Page 130 of The Head Game

August did have the kind of profile for an ancient coin and features that would seem at home carved into a marble statue.

Stern and thoughtful.

“My brother is named Julius.”

Nico lifted an eyebrow. “As in Caesar?”

“That’s the one.”

Nico winced. “You poor children.”

August chuckled. “There’s a reason we usually go by August and Jules.”

“Oh yes, that’ll keep the kids from picking on you,” Nico retorted.

August ignored him. “We’re twins. Born eight minutes apart. I’m the eldest. No other siblings.”

“So is your whole family freaking out about our engagement?”

“I told Jules the truth. I hope you don’t mind. He’s my best friend and …”

“Nah, I get it. Sky knows all our shit too, and I’m sure you trust him the way I trust her.”

Not that Nico had heard much from Sky lately beyond her checking in to make sure he was okay. Her pregnancy had exploded into the public eye and she was dealing with the expected shitstorm from her family.

“Yes, I trust Jules,” August said firmly. “He would never leak anything.”

“And your parents?”

“My parents …” August sighed. “I called them to tell them about the suspension. They’re not in the country at the moment. They’re both on sabbatical doing research for some book they’re collaborating on so I haven’t seen them in a few months.”

“Did you tell them the truth, or no?”

“No. I considered it but I think it was easier for them to swallow the suspension this way.”

“So are they big hockey fans?”

“Oh God, no. Neither of them cares about hockey in the least. But Jules and I went through a phase where we were obsessed with it and they did everything they could to support it. Took us to practices and games. Cheered for us too, but it was very much not their thing.”

“What about now? Is Jules still playing?”

“He outgrew it quickly. I kept up with it.”

“You must miss it.”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Me too.” Nico sighed and glanced out the window. They were getting close to Dustin and Charlie’s place.

“This is going to be weird tonight,” Nico admitted. He dragged his suddenly damp palms across his trousers.

“What’s that? Seeing your team?”

“Yeah, I mean, I know it’s only been a few weeks but it feels like forever. Usually we’re all up in each other’s business all the time during the season, but lately I feel like I’ve been living this weird secret life with you.”

“Imagine how strange it’ll be for me,” August said with a small laugh. “I’m not used to socializing with players.”

“Sorry. You didn’t have to—you could drop me off tonight if you want. And I told you I could have taken an Uber there or whatever.”

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