Page 106 of The Pass Protection
Grant researches as I jot down essential findings for the rest of the afternoon. Both of us nurse hangovers—mine is emotional, and his is very much from the alcohol he consumed last night. By the time I’m ready to drive back to my apartment, the two of us have created a plan of action.
It has me hopeful that everything will finally come to an end and that I can return to enjoying my life.
The last day of classes went by in a blur. I think it’s safe to say that the anxiety I’ve been feeling all day was crippling. Not only have things been tense in our apartment since our secret was revealed, but the tension is wound so tight I’m surprised it didn’t detonate. The group of teammates I view as brothers won’t acknowledge me.
The drills were punishing, and the walkthrough was spent going through the motions—no banter, no celebrations, only the necessities. I felt like I had been banished from the team. And for what reason? Loving the coach’s daughter because that’s what the truth is. Along the way, I fell headfirst into Bret Campbell, and my love for her runs deep. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. She’s more than a fling, a hookup. She’s the woman I want to stand beside for the rest of my life.
Bret brings calm to the chaos of being a student-athlete. She makes me feel seen when I feel like I’m floating through the mundane. And if Grant would give me two seconds of his time, he would know that, too.
At the beginning of our relationship, I was terrified to tell her brother. Scared of what his reaction would be. But with everything out in the open, I couldn’t believe how childish I had been. I never should have been afraid of confronting him. As a big brother myself, I would have wanted to know that my sister was being treated withrespect and shown what it’s like to be with a man who loves her and shows her how valuable her worth is. That’s precisely what I’ve given Bret, and if he can’t see that, he has to live with that.
The only good thing about this day is that the video game concept Eric, Lauren, and I have been working on for the past four weeks has passed the class with top honors. Professor Ramirez was so impressed with our presentation that he informed us he would contact a friend of his who might be interested in purchasing our concept. Talk about a breath of fresh air in an otherwise shitty day.
Climbing the stairs to the apartment, I’m ready to spend the night in my room to avoid the awkwardness of our home. The other day, when Bret left and spent the entire afternoon with her brother, I sat the guys down and tried to explain everything. It was obvious that they were pissed. I mean, I can’t blame them. For the last three months, Bret and I had been sneaking around, sharing secret touches and glances all behind their backs.
Since then, everyone has been steering clear of everyone. Even Bret has been quieter than usual. She explained that her conversation with her brother went fine, but fine doesn’t mean you should avoid your boyfriend.
With a deep exhale, I push through the door and prepare for battle. Tossing my keys on the table, I step further into the apartment and find Bret and Harris cooking in the kitchen. Well, Bret is supervising from where she sits on the counter. She smiles warmly at me while Harris spares me a glance before returning to the vegetables he’s cooking. Soy sauce and garlic waft from the sizzling pan.
Leaving the two in the kitchen, not wanting to interrupt their bubble since it seems they’ve managed to sort out their issues. Harris doesn’t appear to be giving her the cold shoulder he’s given me the past two days. He must be reserving all of the ice for me.
Stepping inside my room, I toss my backpack toward my desk and fish out my phone from my pocket. Flopping on my bed, the bland walls feel smothering as if they are closing around me. Suffocating me, leaving me fighting for air.
Scrolling through my messages, my thumb hovers over my brother’s name. Since he returned home a few weeks ago, Jett’s been making a genuine attempt at fixing our relationship. He sends a text every day.
Some days he’s updating me on life in Silo Bay. The town prepared a welcome home parade, which I knew they would do something. Streets were lined with people waving the American flag as the high school band, with the help of the local police station, helped escort Jett into town. It was a true patriotic display welcoming home a local hero. While almost everyone has welcomed him home with wide arms, others aren’t so quick to forget the trouble he caused in high school. Oh, the joys of small-town life.
Other days, he’s sending me updates on Riggs Cattle and how the farm is doing as winter knocks on Ohio’s doors. He shares the financial projections and the steps he and Grandpa have taken to prepare for winter calving. There are also updates on how much Grandpa and the rooster do not get along. Those stories always make me laugh. I still can’t figure out why Grandpa keeps the bastard around. Jett talks about mending his relationship with Mom and how he disapproves of Saylor’s friends she’s running around with. It’s comical how he stepped into such a protective big brother role, considering the trouble he and his friends caused around town.
More times than not, Jett has reached out to simply ask how I’m doing. If classes are going well or if I’m prepared for a game. He also asks about Bret and if I’m ready to admit to everyone that she’s more than just a friend. It doesn’t help that Mom and Saylor have beenfeeding him their theories. I’ve got to love the meddling women in my life.
Me: You were right.
Closing the screen, I no sooner lay it on my chest before it vibrates. Holding the screen in the air above my face, I swipe open the new message.
Jett: I usually am, but what about this time?
Me: My secret relationship with Bret blew up in our faces.
Jett: I told you. Secrets always come around and bite you in the ass.
Me: Yeah, well, my teammates aren’t speaking to me, and I’m 98% certain Grant wants to punch me.
Jett: As he should.
Me: Well fuck you too.
Jett: Listen, I’m saying if my friend were sneaking around with my little sister, I’d be pissed too. He trusted you and welcomed you into his life, and you betrayed that trust.
Well, fuck. Reading that text message felt like a punchto the gut.
Jett: Give him time to cool off and then talk to him. Explain that it’s more than just a casual fuck. Tell him how you feel about her. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. It’ll all work out in the end, little brother.
Me: When the fuck did you become so wise beyond your years?
Jett: I’ve had my heart broken before…
Jett: Talk later. Grandpa is fighting with the fucking rooster again.
