Page 40 of My Brother's Enemy
We clinked bottles before we both took a pull. He set his back on the table, playing with the label.
I waited. It seemed he had something to say.
“It’s good you joined the team.”
I arched my eyebrow.
He shrugged. “I wasn’t sure at first, but I was wrong. You don’t have an ego. You’re helping the guys, making them believe they can win. You’re good for the team.” With that, he picked his beer up, saluted me, and walked away.
And. Well. Okay then. Good talk.
Sunny slid into his empty seat, his coat over his arm. “What was that about?”
“Said I was good for the team.”
Sunny’s eyebrows went up, and he shook his head. “I’m heading out. You want a ride somewhere?”
“Nah.” I slid my beer away and stood. “I’ve been nursing the same drink the whole time. I’m good to drive. I’ll walk out with you.”
“You need to settle your tab?”
I shook my head. “Nope. I cashed out after I ordered.”
We said our goodbyes to the guys still there, and once we were outside, Sunny eyed my truck. “You still staying at a hotel?”
“For now.” I took my keys out and began fidgeting with them. “Just been too busy with my sister and niece.”
“How’s that going?”
I lifted my shoulder, trying to seem nonchalant. I didn’t want to talk about my family. And not because I didn’t trust Sunny. He was still new to me, but there was already a level of trust. He was in the NHL. He was hockey. He understood this life and how hard it could be. He wouldn’t say anything about my niece to someone else. I guess because of that I found myself saying, “The hospital wants to send her to some sort of clinic.”
“That’s good, right? She overdosed, didn’t she?”
I hadn’t told the team those specifics, but he knew what had been leaked to the press. “Yeah.”
As if sensing my reluctance, he squeezed my shoulder. “I’m sure whatever they recommend is what’s best for your niece. My little brother’s an addict. He’s been sober for three years, but we were there, smack in the middle of his struggles. None of it got leaked to the press, though. I’m not as big a deal as you, so people aren’t as nosy about me. I wanted you to know I understand. I’m here if you want to talk.”
“Thanks, Sunny. I appreciate that.” We headed for our vehicles. Right before we parted ways, I asked, “With your brother, how old was he?”
“Oh. Uh…” He paused. “He was twenty-two when he got help and it stuck, but he did drugs all through high school. I’m surprised he graduated, to be honest.” A shadow crossed his face. “I’ve always felt guilty, like part of it was my fault. I was the hockey star and got a lot of attention he didn’t—golden child/forgotten child, that sort of thing.” He flashed a sheepish grin. “My sister’s in graduate school for therapy, so she spouts a lot ofthat shit. Sometimes it sticks. Makes sense.” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell her that.”
I smiled. The situations weren’t totally the same, but it felt good to know someone on the team had an inkling of what I was going through.
“But you know, we do have a psychologist for the team now,” he continued. “I bet Rain would be open to talking.”
My gaze had fallen to the sidewalk, but my eyes flicked up to him now. Did he know about us? I couldn’t see any sort of hint there, so I let it go. “Yeah, maybe.”
“She seems to know what she’s doing. Has she approached you for anything yet?”
I gave him another searching look before I shook my head. “No, not really.”
He clapped me on the shoulder and stepped away. “Consider yourself warned, because I’m sure it’s coming.” He held up a hand. “I’m off. When you’re ready to get out of that hotel, let me know. I’ve got a realtor who can help with whatever you need. Apartment. Condo. House. Rental. She knows her shit. Okay, see you, buddy.”
I raised a hand and got into my truck, but as he drove away, I didn’t move.
He’d opened the door, asking about Zoey. I checked my phone, but there were still no calls or texts from my sister. I’d pissed her off, but she’d be okay. I said what needed to be said, and when she processed it all, she’d reach out. Or I’d just show up and annoy her until she broke and forgave me—not that I needed forgiveness here. It hadn’t felt right to talk to Sunny too much, but I did want to talk to someone.
I pulled up my thread with Rain and saw a text from her. She’d sent it thirty minutes ago.
