Page 68

His voice tore the smile from my face. My stomach sank as I glanced over at my father. I stood up, glaring at him with a clenched jaw.

“Gracie, sit down and I’ll get you something to eat.” I said, looking for any excuse to avoid being in his presence.

I slipped away from the stands; my footsteps were heavy with unresolved emotions. I was having a great day until he showed up and ruined it. He always had time for Josh’s games, but never for my performances. He has never bothered to come and watch us rehearse. I was in self-destruct mode and found myself in the dimly lit backstage area of the arena. I paced back and forth as I reached for my pack of cigarettes. With trembling hands, I pulled one out and placed it between my lips. The flick of the lighter echoed in the tense silence as I took a deep drag. I leaned against the wall, and smoke billowed around me, yet the calming effect of the nicotine did not extinguish my rage.

I observed the game’s chaotic scene on the ice, my mind consumed by anything other than the sport. Lost in my thoughts, I missed the game’s end and the players’ return to the locker room. Josh emerged; his face flushed from exertion.

“Why are you here?”

“Thought I’d stretch my legs.” I replied. “The game got boring halfway through the first period.”

“Real funny.”

I squashed my cigarette against the top of the trash before discarding it.

“Sawyer was wearing your jersey.”

“I know. I gave it to her.”

I folded my arms across my chest, attempting to appear unbothered.

“It’s almost like you’re trying to claim her.”

He rolled his eyes.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Asher.” He said. “You know it’s tradition, or did you forget all the times Ava came sneaking out of your room the next morning in yours?”

My jaw almost snapped at how tight it got at the mention of my past. Talk about a low blow, brother. I can be just as petty.

I stepped forward and squared my shoulders before a sly smirk formed on my face.

“I think it’s great she’s wearing that jersey,” I said. “But, don’t forget, brother, she’s wearing my last name too.”

I hit a nerve. He rolled his eyes and opened his mouth for a childish retort until Dad’s voice echoed through the narrow hallway. Our heads turned to him.

“I thought I told you the scouts were here.”

It was as if I was invisible.

“I know, and I played my best.” Josh said.

“They’re still wary about you after the stunt you and your brother pulled.” He said, acknowledging my existence. “You should have done better than your best.”

I tried to bite my tongue, but it was impossible where my father was concerned.

“You’re overreacting.”

His forehead’s protruding vein would have been comical if not for me.

“Your college aspirations may have faded, but your brother’s hasn’t.”

“Did he tell you that?”

His expression hardened, but he didn’t react.

“Let’s go talk somewhere else, Josh.”

I shook my head in disbelief at my father’s pathetic display of parenting.