Page 19 of Nash

She laughs out loud, the sound rippling along my bones in a delicious way. “Do you always think about yourself, or do you manage to think about other people sometimes?”

I shrug. “Depends on the day,” I say, shifting to lean against the railing next to her. The position gives me a good view of the party going on inside, and I spot Hadley, my little sister, hanging out with a big group that’s gathered in the living area. Lawson and Pax are among the crowd, along with Baylor, who is saying something to Hadley.

“Uh oh,” Reese says. “Are you about to shift into over-protective-big-brother mode?”

“No,” I say, drawing my attention back to her. “I’m not over-protective.”

“Says the brother who constantly worries about her.”

“Did Hadley tell you that?”

Reese shrugs. “She may have mentioned it.”

I rake my fingers through my hair. “She’s the only sibling I have,” I say. “Of course I’m going to worry about her.”

“I get that,” she says. “But I also know my sister can handle herself.”

“I’m not saying Hadley can’t,” I say. “I’m just still getting used to her being an adult. The fact that she wanted to travel with us this time is awesome, because she rarely gets a break from the double class schedule she has going.”

“She’ll graduate early, right?” Reese asks.

“This May,” I say. “And I’m so fucking proud of her. But it’s an adjustment. It went from me watching out for her daily to her taking care of herself. It’s weird.”

“What about your parents?”

Emotion clogs my throat. “Yeah, they’ve done amazing,” I say. “They sacrificed everything for me when we were kids so I could be on the ice as much as possible. I just feel bad, because Hadley didn’t get the same treatment. Not because they didn’t want to or they didn’t give her attention, but because my dad got cancer and it’s been an ongoing battle with his health that demanded most of my mother’s focus.”

“Oh, Nash,” she says, reaching over and putting her hand on my arm. “I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks,” I say. “We’ve managed to keep it mostly out of the limelight. We’re not hiding it, it’s just my family doesn’t want their private medical situation to be all over the news.”

“Totally understand that.”

“Anyway,” I continue. “With Mom’s focus understandably on Dad, I kind of took on that parental role for Hadley. She was sixteen, but it was still a crucial time in her life. And now…” I glance at where she’s still chatting with Baylor. “I couldn’t be more proud of her, but I’m still…adjusting.”

“Wow,” she says. “I never knew. I mean, she talks about how you’re the best brother on the planet, and how awesome your family is, but I didn’t realize that dynamic.”

I grin widely, and she shakes her head.

“Don’t tell her I told you she said that about you, she’dkillme,” she pleads.

“It’ll be our little secret,” I say.

“I’m so sorry about your dad though,” she continues. “I know that must be hard. Has treatment helped?”

I swallow hard. “Somewhat,” I say. “His spirits are high, which is a miracle considering how long he’s been in and out of treatment. He’s always been an optimistic guy. It’s the medical bills that keep getting out of hand. Neither of them has good insurance, and so it’s all out of pocket. I’ve helped with most of them, but after taxes, paying off their house…” I blow out a breath. “Let’s just say that if I get any endorsement deals it’ll be a blessing.”

Something clicks, and she nods. “That’s why you were so eager to keep the views up.” She doesn’t say it like an accusation, just a simple statement of fact.

“It can’t hurt,” I say.

She nods. “I’ll do whatever I can.”

“So, are you going to tell me now?” I ask, desperate to get out of the heavy.

“What?”

“What you three were laughing about.”

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