Page 31 of Keeping Score

“Weird joke to tell a three-year-old,” he muttered, shooting daggers at me.

“Hey,” Lily pouted, holding up multiple fingers. “I three and a half.”

“That’s right, baby,” Cassie cooed, picking her up, “you are. And you need a bath, don’t you?”

“Nooooo,” Lily pouted.

“Yessssss,” Cassie countered, kissing her cheek. “Say thank you to Aunt Maggie.”

She did, waving goodbye as Cassie carried her out of the room, leaving me alone with my brother.

The truth was, I missed him.

I loved that he had a new family with my best friend and niece, I really did. But sometimes it was hard not to feel like I was being left behind. Replaced.

It was normal, of course. He had somehow pieced together a new family of his very own—he had a wife and daughter. I had a Brody and a job. We both had bigger priorities now.

But sometimes, I missed the way it was. When we were a unit. It was the two of us growing up against the world. Now, he had moved on, leaving me behind with nothing to do but contemplate the past.

I didn’t think I could take it anymore.

“I want you to come to dinner with me.” The words spilled out of my mouth as I formulated the idea in my head. “This week.”

Liam thought about it, and I hated that. That I needed to be considered.

“I have games throughout the week,” he said, already planning his excuse for why he couldn’t come.

“There are a few nights you’ll be free,” I said, irritation rising.

“You know, I like to spend those nights with my family,” he said, scratching his head awkwardly.

“I’m your family, too.” I hated that I had to point it out to him.

And it broke something in me when it was met with silence. I fought the urge to turn away from him as if I’d been hit.

After a moment, he softened, rolling his eyes in a teasing manner.

“Of course you are, Mags. You know what I meant.”

I stared at him blankly, willing him to continue.

“It’s just—I lose so many nights with the girls because of hockey.”

“It’s one damn night, Liam.” I scoffed. “You can’t seriously tell me you won’t give up one of your nights for me.”

He exhaled deeply, shaking his head.

“You’re right,” he said apologetically. “I’m sorry. Of course we can go to dinner.”

But his words didn’t make me feel any better. I hated that it had to be coerced. I hated that I could never have what came so naturally to everyone else in the world.

A family who wanted to spend time with them.

A family who valued them as someone important in their life.

Brody had that. My coworkers had it. Cassie had to work like hell to get it, but now she had it with my brother.

I was the spare. Left out. I didn’t have anyone. Not really.