I’ve always been a bit jealous that Bodhi has Forrest as his dad while I was stuck with Ivor, and it just makes me feel even shittier for thinking that.
Truthfully, I’m glad Bodhi doesn’t have to deal with the same shit I do. He’s too nice. I don’t think he could make it through the darkness the way I do.
Well, the way I try to, at least.
I seem to be doing a pretty shit job at getting through it lately.
Forrest claps a hand on my shoulder. “Why don’t you let us inside, Cam? Your mother and I can make some coffee while you talk to Bodhi. You seem like you could use some caffeine.”
I let out a deep breath and step aside to finally let them through the door. “Thanks, Forrest.”
My mom hugs me on her way inside before she and my stepdad head toward my kitchen while Bodhi and I settle in the living room.
“You look rough,” Bodhi says gently. He’s a shithead, sure, but he knows to take a step back when it’s something serious.
“No fucking kidding,” I mutter, sinking back against the sofa.
Since he seems to have inherited his dad’s sixth sense, he knows what that means. “Ivor called you last night, didn’t he?”
“How could you tell?” I reply flatly.
He rolls his eyes. “You look like shit, the bottle of whiskey on the floor is half gone, and you smell like you desperately need a shower.”
“You’re a dick.”
He lets that go. “What did he say?”
I sigh. “Just basically that it’s pathetic that Zhuri and I have the same contract. That I should have demanded more since I’m a man.”
“He always does this to you, Cam.” Bodhi shakes his head and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “He always gets you to shrink in on yourself. It’s not healthy.”
“What do you know about any of that?” I ask. “You’re practically still a child.”
“I’m fucking twenty-two, jackass. Not even seven years younger than you.”
For the first time since I ran into Zhuri yesterday after her meeting, I let out a laugh.
How weird is it that the last time I laughed was with Zhuri Hart?
“Let’s talk about something else. Something more pleasant.”
“I have an interview for the equipment manager position tomorrow,” he smiles.
“Congrats. I guess that is the only way you’ll get to spend time with actual athletes,” I tease, and Bodhi flips me off right as our mom and Forrest walk into the room.
“Bodhi James Allard!” she yells, and my brother’s face pales.
He grits his teeth and glares at me. “Could’ve warned me, dick.”
I grin at him. “But it’s so much more fun this way, baby brother.”
Mom starts talking now as Forrest passes out mugs of hot coffee, and I take a sip and let the warmth consume me.
I sure as hell didn’t expect my family to show up this morning, but I’m glad they did.
I needed them right now more than I realized.
ten
