Page 5 of Marring an Athlete

“It’s good that you came to visit. McKenna’s been struggling. I’m not sure what she’s told you, but things are not good between her and Sam.”

A sour feeling flooded Michael’s stomach. McKenna was his little sister. He was supposed to protect her. And yet, he had allowed his life and aspirations to take over. What kind of brother does that? He was the worst.

He forced a fake smile as Anna climbed in and sat down. After making sure that her fingers weren’t in the way, he slammed the door—maybe with a bit too much gusto. But how could he not? He’d not only let himself down, but his sister as well.

Proof again, that he didn’t deserve anyone. After Daisy was back from her trip to Milan and he cleaned up the mess he’d gotten into, he wasn’t going to allow another woman into his life. It was necessary to keep all the people he cared about safe from his careless mistakes.

Once he got into the driver’s side, he shut his door and started up his car. The roof was down, and the sun shone on him. Being outside had a way of calming his nerves. He flipped on his blinker and turned onto Main Street.

The wind blew around them as he drove the fifteen minutes to McKenna’s house. He was thankful for the extra noise having the top down brought. It meant no conversations. He needed to build a wall if he was going to keep people away.

McKenna’s normally cheerful house was dreary and depressing. The last time Michael had been here, the window boxes exploded with flowers. The front shrubbery, which was once manicured to perfection, was now overgrown and full of weeds.

This was not like McKenna at all.

He pulled into the driveway and turned the engine off. He opened his door, and before he could round the hood of the car, Anna was out and starting up the walkway. He stepped over huge weeds that had sprung up in the yard.

When Anna got to the front stoop, she paused, but then shook her head and turned the handle. She pushed open the door. “McKenna?” she called into the front room.

Michael went up the front steps and waited behind her.

“Why aren’t we going in?” he asked.

Anna jumped and turned, her eyes widening. He wondered if it was because he was only a foot away from her. As he took in the richness of her brown eyes, he couldn’t help but smile. It was nice—having her at eye level. He liked looking into her eyes.

“Just wanting to warn them that we’re here. Sam and McKenna have been fighting a lot. I didn’t want to walk into anything.” She hesitated and then leaned farther into the foyer. “Kenna, you here?”

“Anna?” McKenna’s voice carried from the back of the house. She sounded stressed. Not the joyful, free-spirited little sister that Michael remembered.

Having had enough of waiting on the stoop, Michael stepped into the house and slipped off his shoes. Anna must have felt that the coast was clear as well, because she followed after him.

“Kenna, we’re here,” he said, making his way past all the family photos that hung on the walls, and into the kitchen at the back of the house.

McKenna was sitting at the table when he came into the room. She was staring at something resting in front of her. She lifted her gaze to meet his, and Michael’s heart surged. McKenna’s eyes were red from tears.

Before he could make his way across the kitchen floor and wrap his sister into a hug, Anna beat him to it. She crouched down in front of McKenna with her hand resting on McKenna’s back.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

From where Michael stood, he could see McKenna’s eyes fill with tears as she nodded toward the table.

“It’s negative. Again.” McKenna leaned forward and buried her face in her hands.

“I’m so sorry,” Anna said, wrapping her up into a hug.

It killed Michael to see his little sister in so much pain. If only he could fix this. But how could he? McKenna had always wanted to be a mom since they were kids. She used to force him to be the dad and play house.

Michael made his way over to the table. “Is there any room for a big brother hug?”

McKenna and Anna glanced up at him. Anna nodded, dropped her arms, and stood.

“I’m happy you’re here,” McKenna said as she pushed her chair back and stood.

Michael wrapped her up in a hug. She felt so small. Why had he been the worst older brother? Getting caught up in his own life. What kind of jerk did that? “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here. If I’d known things were bad, I would have come sooner.”

McKenna shook her head. “How could you have known? I didn’t really talk about it with anyone.”

Michael pulled back and smiled down at his sister. “Well, I’m here now and ready to help any way I can. Do you need me to have a talk with Sam? Cause I will. He swore to take care of you.”

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