Page 60 of The Promises We Break

“You, too, man. You killed it today. How’s your shoulder holding up?” I ask, as he holds the back of his arm, waving it around in a large circle.

“Great. At least my brain likes to think so. My body, that’s a whole other story.” He chuckles. “It’s been a good run, and I love that I’m going out this year with a bang, thanks to you.”

“Nah, it’s teamwork. So, you’re really going to wimp out on me, huh? You can stick it out for another, I don’t know, five years, can’t you?” I give him shit because I don’t want him to leave, even though I know it’s his time.

“Hell no, man. I’m going out on top.” He pats my shoulder and heads out of the locker room. He’s been pretty quiet about retiring, and I think, as much as he knows he needs to, he’s not ready to accept it. When all you’ve ever done your whole life is one thing, then one day it’s gone, who the hell are you anymore?

I can imagine the identity crisis he is feeling. I had a small taste of it after I was injured, and that made me hit rock bottom, even with the small hope that I could come back.

Grabbing my bag, I unscrew the lid of my protein shake and finish the rest before throwing it into the recycle bin on my way out of the locker room.

Coach Raymer’s office is down the hall, but his door is closed, which is unusual.

I come to a halt in front of it, hearing muffled voices.

Tapping my knuckles on the thick wooden door, the chatter fades and Coach Raymer calls out, “Come in.”

The shock that hits me as I open Coach’s door halts me mid-step. My eyes meet Henry’s, who is peering back at me over his shoulder as he sits across from Coach Raymer’s desk, the same way I did the day I first met him.

Mine full of confusion, his full of confidence and excitement.

The panic spreads from my torso to the outstretches of my entire body, arriving at my trembling fingers and sandpaper throat at the same time. The worry and anger battle each other for a moment as I look between my brother and my coach.

“Hudson, come in.” I look at my hand, still on the doorknob, and at my surroundings, realizing the invisible brick wall physically stopped me from stepping further into his office.

I step to the side and close the door, but stay planted where I’m at.

“Hey, brother, good game.” He stands, walking toward me, holding out his hand in a high five handshake, and for the sake of appearances, I hold mine out. He slaps our palms together and pulls me in for a bro hug, patting me on the shoulder. I quickly step away from him and walk into the office to stand in front of Coach’s desk.

“You asked to see me, sir?”

“I figured you knew your brother was here, considering he’s going to be a free agent next year, and I’m looking for a replacement for Callahan next season.” He looks between the two of us, sensing the tension. How can he not?

I knew the reason he was here the moment I saw him. I just didn’t want to accept it, say it, or even consider that as a possibility. But Coach already is.

Coach continues, “The Byrnes brothers back together again. Wouldn’t that be a match made in heaven?”

Hell. It would be hell.

“We were the best of the best, sir, back in our day. Man, itwas a sight. Wasn’t it, Hud?” Henry steps to my side, patting my shoulder again like a condescending asshole.

“That was a long time ago.” My voice comes out dry.

“Well…” Coach clears his throat. “I just wanted to give you guys a moment to catch up before Henry flew back home. He’s got a game tomorrow, so he wasn’t staying long.”

He never does, just comes barreling into my life, throwing my world upside down so I can drown in the shitstorm of emotions he brings out of me before leaving again.

“Have a good flight, Henry. I’ll see you tomorrow, Coach.” My reply is robotic at best. I’ve been programmed from years of unpredictable behavior from my brother. My entire body shuts down the moment I’m in the same space as him.

“Hold tight outside for me for a minute, Hudson, while I finish up here.” I simply nod at him, then look over at Henry. I tip my chin up with a silent goodbye and half acknowledgement, hating that I have to do even that.

And waiting outside his office is just as painful. Is he making a deal with him? Is he really considering him for our team?Myteam. It’s only a few months into the season, but we are a family now.

That reminds me of our trip next month to meet Ember’s family. She’s been even more stressed about it since Elliot showed up. To my surprise, she didn’t talk to her parents about why they sent Elliot instead of coming themselves. She completely ignored the whole situation. I don’t know why she stayed quiet instead of standing up for herself like she did with Elliot. Clearly, it’s deeper than I realize. But so is the situation with me and Henry that I hardly speak about.

Finally, he steps out of the office, and Coach steps through the doorway, calling my name. It feels like he’s leaving the principal’s office at school and I’m the next one to get called in. I ignore him and keep my gaze on Coach as he steps back into his office.

I follow him in, shutting the door behind me, and he wastes no time.

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