Page 63 of I Blame the Club

I laugh, “My ability to irritate people is astounding.”

He gives me a small smile, “Just be careful, Nico. The walls you’re so desperate to climb over might be there for a reason.”

“Hey Cap! The rookies want to hear how you took on Vector Vin this time last year.”

Wes beckons him over and Cody slides out of the seat with a groan, “I swear to God if you break out the hospital pictures again…”

A smile tugs my lips as I watch him go, the captain’s pep talk sizzling down to one gold nugget of information.

I have the power to make Maurice O’Brien feel.

Chapter 18

5 years ago…

Mo

I have to tell her.

My heart drops as I reach for my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I find my mother’s name. My thumb hovers over the call button, panic already sinking in. Taking a deep breath, I mentally scold myself for being such a coward.

If anyone would understand the questions surrounding my sexuality, it would be the woman who raised me.

Right as I go to press the call button, an incoming call flashes across my screen. A smile breaks free, the tension easing from my body the moment I press accept.

“I was just about to call you.”

My mother laughs, the familiar sound tugging at my chest, “Finally realized you miss me?”

“I miss having my laundry done.”

She laughs again and more weight falls from my shoulders. My father may have raised me to be successful, but my mother raised me to be human.

“Besides being cheeky, how is my eldest son?”

“Fine. Grades are up and my lacrosse training is showing promise for this season.”

The automatic response flies out of my mouth and she sucks in a breath.

“Is your father still asking for progress updates?”

I wince at her sharp tone, “No.”

“Maurice Jonathan O’Brien. Did you just lie to your mother?”

I sigh, “The biweekly reports are to ensure I stay accountable. I can’t take over the family business if my grades are simply average.”

“I don’t care about your grades and your father shouldn’t either. University is a chance to discover who you are without any expectations or responsibility.”

I walk into my dorm room, shut the door, and lean against it heavily.

“Just because I’m not in Vancouver doesn’t mean the expectations go away. How are things back home, anyway?”

She falls silent and I can tell she’s not happy about the change in conversation.

“Things are good here, although I think Stella misses you.”

I smile, “A sentiment I’m sure she would deny. Are you still coming down for the tournament next weekend?”

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