As we sit across from each other in the booth, he subtly looks around before his eyes widen.
“That’s her,” he whispers, almost like he doesn’t believe it himself. “That’s Lilly.”
HENDRIX
I keep my attention on my sister, looking her over as if I’m checking for scars that I can’t see. All this time, my biggest fear has been that she got placed in a home where they hurt her, and now, I hold my breath while I look for evidence, proving my nightmare is true.
Her dark hair is in two long French braids as she pours coffee into the cups of a man and woman and smiles as they chat with her. She’s always been the friendly, charming one. Everyone always loves Lilly because she will talk to just about anyone.
When she turns away from them, her eyes land on mine and grow wider. I’m thankful that the coffeepot is now almost empty because within seconds of her spotting me, it’s on the floor, surprisingly unshattered.
Rushing from my seat, I grab it from the ground, setting it onto the nearby bar and gazing at her.
“Hey, Lil,” I utter, not believing that she’s really here in front of me. I tried to find her for years, only to reach dead ends.
“Hendrix …” she squeaks, reaching up and touching my face. “Holy shit. You’re here.”
Throwing my arms around her, I pull her against me quickly. “I’m sorry it took me so long,” I murmur against her hair. “Actually … I’m sorry for a lot more than just that.”
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for, Hendrix.” She sniffles. “I’m sorry too. I’ve wanted to come see you for so long, but, well, it was my fault you got sent to juvie, and I was too ashamed.”
This entire time, both of us felt like it was our fault.
“Nothing was your fault, Lil,” I say, pulling back and looking at her. “How have you been?” I stop, cringing. “The home you were taken to … was it?—”
“It was actually pretty great,” she says sincerely. “That’s another reason why I’ve avoided you. Because you got locked away, and I finally got the nice family we’d always talked about wanting.” Her face suddenly lights up. “But I know that you ended up going to college to play hockey, just like you always dreamed of.”
Relief washes over every part of me, and I smile. “Oh, thank fuck.” I fight back the emotion that’s threatening to take over. “I’m so glad to hear that, Lilly. Do you … do you still live with them now?”
She nods. “I do.” She breathes out a laugh. “Between you and me, he was a professional hockey player for a long time and is now retired. She’s a physical therapist.”
“Who?” I frown, rearing my head back in confusion.
“You won’t believe it,” she whispers, half smiling. “But … it’s one of your all-time favorite players, former Bay Shark Kolt Kolburne and his wife, Paige,” she whispers, her face beaming. “They started to foster kids five or so years ago. Always teenagers, never infants or toddlers. I somehow got to be one of the lucky ones to end up with them.”
“Holy shit,” I utter, my head spinning because I grew up watching Kolt when he was playing at his prime. To be honest, the dude was always my idol. “Lilly … that’s fucking crazy.”
“I know.” She smiles. “I wanted to work and be a normal high school kid. Not one who had to dig through the garbage for food, but also not a spoiled one who had everything handed to her.” She shrugs. “They’ve helped me do that.”
She peeks around me, looking to where Isla is still seated, no doubt not wanting to disturb our moment.
“Is that Cam Hardy’s daughter?” she whispers. “Or does she have a doppelgänger?”
Glancing over my shoulder, I grin. “Oh, that’s her all right.” I glance back at my sister. “I guess it all worked out for both of us.”
“It looks like it did.” She smiles, throwing her arms around me suddenly. “It’s so good to see you, big brother. Let me check with the other waitress if she’ll take my tables so I can sit and eat with you guys.” She stops, looking up. “As long as that’s okay?”
“Of course it is,” I murmur, unable to stop smiling because Isla came here with me and I just learned my little sister finally has the loving home she has always deserved.
I never expect much in life because I’ve learned it’s easier to never get your hopes up. But right now … it’s hard not to notice how damn lucky I am.
And every single thing that’s gone right has happened because the campus good girl decided to give me a shot.
TWENTY-NINE
HENDRIX
I parkmy truck in front of my house and look over at Isla. “Thanks for being there today.” I stop, breathing out a laugh. “Thanks for making today possible at all actually.” My heart feels like there’s a fist around it when I look into her big blue eyes. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to thank you. This day … I really needed it.”
