“Oh my God, Chase,” Cole crooned. “You broke Tobes.”
Chase could hear laughter around him, but he only had eyes for Tobias, and he vaguely heard everyone else leaving, until Chase and Tobias stood alone in the middle of the gym.
Tobias remained frozen, and Chase spotted a myriad of emotions plaguing him. Part of him wanted to wait until Tobias settled on one, but a much bigger part of him had lost his patience.
“Impressed?” Chase asked, wearing a smug grin aimed at Tobias.
Another moment passed, and Chase wasn’t sure if it had been seconds or minutes when Tobias said, “Yeah,” his voice breathless.
Chase didn’t want to push his luck too much, so he shot his boss a wink and made his way toward the door.
“See you tomorrow, boss.”
He’d made it all the way to the exit before he heard a quiet response from Tobias.
“Yeah. See ya.”
Chase did nothing to hide the wide smile on his face as he exited the gym, leaving Tobias with plenty to think about.
————————
Chase squared his shoulders as he walked into Hero’s Pub and searched the room for his brother.
A Philly Inferno game aired on most of the TV screens, drawing a crowd to the bar. Philly fans were passionate—and a little proudly unhinged—and loud cheers erupted around the bar every time the hockey team made a big play, along with shouts and curses every time they messed up. Goaltender Shane Kendrick made a brilliant save as Chase scanned the room. A large granite bar sat in the middle of the room, with stools and tables scattered around it. Dark cherry wood accents gave the space an upscale vibe, but it managed a laid-back atmosphere.
Shawn had been texting him about getting together again, and Chase eventually agreed. It wasn’t easy toforgive Shawn for the implosion of their family, but part of him still wanted to hold onto their familial bond. His mom was an only child, so Chase didn’t have any other family left.
Chase spotted his brother sitting at a small table against a wall, perusing the menu in front of him. As he walked past other tables, Chase removed his winter hat and took a moment to really study Shawn. He was paler than he remembered, with pronounced dark bags under his eyes, but when Chase reached the table and Shawn’s head popped up, he brightened and rose from his chair, extending his arms for a hug and then hesitating to give it. Chase gave him a sympathetic smile and pulled him in for a back-slapping embrace.
Shawn gave him an extra squeeze before he let go and gestured for Chase to join him at the table. His brother acted extra polite and awkward, and a tiny part of Chase hated it. He’d give anything to get them back to their childhood relationship, but he wasn’t sure what Shawn was willing to give.
The server came over before they got a chance to say anything beyond hello, and Chase ordered a winter cider while Shawn asked for a glass of red wine.
Shawn fiddled with the edge of his paper menu, something he always did when nerves hit him. It eased some of Chase’s tension to find Shawn equally anxious, which made him think of Tobias. Is this how he felt allthe time? Plagued by nerves and anxiety? Hiding made a lot more sense when he thought of it that way.
“So, uh, Philly looks good this season,” Shawn said, tipping his head toward one of the TVs above. “You still a fan?”
Their childhood often involved watching Inferno games with their parents. It was the one interest all four of them had in common, although their parents also enjoyed watching Chase and Shawn play soccer.
Patrick and Monica Townsend were diehard Inferno fans, and had been as religious about watching the games as they were about taking them to church every Sunday.
Chase remembered when they drafted twenty-year-old Tobias Moyer and wasted no time throwing him in net. For twelve years, Tobias anchored his team. And for one year, while Tobias played, Chase and his family cheered together for him—until Chase and his mom moved out.
He smirked. “Yeah, still a fan. I watch whenever I can. You?”
“Oh yeah. That shit’s in our blood at this point.”
The server arrived with their drinks, and they each said thanks. After she left, Shawn raised his glass to Chase.
“Cheers?” Shawn asked, his opposite hand still fidgeting with the edge of his menu.
Chase smirked and clinked his glass against Shawn’s,which earned him a wide grin in return.
As they took a sip of their drinks, the winter cider crisp and refreshing, Chase’s mind wandered back to the Inferno. Part of Chase wanted to keep Tobias to himself, but he couldn’t help but brag to his older brother.
“I’m actually teaching yoga at Tobias Moyer’s gym now. Gym Rat Fitness. Have you heard of it?”
Shawn’s jaw dropped, and it took a long time before he responded.
