Page 104 of My Brother's Enemy
The crowd booed us. I sighed, skating up for the face-off. I couldn’t blame them.
We were a mess. We’d been a mess the whole game. And I couldn’t find it in me to care. Mal said he knew where Rain was, that’d he go check on her during the game. That was the only thing that kept me sane today.
Martine’s article had dropped yesterday, and I hadn’t heard one word from Rain. I’d gone to the hotel, but she wasn’t there anymore. I kept calling and calling and nothing.
“You okay, buddy?” Nolan asked, stepping up across from me.
I hadn’t even had time to consider that we were playing my old team. But it was comforting to see the guys again. Especially Nolan.
The ref skated up, but he waited for my response.
“Yeah. Life’s just a fucking shitshow sometimes.”
“Life lesson learned. Now, you boys ready—” His words faded as a sudden roar came up from the crowd. It also drowned out the music.
“Griff!” Sunny hissed beside me.
“Dude. Look!” That was Karasvota, one of our defensemen. He pointed up.
I looked, and then immediately skated backward because the camera had found Rain. She sat beside Mal, giant sized on the Jumbotron.
Nolan also turned.
Jesse smacked me on the shoulder. “Your girl’s back.”
Relief poured over me. I’d been so worried I might never see her again. But Mal had delivered what he promised. He’d brought her back. She was here in the arena.
I bent over, hands on my knees, letting that knowledge sink in.
“Are we ready to get back to hockey, boys?” the referee asked.
“Ready.” I got into position.
Nolan followed suit. “Ready.”
The ref dropped the puck.
62
RAIN
After we got to the owner’s suite, I turned my phone on, and my notifications went crazy. There were a hundred, at least. Most were from Eric—my new friend from Hank’s Tulip.
Eric: GIRL! GIRRRRLLLL!
Eric: Okay. Honey darling. Where are you? We need to do our friend date. Remember?
Eric: OH MY GAWD! YOU’RE SISTER CONNORS? WHAT?
Eric: Call me. Jesus. I never have to work this hard to get a girl to call me.
Eric: Okay. Officially mad. And hurt. And mad again. I don’t mean to toot my own horn but in the friends department, I’m kind of a big deal. You are going to miss out on all this. (Pretend I’m gesturing to my well-kept body because I work out. I take care of myself. I’m my own temple.)
Eric: Um. Okay. I just got a call from Skylar, and she told me a bit more about what might be going on. I’m so sorry if you’re going through it. I’m here for you whenever.
Eric: Still here. Just staying. See? I’m a loyal bitch.
Eric: Well. Okay then. I’d like to say this. Your asshole brother puts out that video saying you’re not the greatest and your man is like, “Hold my beer.” And bam. The article conveying ALL OF THE NASTINESS drops, and your brothers are now the most hated players in the league.
