Page 113 of What Are the Chances
My brother wasn’t alone. He was currently very naked and wrapped around my best friend, who had also apparently misplaced all her clothes.
Footsteps pounded on the stairs and a moment later Lucas, Marnie and Brooklyn appeared behind me.
“What’s wrong, Riley?” Brooklyn shrieked. “We heard you scream and – oh fuck.”
“Get out,” Tanner snapped. “All of you!”
I’m not sure who kicked into gear first, but a hand wrapped around my arm and yanked me out of my brother’s bedroom.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
You’re not like our father
RILEY
The best thing about Allentown parties was that I could easily be invisible. I didn’t know a whole lot of people, which had made it much easier hiding out in the kitchen tonight.
Because Tanner was the guest of honour, he’d been too busy hosting to chase me down. Parker, on the other hand, hadn’t stopped trying. She looked flawless, as always, and was dressed in a full-length black denim skirt, camel blazer and green knee-high boots. I was wearing the outfit she’d selected for me. A matching skirt, but in blue denim, and a chunky knit.
I wasn’t mad at her exactly, but I was confused. How the hell had that happened? Was it a spur of the moment thing? Did she like my brother? Did he like her? What about Ryan? She’d literally been kissing him last night.
I’d drilled Lucas on whether he had any intel, but he was just as clueless as me.
Just before midnight Tanner walked into the kitchen alone. He halted on the spot. “I’ve been trying to get to you all night.”
We hadn’t spoken at all this evening. By the time I’d returned from my shower, people had been arriving. I hadn’t even had a chance to wish him happy birthday yet.
When he opened his mouth, I tensed, expecting to be grilled about Will. Or last night. Or to delve into the complicated matter of him sleeping with one of my best friends.
What he said instead surprised me.
“If I made the league, do you think I’d turn into dad?”
I didn’t hesitate. “No.”
I held my brother’s familiar gaze for a moment. Unlike last night, there was no trace of anger in his eyes. Seeing that, I relaxed.
“I’m sorry if you felt like I ambushed you last night,” I apologised. “But I stand by what I said. This could be the beginning of your career, Tanner. Not the end.” I interpreted his silence as a green light to continue. “And I know you want to keep playing, no matter what you say. The only person you’d be screwing over if you gave this up is yourself. Not dad. Just you.”
Tanner nodded as though I was telling him something he already knew. “I wasn’t giving up hockeyjustto piss dad off,” he admitted. “I was terrified I’d become just like him.” He shrugged sadly. “A robot who ends up royally fucking up everything until all he has left is the game.”
“Tanner.”
Stepping forward, I gently squeezed my brother’s arm. I wish I’d known that’s how he felt. If I had, I would have put him at ease much sooner. There wasn’t a chance Tanner would become like our father. Even now, they were so dissimilar in their personalities. Hockey was the only common ground they shared.
Tanner perked up, his lips quirking in excitement. “I had lunch with the General Manager for an NHL franchise today.”
My eyes widened in surprise. I stumbled back. “And?”
Tanner grinned broadly. “And it went well.”
That revelation caused my stomach to excitedly dance. I jumped on the spot like an idiot.
Tanner chuckled. “The GM had called earlier in the week asking what my plans were after college. I was already in my head about it. Then last night between dad, Marcus and you... I kind of imploded.” He smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Ri.”
As he extended his arms, I accepted Tanner’s apology hug, marvelling in the familiarity. I was glad we’d made up. I hated arguing with him.
Pulling back, he peered down at me. “Parker was actually the one who encouraged me to go.”
