Page 176 of Jaded

“Nat.” It’s just a low, flat murmur. My response matches.

“Jess.”

I almost close the door. Almost.

But I’m not the same little boy who watched his brother walk away without a backwards glance. I’m not the same lost, lonely teenager who looked up to that brother, only to have him turn his back, time and again.

He left me bleeding in the snow that first fight.

He left me bleeding internally when he left for the pros.

But I’m not a child, and I’m not bleeding anymore. So I don’t close the door in his face—don’t shut him out of my life or the lives of anyone behind me.

I step back to let him in, out of the Day River cold. Everyone’s still seated at the table, staring. Avery’s mouth hangs open. Syd’s eyes are wide, wary. Olli’s mouth pulls into a taut line.

Brenda stands. “Hi, Jesse.”

“Hey, Brenda.” He slides past me to embrace her in an awkward, stilted hug. “Sorry I missed dinner. I didn’t want to, um, impose . . .”

It’s the most awkward I’ve ever heard him.

“There are leftovers!” Brenda steps towards the kitchen. “I can make you a plate—”

“No, that’s fine. I just . . .” His fingers lace through his hair to pull it back from his face. So like my own face. He doesn’t even look older. “I wanted to stop by and congratulate, um, everyone.”

But it’s me his eyes slide towards. Me he’s looking at. Me he’s congratulating. Me.

He came here for . . .me.

I don’t know what to make of that or what to say. We’re still standing awkwardly between the front door and the dining room, and Brenda’s still poised beside the kitchen, and everyone else is still sitting and staring.

“Sit.” Brenda takes the lead. Points to the one empty chair at the head of the table.

Jesse trails after me and takes it.

A moment of awkward silence follows where we study our plates and scrape at the remnants or sip nearly empty glasses.

Avery, of course, is the one to break said silence. “Not to be a total weirdo or anything, but like, I’m eating dinner withJesse Taylor.”

Syd snorts.

I roll my eyes.

Jesse startles.

But it’s Olli who laughs. “No, that’s total weirdo behavior. You’ve officially joined me in the ranks of the strange, Av. Welcome!”

And then we all laugh, awkward and unsure, but still. It’s like a weight lifted, the tension broken enough for Jesse to speak. “Seriously, though. It was awesome. Syd, the coverage was amazing.”

“It was fun.” Sydney beams, and my heart swells. She really does like this stuff, is good at it. Should probably pursue it. And Jesse might just be the one to help her do it—if I don’t get in the way.

“I saw your video too.” Jesse’s gaze swivels to Olli, and my swollen heart clenches at the way my boyfriend’s shoulders stiffen. “Honestly, I respect the hell out of that, man.”

Olli’s eyes widen into orbs of surprise, and he merely nods and mumbles something that might be athank you.

“I’m serious. Very cool. And your game still looked bomb. Don’t be surprised if the majors start calling.”

Olli shrugs. “They might. And I might turn them down. Hang out in Day River a little longer.” His gaze slides to me. “Got some . . . unfinished business . . . here.”

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