“How did the science fair go?” I ask, and she lights up.
“So well. I got second place! I recreated a volcanic eruption, and my teacher loved it. Kind of makes me want to think about doing some higher level science classes when I get to high school. Maybe I’ll study it in college.”
“She gets that from Kali,” Brody says, lifting a ball and testing its weight. “Not me. I don’t know shit about chemical relationships.”
“I didn’t go to college, but science would have been a fun thing to study.” I grab my own ball, slipping my fingers in the holes. “It’s all around us. In the air we breathe. In the light we see. In weather. I follow this meteorologist down in Florida who seems so fun.”
“You didn’t go to college?” Liv turns to her dad. “See, Dad. I don’thaveto have an education.”
“I only skipped college so I could skate. In hindsight, I wish I had gone to school. Just in case,” I say, and when Liv goes to grab a soda, I offer Brody an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I hope I’m not bringing up a sore subject.”
“You’re not. I’ve been trying to tell Liv there’s a world outside of skating, but she’s focused on the sport right now. To hear, that means no college. Trying to make an Olympic team, even if the chances are slim.”
“I’m the leading example of why you should always keep your options open.” I laugh. “People I went to high school have theirlives figured out, but I’m still unsure about what the future looks like for me. And it’s terrifying.”
“Hey.” Brody glances over his shoulder, finding Liv still in line and staring at her phone. He touches my hip and frowns. “Are you okay?”
“I’m good. I’msogood, and that’s the issue. The more time I spend away from skating at a such high level, the more I realize all the things I’ve missed out on. Like, take tonight. Eight months ago, if you had asked me to go bowling this late, I would’ve said no because I had an early training session in the morning. But here I am, ready to kick your ass,” I say. “And I’mhappyabout that.”
“Balance. Priorities. It’s all important. Finding the happy medium. You’re doing great, Hannah.” A finger in my belt loop, giving me a gentle tug. “And I’m glad you’re here with us, even if I can’t hear a fucking thing over this music. Do you think if I complain, they’ll turn it down?”
“Probably, but only because you’re intimidating as hell.” I stand on my toes, flipping his hat backward so you can see his face. “There. Now you’re more approachable.”
“I don’t want to be approachable.” He scowls, but he’s smiling too. Stepping away when Liv comes back with a Coke and a bag of popcorn. “You’re up first, Livvy.”
I like that photo of Brody and Liv on my phone, but seeing them together like this is even better. She steps on the foul line when it’s his turn to bowl. He sneaks up behind her and rolls a ball between her legs, laughing when it ends up in the gutter. Liv stops and talks with me, asking if she can braid my hair then tying a ribbon to the end of it.
“Distracting,” Brody whispers in my ear when Liv takes a break to use the bathroom. He plays with the end of my ponytail, giving it a hard tug. “I want to tie you up with those ribbons so you can’t fucking move.”
“If I remember correctly, you have two of them at your place.” I put my hand on his shirt. “Maybe you should put them to good use.”
“Next time.” He’s slower to move away, his eyes roaming down my jeans. “Everything about you is maddening in the best possible way, Hannah.”
“What did I miss?” Liv asks, sitting next to me. “Did someone recognize Dad?”
“We were just talking about how much your dad loves this song.” I point to the music video on the television with flashing lights. “I’m going to ask if they can play it again.”
“Yeah, right. Dad only likes to listen to classical music, and only before a game. Otherwise, he prefers silence.”
“Wow.” I give Brody a look. “Is that true?”
“It’s good for concentration. The one time I didn’t listen to classical music before a game, I got injured. It’s part of my routine now.” He hands a ball to Liv and gestures at the lane. “You’re up, kid. Let’s see if you can beat your score of ninety-eight from the last game.”
“It’s not my fault you were sabotaging me!” Liv pops to her feet, huffing under her breath.
“Speaking of the last game, you lost, Saunders,” I say. “How does that make you feel?”
“Did I? Didn’t even realize.” His eyes lock on mine. “Kind of feels like I won.”
TWENTY-NINE
HANNAH
GC
Liv is at her mom’s tonight. Do you want to come over?
I miss you.
