Page 121 of Hard to Score

“Nope. A Brexton fact.”

He laughs out loud, but he stays there beside me for well over an hour until our parents call us in.

“Hey Brex?” he asks when he stands, offering me a lopsided grin as he pulls me up.

My heart flutters in my chest. “Yeah?”

“Thanks. Maybe looking at the stars with someone is better than being alone.”

An idea hits. One I’m not certain is smart, but I can’t stay away from him any longer. I grab my phone and text him.

Me: Remember that time we stared at the stars and made silent wishes? I’m looking at the stars right now, Drew. I’m making my wishes. If you want to join me, you can call me. We don’t have to talk, but it’s nicer looking at the stars with someone than being alone.

I hit send and then feel like an idiot the minute I do. He probably doesn’t even remember that night. He probably doesn’t—

I startle when my phone rings and his name is on the screen.

“I’m here,” I say when I answer the call. “I’m here.”

“I know.”

It’s all he says as we stare at the stars together, feeling less alone tonight.

CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

DREW

“MAY I COME IN?”

I stare at my mom standing in my doorway and hate that I actually want to say no. The last thing I need is more bullshit when my head is finally clearing.

“We have a team meeting I have to get to,” I lie.

“No, you don’t. You forget you’re talking to an NFL wife. Meetings are for mornings. Practices after that. Film review on Mondays. I understand that you don’t want to talk to me, son, but there’s something I think you need to see,” she says motioning to the box at her feet.

“Mom.” The word is a plea. “I can’t do this again. If he’s not going to give me answers then I can’t do this. Don’t you think I deserve that much? Don’t you and Maggs and Charley deserve it?”

“Please?” she asks with tears in her eyes.

I open the door and hold her gaze until she walks inside. We move in silence as I carry the box and set it on the coffee table, which is situated between the two couches.

“What’s this?” I ask.

“The other night there were a lot of things said.”

“More like a lot of things left unsaid,” I argue, not wanting to let her off the hook this time. She was an enabler in this whole thing so my resentment toward her is strong too.

She levels me with a look that says to give her a chance. I sigh and sit back, already frustrated.

“You told your father he never cared about anyone else a day in his life.”

“It’s true.”

“You are his pride and joy, Drew. How can you say that?”

“How?” I scoff. “Because when he walked away from the sport, he left me behind with it. He never showed up to a single one of my games. He never said anything positive. Most dads would be thrilled to have their son follow in their footsteps. Mine resented me for it and let me know I’d never live up to his legacy.”

“On the contrary, son. Dad was staying away so you could have your time to shine. If he was there, it would only draw attention to him. He was staying away so he wouldn’t be selfish and take the light away from you.”