Page 80 of Once Upon A Player
He blinks as if he doesn’t understand, and then pushes his glasses onto the top of his head, just like Harry does. “Even you?”
I sigh. “My choice of career isn’t exactly what you expected, is it?” It’s not really a question, but it sounds like one, regardless.
“Huh.” He even sounds like my twin when he does that. “It’s true you and Harry went in different directions than your mum and I imagined. We never really understood the appeal of online games or football. But all we ever wanted was for you to be happy in your careers.”
Hang on, did he just link the genius of Blitz with my ability to score goals?
“Not sure me being good at football is in the same league as developing a phenomenal RPG that’s taking over the world.”
“Why not?” There’s a perplexed frown on his forehead, and the smile slips from my face. Jesus, he’s serious.
I don’t have an answer, so lean against the doorframe and once again gaze into Mum’s office.
My parents never compared me unfavorably with my brother. It was just my perception of things, reinforced when the press circled the blood in the water when our mum died and they discovered how different I was from my twin.
Am I that different, though?
Maybe not.
I turn to my dad. “I’ll stay for dinner.”
When Harry opens his front door to me later that night, his surprise is almost comical. I should’ve called first, but I was already here before that occurred to me.
“Bad time?” I inject an upbeat tone into my voice which I’m far from feeling.
“Uh, no.” He stands back so I can go inside. “I didn’t know you were a fan of zombies.”
I stare at him. Despite his genius brain, I usually understand most things my brother says, unless he gets technical, but this comment beats me. “Zombies?”
“Yeah.” He grins. “We’re introducing Alice to the zombie world tonight.”
We?Shit. And I should’ve guessed Alice would be here.
Should’ve thought this through, shouldn’t you?
“It’s okay, man. It’s not important. I’ll leave you to it.”
Before he can respond, Alice comes into the hall. “Lucas, how lovely to see you. Are you all set for Tuesday?”
“Sure am.” I glance between them, and then over Alice’s shoulder, a couple of guys from Harry’s work wander out, munching on slices of pizza. “Well, right. I’ll be off, then.”
“Okay.” Harry frowns, obviously bemused.
“Lucas, hang on.” Alice turns and smiles at Harry, and a sharp pain knifes through my chest. Violet used to smile at me like that. “Harry, why don’t you and Lucas go into your study for a chat? We won’t start the movie without you.”
“Honestly, it’s fine.” This was a fucking stupid idea.
“I’d really appreciate the reprieve.” Alice gives a fake shiver. “I’m still not sure about this zombie night.”
“Come on.” Harry punches my arm. “Let’s talk.”
I’m having serious second thoughts about the whole thing. What possessed me to drive over here tonight? I should’ve taken up Dad’s offer to sleep over in my old bedroom.
I know why. Dad asked after Violet, and I made up some shit so it sounded like everything was great between us, when the truth is I don’t even know if we’re still together.
There’s a sick sensation in the pit of my stomach every time I think about the conversation Violet and I had about her moving to Madrid with me.
I never said that. Move to Madrid? How can I do that?
