Page 42 of Taking Sides

A chuckle slips free. I have no doubt that’s true.

Me

Don’t worry. I have plenty more house projects. How are you with building bookshelves?

His reply comes in the form of a picture of a large entertainment center. It’s black wood with drawers and cabinets. A big TV sits in the center and there are shelves on either side filled with books and framed pictures, as well as a few other random decorative objects. I zoom in to get a good look at every detail like it’ll give me more insights into him.

Conrad

Don’t look too closely at the middle drawer. It doesn’t quite line up with the others, but I’m pretty sure that was a manufacturing defect.

Me

It looks great. This is your place?

Conrad

Yeah. Well, mine and D-Low’s.

Me

That would be Danny Marlowe?

Conrad

Sorry. Habit calling him that. Yeah, that’s him.

Conrad

Wait. You know him but you didn’t know me?

Oops.

Me

I didn’t know his name a few months ago either, but I’ve recently taken more interest in my local team.

Conrad

We have a game tomorrow if you’d like to come cheer your team on in person.

My face hurts from smiling. I start to type out a reply that I’d love to come, but then I think about Victor. He would freak if he found out and make a big deal of it. Even texting Conrad feels like I’m going behind his back. I knew from Victor’s reaction to my meeting Conrad, and Conrad’s to finding out Victor was my brother, that they didn’t like each other, but the fight in the game the other night was hard to watch.

And while I know it’s a longshot someone would spot me at the game, I have to consider the possibility that it’d get back to Victor somehow. I know my brother. He’d feel like it was a betrayal even if their rivalry has nothing to do with me.

Me

Wish I could, but I have plans with a friend.

Conrad

Offer stands any time.

The next night I text Conrad after the game.

Me

Congrats on another win