Page 29 of I Blame the Alcohol

“Well, well, well. Look who has finally learned how to sleep in.”

I can’t tell if Mo’s cheerfulness is just a strategy to draw me in and get me to drop my guard or if it’s genuine. My nerves are shot and now I’m questioning everything.

This is why you don’t break the bro code.

“What can I do for you?” Defensiveness creeps into my tone but there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

“I just wanted to check in on my favourite rookie. Am I still allowed to do that?”

Despite the circumstances, I find myself smiling, “You aren’t supposed to have favourites, Mo. Favourites lead to biases.”

“Please, it’s only human nature to have a favourite, that’s what makes for healthy competition. If no one is vying for your spot, then it’s not a spot worth fighting for.”

I shake my head with a sigh. If anybody can throw out bold statements with the confidence of a balding fifty-year-old man, it’s Mo.

“Anyways, that’s not what I called you about.” His voice cracks through my phone and my shoulders tense, waiting for the inevitable.

Ass whooping, here I come.

“What are your plans for the break? Are you heading home to see Janet?”

I blink rapidly, struggling to comprehend why the questions sound like actual questions and not an angry accusation.

“Uh, yeah I’m heading home but my mom’s gone on vacation with her new boyfriend.” I slump against my headboard, doing my best not to feel relieved at the turn in conversation.

I should still feel guilty, I should.

But it’s hard when a part of me is still celebrating the fact Stella’s lips were firmly pressed against mine a few hours ago.

Idiot.

“Janet’s found herself a new beau? Good for her. He must have passed the test if you’re letting them vacation together.”

I sigh, pushing last night’s activities to the back of my mind, “Hank is one of the good ones. He treats her like a princess and that’s all I can ask for.”

I turn my head to glance at the photo frame gracing my nightstand. Taken a week before my first day of university, my mother and I had gotten one of my new neighbours to take it, both of us standing in front of the house I’m still living in. My mom was already proudly wearing a Proud Taber Mom t-shirt, even though I hadn’t attended any classes yet. Her arm is thrown around my shoulders with clear elation while I stand next to her with an equally wide grin breaking my face.

After all those summers of mowing lawns and bussing tables, I had finally made enough money to attend university. And my mom had been my support system every step of the way.

“Pleased to hear it. I actually called to invite you to come down for a few days over the break, but if your mom’s away, why don’t you come stay with us the whole time? That way you won’t be alone for Christmas.”

I freeze, unable to decide if my heart is pounding with excitement or terror at the thought of spending more alone time with Stella.

And her older brother.

“I couldn’t intrude on you guys like that. The break is to spend time with family.”

A heavy sigh comes down the line, “Don’t make me get all gushy, Ellsworth. You know I’ll do it.”

I push myself off my bed and start pacing the floor, “Thank you for the offer, Mo. I really appreciate it but I just… can’t.”

“That’s it. I’m going to do it. I’m breaking out my gushy side.”

I hear an exaggerated exhale on the other end of the line, not unlike what you’d hear from an Olympic swimmer as he mounts the blocks.

The dramatics run thick throughout the entire O’Brien family.

“I think of you like a brother, Ellsworth. And that makes you family.” Taking a moment to clear his throat, Mo continues, “And family doesn’t abandon family. So, I will pick your ass up Tuesday after morning practice and you can stay at my place as long as you want. Got it?”

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