Easton Wheeler, Grayson’s twin brother. They put his picture up on the screen and it’s crazy how much they look alike. Even for identical twins, they’reextremelyidentical. Other than the glasses that Grayson wears that his brother doesn’t. They’re talking about his stats while the players get into position for the next play.
I shake my head, looking away from the screen. But even when I’m not looking at it my mind goes to the other night at thestudio. I think of Rae, and only get irritated again that I haven’t been able to stop thinking of her.
She hasn’t reached out to me, but I haven’t either. At this point I think it’s best. I’ll stop thinking of her eventually. Another woman will come around, hold my attention for a little while. I just have to get out more, and stop sulking over all the bullshit that I’ve been dealing with since I got hurt.
When I look at my phone I see a text from Audrey, and that reminds me why I never will be truly free from Rae. As long as I’m here, I’ll always have ties to her because my sister had to find family with Charlie and his whole team.
Audrey
Chandler invited everyone over for a BBQ on Sunday if you want to join.
Chandler has been my sister’s best friend for a long time. Her daughter, Maya, was usually busy practicing because she’s a figure skater. Their oldest daughter, Evie, used to play hockey but I don’t think she does anymore.
Asher
Who is everyone?
Audrey
Everyone is everyone. Who else would it be?
I roll my eyes at her response. I should’ve expected it from her; this is a typical Audrey response, being a complete smart ass.
Asher
I don’t know. Everyone can mean a variety of people when it comes to you.
Audrey
Are you wanting to join or not?
I almost ask if Rae is going to be there, but I don’t want this to open the door to more questions. Maybe if she is then I can see how close her and Grayson are now, and it can solidify my decision to stay away from them. I don’t want to ask her, but maybe if I see it, then I can know.
Asher
Yeah, I’ll join.
Sunday feelslike it takes years to get here. I don’t know if it’s because I’m anticipating how it’s going to be, or dreading it. The thought ofeveryonehangs over me, especially when the day gets here. I almost think of backing out, but I refuse to do that.
I left Denver to get away from this entire place, to get away from my past, but I’ve grown and the people that are the reason my childhood was so shitty aren’t around anymore. These people took me in and tried to make me family when I didn’t want one anymore. I still don’t, but maybe I can tolerate them.
Especially if Rae still wants me.
As unlikely as that is.
I’ve been doing my best to follow the directions my doctor gave about my shoulder, but I’m about to throw this fucking sling into a fire and enjoy watching it burn. I take it off before leaving because I don’t want to deal with the millions of questions I’m sure I’ll get about it. I’m sure I’ll get enough about why I’m back in the first place.
The entire drive I think about turning back around and not showing up. I’m already late and I’m going to walk in there all alone. I always felt so out of place entering this world, and I’m right back to feeling like I’m fifteen years old, stepping into this world that’s larger than life and so full of privilege and money I don’t even know what to do.
I pull up to the massive house I’ve been to a couple times. Itwas always the house the entire group would go to because it’s one of the biggest. Rae’s house is also pretty big, but for some reason this is one that usually had everyone over. I park in the large driveway behind the cars that are already here. Grayson’s Corvette I recognize from seeing it at the studio is already here. I wonder if he came with Rae or if she had her driver bring her.
I scoff at her having a driver. The thought is ridiculous; even if she’s a celebrity, it seems excessive.
Knocking on the front door, I wait and half expect to be left out here in the cold, but the door swings open and reveals someone I don’t recognize at first. She must not either because her face scrunches, and that look is one I remember. She looks more like her mom from what I recall.
“Maya?” I ask, and she takes a second before seeming to recognize me too.
“Asher? Wow, long time no see.” She opens the door wider for me.
