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But despite the surprise visit, seeing her always softens the ice in my chest.
I help Daniel bring in the suitcases and put them in the guest room past the door to Nova’s studio.
“Do you have a basketball?” Andy demands when we’ve finished.
“Let me see.” I go to the hall closet and rummage through until I find one.
“Who the fuck are you? You don’t know where the basketballs are?” Kat quips as we follow him out.
“Haven’t touched one since finals,” I say as Andy and his dad go to work on the half court.
“What?” my sister hisses. I turn to find Kat standing, her arms folded, in my doorway. “When we were kids, you couldn’t make it through the day without carrying one around. You even brought it to the table for meals.”
The memories make me uneasy. “I needed a break after the season.”
“To play charity golf tournaments? To sit around on the couch?” Her eyes narrow. “And if so… I’ll hurt you if you’ve watched more Selling Sunset than me.”
Kat was always determined as fuck. Even when she was sick, even when things were hard, my sister was a fighter. She might not have legions of fans, people wearing her name and number, but she’s stronger than I am. A better hero for the world.
“Where’s Nova?” She looks into the house.
“She’s visiting family in Denver.”
“Since when?”
“A couple weeks.” I rub a hand over my face. “She called to have her art supplies and clothes sent.”
My sister leans against me, hooking her arm in mine. “I’m sorry. Did you have a fight?”
No, this was worse than a fight. Nova looked at me like I was broken.
“She was upset about… Lots of things. Wanted to take a break.”
“And what did you say?”
“What was I supposed to say?”
She sighs. “Clay…”
“Stop. Don’t need you practicing your baby therapist moves on me. Tell me about you.”
For a second, I swear she’s going to argue, but for once, she lets it slide.
“School is hard. Andy’s made some new friends. Daniel’s work has been exciting. You wouldn’t believe how much drama professors cause, they’re worse than any of the Greek houses on campus…”
We stand side by side as Daniel and Andy play basketball. It feels good to think about someone else for a change.
When she’s finished, I say, “I’m glad you have them.”
“Me too.” Her familiar face is brightened by the half smile. “Was it like a crash or a slow burn?”
“Huh?”
“After the championship, the downslide. Was it all of a sudden, or did it take time?”
I inhale. We’re outside, but there’s not enough air. “Maybe it was the moment we won the championship or the game where I got hurt. Maybe it was the time I called Jay and he wouldn’t call back. Or the trade itself. Maybe it was all of them.”
She nods. “That was what it was like when I was sick. A little at a time, until there was nothing around me that brought me joy. Did you talk to Nova about it?”
