Page 53 of Hard to Break

“No. Lie to me.”

There’s a low chuckle. “Well, the team is doing amazing. We’re in first, and I got a triple-double tonight.”

“Mmm.” The sound of his voice is lifting my spirits already. “What else?”

“Waffles learned to cook. He made a killer soufflé this morning.”

I laugh, unable to help picturing it.

“And… I’m talking to my favorite person. How about you?”

I bite my cheek, channeling my creativity to make up the best case scenario. “Well, Nova just sold three pieces in her new style. I stumbled on a massive designer trunk sale and bought one of everything at seventy percent off. Plus, Kevin’s family firm is definitely not winning an award for ethics.”

There’s silence on the line.

“I killed the vibe,” I say, apologetic.

“Don’t worry about it.”

I rub my tired face as I drop onto the bed. One of my shoes slips off my foot and clatters to the floor.

“What was that?” he asks.

I wince. “My shoe.”

“The red ones? I was bummed you’d taken them. I guess I hoped you’d leave them here. For the memories.”

The fact that he noticed makes my chest twinge. “That’s why I wanted them with me.”

He pauses. “Is it helping? The space?”

My eyes burn at the backs and I take a deep breath.

“Yeah.” I’m not sure.

“Listen. I wanted to tell you that I did try coke once. It was a rough spot and I went to this party. My parents were fighting after the split, and my Grams was having financial problems. I was at risk of getting cut from my team as a senior, which would mean no college scholarship and no pro ball. It was stupid. I was stupid.”

I swallow. “I thought you would have told me. Not because it changes how I think of you, but because of the accusations back in college when the Kappas found Kevin’s drugs in my room.”

“I think that’s partly why I didn’t. I don’t want to make your life harder. But recently I’ve realized you’re not the only one trying to look a certain way. I want to be the fun guy. The popular guy. Not the doubting one. Not the desperate one.” He takes a breath. “The only reason Jay knew is that he was there for the aftermath. He made sure I didn’t entertain it again.”

For a moment, I’m grateful to my brother for taking care of Miles and being a good friend.

“You can show me all the versions of you,” I promise. “It won’t scare me away.”

He exhales softly.

A text pings my phone.

Unknown: Hey Brooke, it’s Sarah from Elise’s team. Just emailed you some examples.

“I should go,” I say, reluctant. If I don’t hang up now, I might keep talking to him all night. So much for giving us both some space.

“Sure.” He sounds every bit as unsatisfied. “Night, Princess. I’ll call you tomorrow?”

My lips twitch. “Is that how it works?”

“You don’t want to talk tomorrow, then don’t answer.” He pauses. “You’re totally going to answer.”

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