Page 52 of Trick Play

“I really appreciate that, but it’s not going to happen. Ethan and I are working on a project together.” I held up a hand, “And before you say anything, I tried to get out of it. We both need to ace this class so we have no choice but to work together and get it completed as painlessly as possible.”

He took a seat on the sofa, still looking around.

“Do you think he’s going to appear?”

He laughed, “No, but I don’t like the idea that he’s been here either.”

“Don’t worry, Lo was here too.” One time.

“Well, at least I know she won’t go easy on him.”

“Nope.” I dropped down across from him. “So what’s your plan now? You’ve seen I’m fine. Ethan hasn’t suddenly moved in. All is well.”

He started to stand. “Guess I can go.”

I giggled, and he sat back down. “How about I take you to lunch? Do you have time?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Good, then I really do have a meeting downtown, and I fly out tonight.”

I was actually a bit disappointed his visit was so short, but I’d take all the time I could get. As different as we were, it was nice seeing him.

“Let me change.” I hurried into my room to switch my leggings for jeans. I didn’t bother with my sweater or hair. I was sacrificing enough by wearing real pants. On my way out, I grabbed my wallet and dropped it into my small purse rather than carrying around my backpack.

“Ready?” I asked as I picked up my keys from the bowl I stored them in near the door.

“Yes, but don’t think I’m getting into that rusted piece of metal willingly.”

I rolled my eyes behind his back but didn’t argue. Whatever car he rented was probably top of the line with a working heater. I wouldn’t complain about that.

“Where do you want to go?” I asked while locking the door behind us.

He didn’t reply, and when I turned, he was stopped at the top of the stairs.

“What’s wr—” Oh no.

Ethan was on the landing, staring up at Whit. His eyes darted to mine before returning to my brother.

Once upon a time, they got along. Ethan was the little brother Whit always wanted. They went to football and basketball games together. Played catch in the backyard before dinners. Whit tutored him and helped coach him through college interviews.

Then everything changed.

They lost each other too. Like I lost Haley. The unexpected casualties no one thought about until they were actually gone by no fault of their own.

Ethan could have used Whit these last few years. My brother could be arrogant and self-righteous, but he was also incredibly smart and knew how to charm even the wildest of vipers. He graduated from Columbia’s law school with several job offers in the city. If anyone could have gotten Ethan to believe in himself and improve his grades, it would have been Whit.

But the end of our relationship took that from him.

That was his own fault, but it was something I never stopped to consider.

How might have things gone for Haley if she still had me in her life last year? Could I have been there to help her through? Ease some of her pain? Help her heal?

There was no use wasting time thinking about what might have been, but seeing their standoff pushed the idea into my mind.

“Hi, Ethan.” I broke the tense silence.

His attention shot to me. “Hey. I was coming over to see if you wanted to finalize plans, but you’re busy.”