21

"I'm not a perfect person."

Josh

The air between us was heavy with unspoken words, as the conflict hovered over us like a dark cloud. Sawyer did not attempt conversation as she gazed at the passing scenery. I stole a glance at her from the corner of my eye. My heart cracked at the sight of her downcast expression. The minutes ticked by in agonizing silence as we drove through the snow-covered roads. I knew I should say something to break the ice, but the words lingered on the tip of my tongue. My grip on the steering wheel tightened, as the silence was insufferable. I would not let my brother ruin my relationship with Sawyer.

"I'm not upset with you."

I spared a glance in her direction before returning them to the road.

"You're not?"

"No," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. "This is typical Asher behaviour. I don't want you to get dragged into his mess. He attracts too much trouble."

Her eyes widened in surprise as they brewed with confusion.

"I went with." She said. "He didn't force me to do anything."

I scoffed.

"Let me guess, he bribed you with something you have a weakness for?" I knew I had her when her eyes fell on her lap. "Classic Asher manipulation."

She tucked her hair behind her ears.

"Can I ask you something?" She said, her voice soft as she turned to me.

I glanced at her in curiosity as we reached my driveway. I halted the car, but did not move, wanting to give her my full attention.

"Sure."

"Why do neither of you get along?" She asked. "Noah and I fight, but not like this."

My expression tensed. I was waiting for her to ask this question. I shifted in my seat, wondering how much information was appropriate to divulge.

"We used to be best friends."

"So, what happened?"

I shrugged. If I had the answer, I would have given it to her.

"We grew apart and liked different things."

I could see in her eyes she saw through my facade. She reached out and placed a hand over mine, her eyes overflowing with concern.

"That can't be it." She insisted.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath.

"Things changed last summer," I said. "Asher went through a lot."

"What happened?"

I hesitated.

"That's his story to tell."

I appreciated her not insisting on telling her.

"So, it started last summer?"

I nodded my head and twined my fingers through hers.

"His grades started slipping, and he quit the hockey team. Our dad was not impressed."

She squeezed my hand with a gasp.

"Asher was on the hockey team?"

"He was the shining star." I said, as the compliment left a foul taste in my mouth. "Like he is with everything."

"Is that why he and your dad butt heads?"

I took a deep inhalation of air.

"He used to worship our dad. He'd do anything to make him happy, but nothing about Asher was the same anymore."

Her eyes filled with sympathy.

"You are brothers." She said. "It will all work out."

I lifted our interlocked hands to my lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

"Maybe, maybe not." I said. "As long as I have you."

??

I slouched in my seat as I took a tentative sip of beer. As we unwound before the charity match tomorrow, we sat cramped in Collin's dimly lit basement. The night shifted from innocent to more daring as Kellan insisted we sneak out and get some more beer. My heart skipped a beat at his suggestion, but the nagging voice in the back of my mind warned me of the risks.

"We should call it a night."

They brushed off my words.

"I'm in." Ava said, raising her hand.

Elsie, never one to think for herself, raised her hand.

"Me too."

Kellan, Collin, and Noah turned to me with raised hands. I got caught up in the moment, not wanting to disappoint them, so I pushed aside my doubts and raised my hand. They cheered.

We walked to the convenience store under the cover of darkness and huddled together to think of a game plan.

"I heard they don't card here." Kellan said.

I hesitated. My mind raced with the potential risks, but I knew they would dismiss my concerns. I followed them through the sliding glass doors. My nerves were on edge as we scoured the shelves for alcoholic beverages. My breath hitched as we reached the refrigerated section in the back. We each selected a drink and approached the counter. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and excitement. However, our nerves betrayed us as our hands shook with anxiety. The middle-aged cashier eyed us, his brows furrowed with suspicion as he rang up our purchases.

"I'm going to need some ID." He said, leaving no room for negotiation.

We exchanged panicked glances before Kellan bolted out of the store with us on his tail. We sprinted through the parking lot. Our desperate escape came crumbling down when Collin tripped over a discarded box and went crashing to the ground with a bone-jarring thud. A sharp cry fell from his lips as he clutched his wrist. We skidded to a halt and huddled around him.

"Are you okay?" Noah asked.

"I think I broke my wrist." Collin said, his face contorted in agony.

I felt a surge of panic wash over me as I thought of what to do next. Kellan knelt to help him stand. I brushed my hand over my face and sighed.

We were screwed.

??