Page 61 of Voices

I rub my forehead as I look down at the homework I need to get started on. I have practice in the afternoon tomorrow and my first class starts at eight so I can’t be up too much longer. But I can’t concentrate with this uneasy feeling about Charlie.

I pick up my phone from where I set it down on my desk, checking again that Charlie hasn’t opened my text, then click on the chat with Lily.

Me: Hey. Do you know where Charlie is? I wanted to take him to dinner after his class, but he hasn’t responded. I tried calling but there wasn’t an answer. I’m not trying to be clingy or anything. I just want to make sure he’s ok.

She must have her phone in her hand because a second later a response comes through

Feisty pants: Aww! Look at you being worried for our baby He’s usually a bit distant after his birthday. He likes to wander the campus to clear his head. It’s normal for him to go MIA for a little while.

I’m not sure if that makes me feel any better. I could tell he’s an introvert so maybe wandering alone is what he needs? I’m an ambivert so I get wanting to be alone, but I need someone to talk through my feelings with.

Me: It’s close to ten. Does he usually stay out walking this late? Also what happened on his birthday that has him being distant?

Feisty pants: I’m not sure how long he walks around for but I’m sure he’s back home and forgot to check his phone. He’s not a big texter. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it’s dead. LOL.

Feisty pants: And I don’t know the answer about his birthday. I know something happened, but he’s never told me. So I try to bring as much happiness as I can leading up to the day. It doesn’t always work though and he ends up shutting everyone out for the day. But he looked the most relaxed I’ve ever seen him yesterday and that’s all thanks to you!

I feel bad that it took most of the day for him to even get to that point. He struggled almost the whole day, and I had no idea what was even happening in his head.

Me: I didn’t do a whole lot. All I did was hold him and then cooked. But thank you for letting me know about his lack of cell phone use.

Feisty pants: You did more than you’ll ever know.

Not sure what that means, I turn off my screen and set my phone back on my desk. I honestly don’t think I did that much for him yesterday. I felt helpless for most of the time.

I zone out thinking of what happened yesterday and startle when I hear Ryder talking while opening my door.

“…going to get hurt if he doesn’t watch out.”

I spin around and find him with his head down texting in the doorway.

“Who’s getting hurt,” I ask as I spin back around to my books that haven’t been opened.

“Benji,” he snorts. “He’s got balls sneaking around with Katie knowing Brad will beat the shit out of him if he finds out.”

Brad has proved time and time again that he will fuck up any guy who threatens to take Katie from him. The guy’s a psycho with serious anger issues.

“That’s on him if he wants to tempt getting his ass handed to him by someone with rage problems. But if he gets caught fighting, he’s risking his spot on the team.”

“Nah, his daddy will show up and throw money at the athletic director. He won’t even get a slap on the wrist. Fucking spoiled assholes,” he shakes his head.

I start nodding but then stop. I quickly spin back around to him, confused. “He’s Franklin Alexander’s son, as in Lex Hotel’s, right?” Why didn’t I put this together before? Lex Hotel’s is one of the biggest luxury hotel chains in the world. Franklin Alexander is known for buying out smaller hotels and buildingthe most elegant and luxurious hotels that are only available to the elite

Ryder looks at me like I’m crazy for even asking. We’ve met the man no less than thirty times in the last three seasons. He likes to flaunt his money by inviting the team out to the biggest steakhouses in Chicago. We are treated to either Lake Shore Bistro or Wagyu’s Beef House after the ten home games he attends. Plus, he’s the top donor for the team Christmas party that everyone attends. He even threw a massive party in one of his hotels for us after the championship win last season. I don’t remember seeing Charlie at any of it.

“Have you ever met Benji’s brother,” I ask Ryder as I stand up and start to pace the length of my room.

“Dude, what’s going on? You know who Franklin Alexander is and nobody knows anything about Benji’s brother. He’s probably a little kid or something. What’s it matter?”

I stop my pacing. Charlie’s the son of one of the richest men in the country yet his refrigerator was empty, and he was hesitant to add things to his cart when we went shopping then again when I offered to buy us pizza. Yet Benji has enough money to buy a house down the street from campus, drives an Aston Martin, wears a Rolex, and has a fucking Black Card. It doesn’t make sense.

“Ryder, Charlie is Benji’s brother. Histwinbrother.”

He laughs like I’m joking but he must read my face because he stops instantly. “You’re serious? Huh, I don’t really see it but then again, I don’t pay him any attention if I don’t have to,” he shrugs. “Why is this an issue for you though? I know you’re not Benji’s biggest fan, but I can see this is bothering you.”

I sit on my bed conflicted if I should tell him what I just realized about them. Will it upset Charlie if Ryder knew about the apparent money and brother issues? Raking my fingersthrough my hair, I blow out a breath as Ryder sits down next to me.

“I think Charlie’s dad cut him off. When I first went to his place, his kitchen was bare of food and then when we went shopping, he only grabbed like five things.”

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