Chapter 17
After six months apart, we’d both changed. Henry looked different – broader in the shoulders, with a hockey player’s build, but still unfairly handsome in that effortless way that had made half our high
school swoon.
I might have been naive about people, but I always had good taste. It’s probably why I’d spent years following my step–brother around like a lovesick puppy, convincing myself that the boy across the
hall was my destiny.
Looking at him now, I could still see why – but the view was different when you weren’t looking through rose–colored glasses anymore.
After a moment’s pause, I walked over with an easy smile, the kind you give distant acquaintances.
“Hey, brother! Long time no see.”
His hand froze mid–reach for my suitcase, staring at me like I’d started speaking in tongues. The casual tone seemed to throw him more than anything else no trace of our history, no hint of the stepsister who used to hang on his every word.
It took him a solid minute to recover, hands slightly shaking as he grabbed my luggage. The confident hockey star suddenly looked unsure of his role in this new script.
Mom leaned in, whispering an explanation: “He flew in from Minnesota yesterday. He insisted on coming to the airport. Wouldn’t take no for an answer – you know how he gets.”
just smiled, letting her know it was fine. And surprisingly, it was.
In the car, I filled the silence with stories about Juilliard life, making our parents laugh with tales of strict conductors and my roommate’s tone–deaf boyfriend. While we all carefully ignored Henry’s presence, I caught him fighting back smiles in the rearview mirror, like he couldn’t help himself.
He lingered when we got home, he clearly angled for some one–on–one time that I politely avoided with practiced courtesy that says “not today” without actually saying it.
Throughout break, I kept busy with practice sessions (preparing for next semester’s recital) and meeting up with old friends. I heard that he tried to catch me several times, but I was always conveniently out. Mom mentioned he’d knock on my door, looking like a lost puppy, only to leave disappointed.
16:11
Offside with My Step Brother: Hockey Star Refuses to Accept My Goodbye
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Chapter 17
I was genuinely puzzled why he’d even try – what could we possibly have left to say to each other? Some duets are better left unplayed.
New Year’s Eve brought the usual chaos. Our house was packed with family – my grandmother and aunt had flown in from Chicago, bringing their usual mix of love and drama. After our traditional family dinner (complete with my dad’s infamous attempts at grilling in winter), the older generation settled in with their shows while us younger ones attempted to learn poker, mostly failing but
having fun anyway.
That’s when Adien showed with his grandma. They loaded down with gifts like they used to every
year after our parents married – as if nothing had changed at all.
16:11
