“Good.”
I agree. Except for right now.
“Let’s just call it a night and go our separate ways,” I say. “You can’t fix my problems.”
“And you couldn’t fix mine. But you wanted to.”
I did want to. And I hated seeing my brother, the person who’s a reflection of myself, suffer.
“Look,” Max says, and I can tell he’s shifting into a gear that’s not comfortable for him. “Is Ashley the girl you were going to ask to Prom?”
I suck in a deep breath before blowing it out. “You never asked me that before.”
“I didn’t want to pry.”
I don’t say anything.
“But I wish I had. I’m sorry.”
I jerk my head up to look at him. His eyes are filled with pain.
“Don’t apologize for something you didn’t do wrong.” I slap his back. “It’s all good, little brother.”
He chuckles. “Nice try.Twinbrother.”
I pause. “She was that girl. Sheisthat girl.”
“But then Dad died.”
“Right. And things blew up. So Prom didn’t matter anymore.”
“Itdidmatter. That’s the thing, Jared.”
“Maybe so.” I consider telling him more, but I hold back. “Prom didn’t fit Ashley and me anyway.”
“What does fit you two? Maybe it’s time you figure that out.”
Maybe so.
I wave toward the exit. “Go enjoy your evening. Tell Emerson hello.”
He pats my shoulder before leaving.
I wait until I’m sure he’s gone before I check my phone.
Voicemail.
I play it back.
“Jared, this is Pete Connor from the New Orleans PD. Liam said you have some business you’d like my help with. Give me a call anytime or send me a text. Happy to help if I can.”
Realizing it’s far too late to call, I shoot him off a text right away.
* * *
Ashley
We end up chatting with Jamie and Haley in the box while Declan and Mia are busy, so by the time Emerson and I reach the partitioned area by the lockers, the players are already filing out.
