Page 50 of Pucking Amazing

“Tyler?” Her normally perky voice wobbles. “I’m so sorry to bother you, I just...I didn’t know who else to call.”

My stomach clenches at her tone. “Leah, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

She lets out a shuddery breath. “Not really. Nate and I had a huge fight. He stormed out and I’m just sitting here crying and...ugh, I’m a mess. I know you’re probably busy, but is there any way you could come over? I really need my brother right now.”

Disappointment and then guilt twists through me as I glance up at DJ’s window.

“Of course, Leah. I’m on my way, just sit tight.”

I disconnect the call and thunk my head back against the headrest, a frustrated sigh escaping my lips. I was so close. But Leah needs me, and she’s always been there for me.

No matter how badly I want DJ, my sister comes first.

I fire off a quick text to him before pulling away from the curb.

“Hey, I’m so sorry but something came up with my sister and I have to go be with her. Family emergency. Rain check on tonight? I’ll make it up to you, promise.”

The reply comes seconds later.

“No worries man, family first. Hope she’s alright. Let me know if you need anything.”

Disappointment sits heavy in my chest, but I know I’m doing the right thing. I navigate on autopilot to Leah’s, my mind no longer filled with thoughts of DJ, but worry for my older sister.

Since I can remember Leah’s been my rock in the family, always looking out for me. I used to love hanging with her and her husband and their crazy poodle mix, Bananas. It’s still great to see Bananas but lately, spending time with them has felt like navigating a minefield thanks to the constant tension between her and Nate.

Just two weeks ago, we were all out having dinner to celebrate Leah’s promotion at work. But instead of congratulating her on her accomplishment, Nate griped about her long hours the whole time.

“I don’t know why you even need this job, I make plenty for both of us,” blah blah blah.

It ruined the night; Leah didn’t even eat anything at her favorite restaurant, just pushed the food around her plate.

Then last weekend, I went to their place to watch the football game. Leah came in from running errands and Nate immediately started in on her.

“I thought you said you’d be home an hour ago to make snacks. Guess hanging with your work friends is more important than your own husband, huh?”

The words were bad enough but his tone, dripping with accusation—it pissed me off. And obviously Leah too, though she just muttered an apology before escaping to the kitchen.

I grip the steering wheel tighter, my stomach twisting at the memories.

This isn’t the Leah and Nate I know - the cutesy high school sweethearts who used to be downright nauseating with their PDA. These days, it seems like they can barely stand each other.

Thirty minutes later, I’m pulling into her driveway, noting the absence of Nate’s car. I take a deep breath and head for the front door, readying myself to be the supportive big little brother she needs, shoving down my own selfish wants for the night. Duty calls.

Leah’s silky hair brushes against my neck as her head drops onto my shoulder. She lets out a shuddering sigh, sniffling softly. A wave of fierce protectiveness surges through me. As the baby of the family, I’m used to Leah taking care of me, not the other way around.

It’s good to return the favor, finally.

“What happened, sis?” I murmur, rubbing soothing circles on her back. “Talk to me.”

Leah takes a shaky breath.

“It was so stupid. Nate made some offhand comment about how I’ve let myself go since the wedding. Said my ass is getting flabby.” She rolls her teary eyes. “I snapped back that maybe he should spend less time staring at other women’s asses and more time appreciating his wife. It escalated from there into this whole blowout fight.”

I frown defensively. “Dick move.”

Nate’s usually a decent guy, but he definitely has his moments of assholery.

“I just...” Leah’s voice cracks. “What if he’s not attracted to me anymore, Ty? What if this is the beginning of the end? We’ve only been married three years, and it already feels like we’re unraveling.”

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