Page 60 of Breakneck Hockey

Whatever magic my brother possesses, I can confidently say he’s why I’m not a wreck now. He’s the reason for so many things. Helping me stand up to bullies. Making sure someone was always in my corner. Giving me confidence. Drying my eyes that one Father’s Day when we didn’t have a dad to make a gift for. It was only the one Father’s Day, the first year we were in school. I didn’t notice before that, but I know that Stacey’s why I didn’t notice after that either.

As long as you have me, bro, you’ll never be alone.

He’s kept that promise. And while he’s never said it out loud, I get the impression he doesn’t think he’ll be able to keep it if he has an extra-special someone. Family’s important, but even I know you’ve got to put your partner first. I’ve been trying to show him that I’m fine now. I’m a grown-ass man. But either he doesn’t agree, or he can’t let go. It would probably help if I didn’t have a crisis every two seconds.

Wait a tick. This isn’t Stacey’s hat. I take a closer look. Yep, it’s Dash’s hat. I’m Stacey’s twin, I know about his pining, but stealing hats? If he’s sunk to my level, something’s going on. Sauntering into the ensuite bathroom, I lean against the counter and watch him stuff toiletries into his bag until he notices me.

His hair’s sporting a man bun and he hasn’t shaved yet. People might be able to tell the difference between us, even without seeing our tattoos.

“What’s this?” I toss the hat down.

Stacey’s eyes widen as he dives for it. “Just my hat.”

“Fuck you. It’s not your hat.”

His jaw hardens, but he’s caught, and he knows it. “Fine. I took it.”

“Whoa, bro. Like, full on stole it? Didn’t even ask permission?”

“It was an impulse decision.” He snatches it up and spins it onto his head backward, squashing his man bun. “And I’m not sending it back either.”

Stacey’s gone from depressed he had to leave Dash behind, to wishing misfortune upon Dash’s boyfriend, Syd. I approve of these developments.

“Do you think I should call Sutter?”

“No. Absolutely not. What’s wrong with you?”

“Everything. You know this. Maybe I should call Jack and see what he thinks?”

He holds his hand out. “Phone.”

“Oh, c’mon. I won’t call him. Just Jack so we can figure out a game plan. We play Sutter next week. I need to know how hard to get I should play.” Dammit. I bet he’s gonna look so hot in his Copperheads jersey. What was I thinking, asking him to be my boyfriend? All of that was stupid. I’m in this for the game. I need our game.

“You can call Jack when we get back to Vancouver and this insanity has passed.”

“Fine.” But he knows just as well as I do that the insanity won’t pass.

“Besides, I wanted to talk to you about something. I’ll wait till we’re on the ferry and you have food in you.” The corners of his eyes crinkle in the way they usually only do when he’s thinking about something good or Dash. Since he’s already kiboshed the Dash thing, it must be something else good.

It’s about time. Things are looking up for the Alderchuck brothers.

The ferry’s pulling up to the shoreline, and all I can think about is,has Sutter messaged me back?He better have. We get into our car and Stacey hands the phone back.

“Do I need to remind you about the conversation with Milton?”

“If he’s watching my phone, that’s levels of creepy that I’m going to HR about.”

“I give up. Here.”

We had a good talk on the ferry. He wants to buy a house together and invite Dirk and Dash to live with us. Of course, I’m down for that. Especially with how fucking happy that kind of shit makes my brother. He loves being able to provide for people—it’s his thing. The happy Stacey eye crinkle? There the whole time he talked about it. Felt nice to finally be able to do something to make my brother happy instead of him always having to do shit for me.

I have a few messages from Jack because he saw the schedule too, and knows I’m playing Boston. There’s one from Sutter. He texted me back! I should not be this excited about it.

Top Dog

Be ready to have your ass handed to you on the ice, and then pounded off the ice.

Yes. Yes! We’re still game on. He still wants to fuck me sideways. I can’t let him have me too easy, though.

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