Chapter 18
“Happy New Year, I’m coming!” Henry asked with her usual warmth.
Henry naturally gravitated to the seat next to mine, watching me play poker. My cousins, oblivious to our history, kept making those classic “when’s the wedding?” jokes. I laughed them off smoothly while Henry’s jaw tightened more with each comment.
At midnight, when everyone headed outside for fireworks, he caught my arm, clearly wanting to talk. That’s when my phone rang.
Blushing slightly, I pulled away from him to answer. It was Jake from my chamber music quartet at Juilliard – a charming violist with an infectious laugh. He wasn’t the brooding type like Henry. Instead, he was the kind of guy who could make anyone smile, always ready with a terrible pun or a ridiculous story about famous composers.
He claimed he called just to count down the New Year together, not wanting to celebrate alone. I kept him on speaker, letting him join our family’s celebrations from across the country.
Before hanging up, he laughed sheepishly. “Truth is, I just wanted to be the first person to wish you happy New Year. So… happy New Year, Iris!”
I couldn’t help grinning as I wished him the same, chatting for a few more minutes. When I finally hung up and turned around, Henry was standing there, his expression glacial.
He’d clearly heard everything.
“Boyfriend?” His voice was rough.
“Not officially,” I answered honestly, after considering it.
Henry stayed quiet for what felt like forever.
Just as I was about to head back inside to rejoin the poker game, he spoke again: “Long–distance relationships rarely work out. You should find someone closer to home.”
I nodded, noting the irony. “You’re right – you never really know someone until you do. I’ll take my time deciding. Thanks for the advice, step–brother. Hope your hockey season goes well.”
Something in my casual response seemed to hit a nerve. Without another word, he disappeared into
16:11
Offside with My Sten–Brother: Hackey Star Refuses to Accord Mc Dondbes
15.00
Chapter 18
the night.
I shrugged it off – his mood swings weren’t my problem anymore. Amazing how rose–colored glasses
could make even red flags look like normal flags.
The rest of break flew by in a blur of family visits and practice sessions. I barely spent any time at
home, successfully avoiding any more Henry encounters.
Break ended too quickly, and I was back at Juilliard before I knew it.
Then, impossibly, I saw Henry standing at the university entrance the very next day.
16:11
