Page 28 of For Three Seconds

Twenty minutes later, I was knocking on Nick’s door. He lived in a charming ranch-style home that had more than enough space for me, but this was college, and the last thing anyone needed was to live with their brother. I was just lucky that Audrey had answered my phone call after so many years and she had space for me. Well, I was feeling hopeful about it until last night when she lied to me. At leasthehad been alone and not with Gigi.

“You took your time.” My brother’s deep tone interrupted my thoughts.

I jumped back, startled that I didn’t hear him opening the door. Nick was wearing black running shorts, with a snug-fitting white t-shirt and white running shoes. Nick liked his sneakers; therefore, I had a nice collection too. He gifted me a pair every Christmas. He also liked to stay active and in shape, so he forced me to be active and in shape as a way to get me out of the house.

“You’re lucky I even came,” I told him as I watched him walk to his car.

When he was in the car, he motioned for me to get inside.

“Umm, where are we going?” I asked because here I thought we would run around his neighborhood.

“We’re going to run laps.”

“I know,” I said slowly but still made my way to the car.

I had barely got in the car when my brother answered.

“We’re running around the field.”

My heart stopped.

“The field? Is there like a jogging field?” I tried to grab the door handle and open it, but Nick was already backing out of the driveway.

“Seat belt,” Nick barked at me.

After my parents died, we were both sticklers for them, but right now, I was shaken. My brother was taking me to the last place I wanted to be at. My rule was simple: nothing football-related because football led to Gavin, and Gavin always led to heartbreak.

“I should go home, try to sleep,” I mumbled.

My brother gave me a side look. I knew I was acting weird, but he could never know why. It was better that way—talking sex to your guardian was weird as fuck.

“You’re up, and your therapist said to keep a hobby, something that takes your mind off things.”

I swear I thought my therapist had a crush on Nick. He was still youngish, but he’d grown up quickly once Mom and Dad died, so he was mature and had his shit together. Unlike me, who was doing a business major just because I was good at math and shit.

“There’s, like, no practice, right?”

“Nah. There was a party last night, so I doubt anyone will be there until later today.”

Oh yeah, I knew all about the party.

“I need to get friends,” I whined, and my brother laughed.

“Do you like living with your friend? What was her name? Audrey?”

I rolled my eyes as my brother parked. He was the worst with names. I looked at the field like it was going to pop out zombies or something.

“She’s nice. Her friends are cool,” I mentioned, not adding that he probably would see more of them than I would.

I walked behind my brother and rubbed my hands against my crimson joggers. Most of my life, I spent not caring what anyone thought of me. As long as I felt comfortable I was fine. But at this moment, I wondered if I looked okay. Shaking my head, I followed my brother to the football stadium.

I’d been to games before, but never here. I wasn’t prepared for how small and insignificant I would feel in the vast stadium. Reality hits you when you least expect it. I hated to admit it, but football practice had been one of the only safe places I could watch Gavin. Watching him play was magical. He never looked more at peace or like he belonged than when he was running across the field and leaping in the air to grab the ball. He had done it. He was on his way to the big leagues.

Shit.

I wanted to cry.

Despite everything Gavin was to me, he had been my friend.

---