Page 119 of Taking Sides

“The same number you helped win.”

The two of them trade insults, taking a step closer to each other with each verbal jab.

“Stop it. Both of you. It’s enough.” I hold my palms out on either side to stop them from moving.

Victor is the first to take a step back.

“I can’t believe this shit,” he says, glancing at me. “This guy is low even for you.”

Conrad growls and his head tilts to the side. “Like you could judge.”

“STOP!” I yell, and squeeze my eyes shut for a second.

“I don’t need this.” Victor turns to go. “Way to have my back, sis.”

“Wait,” I call after him. His long legs eat up the space. He tosses open the front door and slams it behind him.

I wheel around to face Conrad. “Why did you say those things?”

“I couldn’t stand there and listen to him belittle you like that. And after all you’ve done to defend him. It isn’t right.”

“He’s upset and lashing out.”

“That doesn’t make it okay.”

“Neither are the things you said to him. He may have instigated it, but you said some pretty awful things back.”

Guilt washes over his face. “I’m sorry.”

I take a breath. “Me too. I should have told him about us sooner.” I don’t know if that blowup could have been prevented, but I know it wasn’t any better by blindsiding my brother.

Conrad reaches for me.

I take a step back. “I know you were trying to stand up for me by saying those things to Victor, but if we’re going to be together, I need to know you aren’t going to stoop to his level every time he picks a fight.”

“If?” His voice is low.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I want to be with you.” My mind is jumbled. I spin around, spot my phone in the living room, and go to it. I call Victor, but he doesn’t answer. My keys are on the counter. I grab them and head for the door.

“Where are you going?” Conrad asks, following me.

“I have to find my brother. He hasn’t slept all night, and he shouldn’t be driving while he’s like this.” If something happens to him, I’ll never forgive myself. He doesn’t have anyone else.

“I could help you.”

“No. I . . .” My voice trails off. I know there’s a very slim chance Victor will talk to me, but it’s far less if Conrad is with me. “I’ll call you later, okay?”

His face twists up with regret and his lips part like he wants to say a million things.

“I have to go.” I brush a quick kiss to his check and then leave him there, standing in the doorway of my house while I go look for Victor.

THIRTY-ONE

“Cheer up.” D-Low sets a beer down in front of me.

I grunt a response and stare at my messages again like I can magically persuade Whitney to reply if I just stare long enough at my last unanswered text.

“What is there to be cheery about?” I lean back in my seat. We’re on a short flight from Calgary to Edmonton for our second of three road trip games.