Page 2 of I Blame the Alcohol

Disappointment tugs at my chest when I suddenly realize Mo has been talking to me this whole time, “…starting at Taber this fall. You consider me a brother, don’t you Ellsworth?”

“Of course.” I answer with as much confidence as possible, instantly feeling bad for tuning him out. Forcing my eyes to stop their fruitless search, I turn my full attention onto my graduating captain.

“Good, because I consider you a brother as well. And family never abandons family.” Mo’s words spread warmth through my chest and I can’t hold back the smile that creeps across my face.

“So, because you’re taking my place next year, I expect you to fill my shoes both on and off the field. You get what I’m saying?”

I nod, determined to make my mentor proud, “I’ll look after the team, Mo. On and off the field.”

Mo nods, leading us towards the dessert table. The chocolate fountain is a fan favourite, and the line to dip assorted fruit snakes across the back of the room.

“I’m happy to hear it. Of course, being my replacement means you’ll also have to keep an eye out for Stella next fall.”

“Stella?”

We slow as we approach the table, students waving us ahead as if Mo’s performance these last five years has made him an exception to standing in line. Leisurely grabbing a plate full of strawberries, Mo takes his time dipping each one, pushing his priority status to the maximum. I shift from foot-to-foot, uncomfortably aware of the people patiently waiting their turn.

“My younger sister. You’re going to need better listening skills if you’re going to lead our team to victory next year.”

My shoulders hunch with embarrassment as I hurry to apologize, “I’m sorry Mo, I’ve been distracted all day.”

Finally taking leave of the chocolate fountain, Mo sends a smirk my way, “Is the distraction female by any chance?”

“Maybe. There was this girl at the gym today who I’ve never seen before. I’m just curious about what her deal is.” I shrug as if said girl hasn’t been haunting me since 5am this morning.

“You should ask her out.” Mo impatiently checks his phone as he chews on a strawberry. I sigh, not wanting to explain the gym code situation. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous I feel. Why didn’t I just go over and say hello?

“Well, first I’ve got to talk to her, but once I do that…” My words die off as platinum hair materializes in front of me. I blink once, twice, thinking she will disappear, but she doesn’t.

Out of the topknot, the girl's platinum hair hangs down to her waist, delicate braids intricately weaved throughout. The black dress she’s wearing hits mid-thigh, her toned legs flexing under the banquet hall’s lighting. I gulp as my eyes trail up to her face, the sparkly eye makeup making her eyes look like the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean.

My mouth goes dry as I stare at the girl in front of me.

It’s her. It’s the girl from this morning.

“Ellsworth, I want you to meet my younger sister, Stella. She won’t be part of the lacrosse team next year, but I expect you to watch over her like you would any other player.” My stomach drops as his words sink in. The girl from the gym is Mo’s sister.

Hisyoungersister.

“I’m not a pet Mo, I don’t need to be looked after.” Stella rolls her eyes, completely unaware of the turmoil raging inside my body.

Mo sighs, equally oblivious, “I know you don’t, but I’ll feel better knowing someone is looking out for you. And Ellsworth is the best, you know I wouldn’t trust your wellbeing to just anyone.” Pricks of guilt needle my gut as Stella turns her fierce gaze onto mine.

“Don’t get in my way, okay rookie?” Her biting words tug at my lips and I find myself holding out my hand for a shake.

“So long as you stay out of trouble, we won’t have a problem.Freshman.”Her eyes narrow as she takes my hand and I fight to hold back a grin.

“We’ll see about that.” Her small hand fits perfectly in mine and for a moment I forget her older brother is standing just a few feet away.

“Alright, now that’s out of the way, Stel, I think it’s time we tear up the dance floor.”

Mo’s voice is like a bucket of cold water as I drop his sister’s hand and take a step back. Her dark blue eyes flick to mine and the pull between us grows stronger. I take another step back and something flashes in those beautiful blue eyes. Before I can decipher it, Stella gives me a polite nod, links her arm through her brother’s and together they head to the dance floor.

“You alright, Cap?” I hadn’t noticed I was staring after the sibling pair until Mason walks by with a friendly nudge.

Dragging my eyes away from the girl I lost, found, and lost all over again, I turn and give my teammate a weary smile, “You don’t have to call me that until next fall.”

Mason cocks his head to the side, his flaming red hair flopping with the motion, “The second you stepped onto the lacrosse field this season, you were bound to be captain. We all knew it, Mighty was just the one to announce it.”

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