“Pretty much,” he says, gruff but warm. Bus noise hums in the background. “How’s my favorite little sister?”
“I’m your only little sister.”
“Yeah, but you’re still my favorite.” His smirk is audible, the same one that used to drive me crazy growing up. “How’s it looking over there? Plumbing situation sorted?”
“Dryers are still running, but they said one more day.” I tug Dusty back to my side, grinning despite myself. “So don’t worry, big brother. By the time you’re back in Denver, I’ll be back over the street and in my own bed.”
“Good,” Eli mutters, then adds suspiciously, “Why do you sound like you’re about to make me regret asking?”
“Oh, no reason,” I say lightly, going for the full tease. “Just that once I’m home again, I can start having sleepovers. You know, with mydates.”
There’s a loud groan on the other end. “Jesus, Lulu! You shouldn’t be entertaining psychopaths in your own damn house!”
“I’m kidding!” I laugh. Dusty barrels to the top of the hill and dodges through the trees to my favorite clearing, and I saunter after him.
There’s a rustle on the other end, then Eli mutters, “Chase is being a jackass, hold on—” Laughter erupts in the background, muffled but clear enough to pick out Chase’s cackle.
“Who’s entertaining psychopaths, Parnell? Thought that was just you on the ice!”
“Shut the hell up,” Eli barks, voice carrying even through the line. “I’m talking my sister down from life choices she’ll regret, and you jackasses—”
Another voice cuts in, low and dry, perfectly unbothered. Logan. “Maybe she just likes the challenge.”
Heat flooding my cheeks. Eli doesn’t seem to catch it; he’s too busy swearing at Chase.
“Anyway,” he says, coming back with a grumble. “Tell me you’re not actually stupid enough to let strange men sleep over at your place.”
“Relax,” I say, biting back a grin. “I was kidding. Mostly.”
“Mostly,” he echoes, dark and unimpressed.
“Speaking of,” I say quickly, “Career Day. Delacourt cornered me this afternoon. She’s expecting you…”
“Of course she is,” Eli mutters. “And she schedules that whole damn thing around me, makes sure it’s not a game day, just so she can corner me into agreeing. Like the only thing that matters is me showing up in a jersey so parents can clap and kids can gawk.”
I wince, chewing my lip. “Eli—”
“I’ve done it for her, Lu. More than once. And I don’t mind when I can swing it. But hockey isn’t my whole life, and I’m not just some prop Delacourt can pencil into her agenda.” His voice softens, but the steel’s still there. “Most of my life belongs to Tam. She’s got an important appointment that day, and if she needs me, that’s it. I’ll drop everything for her.”
Dusty noses at my hand, and I swallow against the sudden knot in my throat, Eli’s words settling heavy in my chest. That’swhat I want, that kind of love. The kind that’s a no-brainer. No hesitation, no excuses. Just Tamara first, every time.
I clear my throat. “Okay. I’ll figure something out.”
“You always do.” His voice gentles again. “Don’t let Delacourt make you feel like you’re not enough without me. You’re a damn good teacher, Lulu. Your kids are lucky.”
Warmth spreads in my chest, even as panic lingers under my ribs. “Thanks, Eli.”
“Anytime. Love you, Lu.”
“Love you too.”
The line clicks off, and I stand there at the top of Birch, leash in one hand, phone in the other, with Dusty panting happily at my side, oblivious to the weight in my chest. I go to slip my phone away when another notification pops up.
Logan:That better have been a fucking joke.
My laugh bubbles out, bright enough to startle a passing jogger, and I slide my phone back into my leggings pocket.
An hour later, we’re back at Logan’s place and settling in for the evening. Dusty’s tags jingle as he demolishes his dinner, tail whacking against the cabinets. I crouch to brush the worst of the day’s dirt from his sandy blond coat, humming under my breath, when my phone buzzes on the counter.
