Page 40 of Heart Taker

“You’re acting weird, Si.”

I muttered a few choice curse words as we headed for the bench outside the locker room.

“I’m tired.”

I didn’t want to lie to my brother, but my thoughts about Damien, he didn’t need to know.

Josiah sat down on the bench and began to untie his skates. “Is that all?”

I nodded. “I’ll change real quick and then we’ll go grab a bite, okay?”

Jo nodded and pulled out his phone, tapping away.

When I stepped inside the locker room, I didn’t offer small talk. Six of us: me, Finn, Ethan, Colin, Sean, and Dane were staying on for summer camp, and everyone else was busy cleaning out their stalls. I headed for mine and quickly changed. I was a funky mess by now, but showering could wait until I got home. I grabbed my backpack, Jo’s, his boots, and duffle bag, then made the rounds of the room, saying goodbye to the guys.

“It was great skating with your brother,” Jace offered with a grin. “Hopefully he can catch some of our games in the next season.”

“I hope so.”

When I stepped back out, Jo had his skates off and was sitting cross-legged on the bench with his feet under his thighs, perusing his phone.

“That was fast,” he said as he glanced up at me.

“I’m starving,” I replied and dropped his boots.

Jo waved his hand in front of his face. “You smell rank.”

I ruffled his blond curls.

“It’s no worse than your toxic bedroom.”

I got a raspberry for that comment.

After Jo changed into his boots, we headed down the hallway towards the exit.

“Thanks for letting me join you today,” Jo said quietly.

“Of course. I should’ve done it sooner. But with the winter season, I was worried.”

“I know.”

I could’ve invited him in the fall, but I was getting used to the routine of school and practice again. And I guess I wasn’t ready to answer questions about my family.

“You need to use the washroom before we head out?” I asked.

“I’m good.”

That was a relief. I noticed that Jo didn’t need as many bathroom breaks as he used to. The surgery plus medicationwas finally offering him relief. Too often, Jo had to plan out everything in advance and made sure he had access to a washroom. Crohn’s was a literal pain in the ass. The teenage years were rough for anyone, but for someone with a chronic illness? Try tough times a hundred. But my baby brother was strong, and nothing was going to stop him.

“You want to grab a bite at Boots ‘n’ Burgers?”

We didn’t eat out often, but this was a special day. To see Josiah on the ice again was something I’d never forget, an event worth any sacrifice.

“Oh yeah. Can I invite River to join us?”

“Sure.”

Josiah got busy texting his friend as we exited the rink.

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