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“Sure, yeah.” I run a hand through my hair and laugh, but the sound falls flat. “They just wanted to let me know about their travel plans. Looks like they won’t be home in August during break. In fact, they’ll be gone the entire time until I come back to school in the fall.”
“Wait.” Brynn pauses on the sidewalk, and when I glance back at her, she frowns. “You won’t see them at all?”
I shake my head.
“But . . . they didn’t move you in, either.”
I pull on the back of my neck, avoiding her gaze.
What does she want me to say? Didn’t she ever wonder why I spent so much time at her house? It wasn’t just because of my friendship with Teagan. I mean, sure, that was the main reason, but I absolutely hated being alone in our big ass house all the time. I grew up loathing the silence. It’s the reason I prefer background noise in the apartment to nothing at all.
But the truth is, my parents have never been there for me. Not when it counts. Sure, they’ve given me a roof over my head, a fullbelly, and everything I could possibly need. But never their time. Never their love.
“It’s no biggie,” I say, and for the most part, I mean it. I’m used to it by now.
“Well, what about your games in the fall? I’m sure they can’t wait to watch you take the field.”
I arch a brow and laugh. “Well, they won’t be at any in person, that’s for damn sure.”
Brynn returns to my side, her pace slower than before. “But . . . you get tickets, right? For family and stuff?”
I huff. “I know you didn’t go to many home games in Riverside, but if you had, you’d know that my parents never really came to watch me play. I have no illusions about the fact that just because I’m playing for the Big Ten that’s going to suddenly change. Hell, if they catch a game on television, it’ll be an accident.”
Silence settles between us, and I can see Brynn’s concern morph into a frown. The last thing I want is her pity, and I inwardly chastise myself for being so open. I don’t normally talk about my folks. Not to the guys or anyone else for that matter. So, why didn’t I want to sugarcoat the truth with her?
“Well, you know my mom would love to have you at our place,” Brynn says, breaking the silence. “And I’m sure Teagan would be thrilled to have twenty-four seven to catch up.”
I bump her lightly with my elbow. “What about you? Wouldyoulove to have me?”
I already know the answer. Having me back in her home after a summer semester spent in my apartment must be her worst nightmare. It’s glaringly obvious, but I ask anyway because for some reason, Iwanther to want me there.
She says nothing, confirming what I already know. I don’t let it faze me, though, and instead, change the subject. “Wanna race?”
“What?” She glances up at me, a question in her eyes.
“Last one to the shop at the end of the block buys dinner.”
She scoffs. “Like I stand a chance. I’m exercise adverse, and you’re a college athlete.”
“‘Exercise adverse’?” I arch a brow.
“I said what I said.”
Grinning, I spin around, walking backward so I can face her. “Well, I thought you might say that, so we’ll race backward.”
“Um, I’ve seen all those drills you do, Taggart. You can run backward in your sleep.”
“You been watching me, Cupcake?”
Her cheeks flush. “Hardly. I remember from high school.”
I hum under my breath. “What if I give you a five-second head start?”
She purses her lips. “Ten.”
“Damn, you drive a hard bargain.” I place my hands on my hips as if I need a minute to consider her terms before I nod. “Okay. Ten, but not a second more.
“Deal.” Brynn smiles. “Get ready to go down.”
