Page 28 of Defensive Zone

“Did something happen?” he asked.

Then she sighed. “She’s going through a very rough time. Some nights are better than others. But you can’t just brush it off with a joke.”

“I’m not trying to do that. Do you have any idea had hard it is to feel helpless for her? To want to be the protective older brother? Yes. I gave her a place to live, to get away from the reminders of Greg in their home. But it’s killing me that I can’t do more for her. Okay?”

Her eyes widened.

He kept going.

“I’m trying to be here for her and help her get through this fucked-up shit. I know she’s not telling me everything that’s going on, and that’s her right, obviously, but it’s not like there’s some guidebook for how to help your sister through loss.”

Gabi stepped closer to him again, and for a split second, he thought she was going to put her hand on his chest.

He craved that reassuring touch.

“It’s not easy for any of us, but it’s definitely not easy for Ava and the kids.”

“I know I sound like a selfish prick when you put it that way,” he said.

“Max,” she started.

He held up his hand. “No. I know that it’s fucking unimaginable for Ava. We are all doing the best we can. Humor just happens to be my default. You should know that by now.”

She looked pissed again.

“Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. I’m not saying that to excuse anything. Can we reset for a second?”

“Good night, Max,” she said, pivoting on her heel.

He reached out, cupping her elbow, and she stopped, looking at him over her shoulder.

“Look. I’m sorry. Can you just tell me if there’s something else? Something I’m missing?”

She pulled out of his grasp. “Just don’t make a joke out of everything.”

“Gabi, please.”

He didn’t mistake her eyes softening for a moment, but then she took another step away from him.

“Just be there for her, Max. I know you’ve changed your life a lot to bring us here. We’re probably cramping your style.”

“And you should know that I’d do anything for my family. Maybe I’m getting bored with all the parties and going out.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sure you are. Good night, Max.”

“You’d tell me if it was something serious. I mean, with Ava, right?”

She paused, and he searched her eyes for something. Anything.

“If it was serious, yes,” she said. “Night, Max. Oh, good game.”

She walked out of the room before he could say anything else. He would have to pay more attention to Ava. Was he not doing enough? Not being there for Ava and the kids as much as they needed?

He wanted to ask Ava right out, but she didn’t need him pressuring her if she wasn’t ready.

As he made his way up the stairs to his room, Gabi’s parting remark popped into his head. A thrill shot through him that she’d watched his game tonight.

He was an idiot. And she was a distraction.

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