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She pressed her lips together into a small, knowing smile. Noah cleared his throat, glancing between us, confused. He and Rory only knew half of the story, and I really wanted to keep it that way.
“Something you two want to fess up?”
“Don’t start,” Mason warned.
“Did you get sick again?” Scottie asked. “Because you know I read up about celiac disease, and did you know that people with celiac disease are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease and four times as likely to develop small bowel cancers.”
Mason let out a weary sigh. “Not appropriate, buddy.”
“What?” Scottie frowned. “I’m only reciting scientific facts. There’s also a twelve percent chance of developing unexplained infertility. A twenty-six percent chance of—”
“Okay, we get it.” Mason was sterner this time, giving his little brother a silent look that spoke volumes.
“Sweetie, why don’t you apologize to Harper. I’m sure—”
“Oh no, Mrs. Steele. Scottie doesn’t need to apologize. I’m impressed he did such thorough research.” I gave the kid a warm smile. “What else did you learn?”
“Celiac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. It stops you from taking in nutrients and is usually treated with a gluten-free diet. Even just a crumb of gluten is enough to trigger the auto-immune response in some people.”
“You might be good on the ice, Mase, but little bro is going places with that brain of his.” Noah winked at Scottie, who sat up a little straighter.
“I am smarter than him.” A faint grin traced his mouth.
“Damn straight.” Noah held out his fist, and for a second, Scottie gawked at it. But then he curled his hand and bumped it against Noah’s.
“Oh, it’s like that, huh? The two of you ganging up on me?”
“Scottie knows I’m the coolest.”
“No fu— freaking way.” Mason chuckled. “I am way cooler. Tell him, Scottie.
“Harper’s the coolest. She can skate, and she knows hockey, and she has nice—”
“Scottie,” Mason rushed out, and Scottie frowned.
“Hair,” he muttered. “She has nice hair.”
Relief passed over Mason, and it was my turn to frown. “What am I missing?” I glanced between the brothers.
“Nothing,” Scottie said, looking up at Mason, who remained looking at me.
“Nothing,” he gave me the faintest smirk.
And I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, there was more to the story than they were willing to share with me.
* * *
“Gosh, he just loves being with his big brother,” Mrs. Steele said as we watched the guys teach Scottie how to play pool. Although, he seemed to be doing a pretty good job without their instruction.
“He misses Mason a lot?” Rory asked, and Mrs. Steele nodded, sadness creeping into her expression.
“So much. But Mason deserves this.” She looked over at him with a wistful expression. “He deserves to chase his dreams.”
“It can’t be easy, raising him by yourself.”
“It’s not. But he’s my boy, and I wouldn’t change him for the world.”
“He’s such an intelligent young man,” I said.
