Page 71 of Hard to Take

My hands still, my spine straightening. “Like you’ve never made a mistake before? I can’t believe you’re bringing that up.”

Jay’s voice is contrite. “You’re right, that was low. But I’m your brother.”

“I didn’t want to bother you.”

“Because you didn’t think I would care?”

He’s angry, but more than that, he’s hurt. That’s the only reason I try to hang onto my last shred of patience.

I slam the clean dish down next to the sink, hard enough the sound echoes. “Because I knew you’d overreact. When Mom cut me off, I needed someone to have my back, and Miles was?—”

“When what?!”

Shit.

“When did this happen?”

I grab for a dish towel to dry my hands. “A month ago.”

“And Garrett knew about it.” He’s gone from hurt to incredulous.

My hands fist in the fabric.

Forget patience. My dear brother is digging himself a hole even I can’t help him out of.

“You just can’t handle the fact that you didn’t have a say in it. Newsflash, Jayden: you might be a point guard for eighty-two games a year, but not everyone in the universe waits for your permission to do things. Miles doesn’t. I don’t.” Seething anger rises up. “Chloe damn well didn’t.”

His eyes widen.

Before I can decide whether to take it back, my mom sticks her head in.

“Miles? You’re dating Miles Garrett?” she demands. Her fingers grip the doorframe.

“It’s nothing,” Jay states.

“It’s not nothing.” I throw my towel at him, and he catches it, surprised.

I turn on my heel and stalk out.

* * *

MILES

Miles: Not going to lie, I was hoping to come home to a prettier face than Waffles.

“Dude, you missed that one.” Rookie nods to the flatscreen television.

We’re sitting on the couch playing video games at my place when a text comes back. I glance down at the phone at my side.

Brooke: Nova and I are helping Chloe prep for the gala. It’s going to be a late night so I might crash here after.

I almost forgot about the team’s NYE party tomorrow night.

I hit pause on the game despite Rookie’s protests and type back.

Miles: Anything I can do?

Brooke: I’m fine. Thanks though.

---