“Yeah, she’s pretty but that’s not …” he looks up and starts waving. “Never mind. Sage! Over here.”
Fuck.
It’s not the girl with a slicked-back brunette ponytail waving and smiling back who catches my eye. No. It’s the statuesque brunette who has fathers walking into poles that has my heart beating—and breaking.
Who is Sage to Emma? Quick math check, less than ten years age gap, so not her daughter. Genetically, both women are tall and lean, although Sage hasn’t developed Emma’s curves. Butthe smiles are the same. Emma never mentioned a sister.And when was I gonna mention Squid and my intention to turn my penthouse into a Fleski bachelor pad for two?
“Oh, that’s right.” My brother slaps my arm as if he hasn’t already gotten my attention. “You might know her sister.” He’s basically bouncing up and down in his excitement to introduce us, more animatedly than I’ve seen him in years, and I dare to hope the old Squid is still inside.
“Mr. Fleski, your brother suffered a trauma that other ten-year-olds can’t possibly imagine. All you can do is give him the space to open up, allow him to express his trauma and feelings in a way that he feels safe and non-judgmental.”
“I need to get him away from that man.”
“I understand, but without your brother’s testimony, there was insufficient evidence to charge your father, and the courts are reluctant to remove children unless there are signs of neglect or significant risk.”
“But he …”Even in remembering the conversation with Squid’s therapist, I can’t complete the sentence. It’s too horrific. It raises too many unhealthy emotions that I’ve spent the last two years working through in the gym or on the rugby league field. Anger. Frustration. Guilt. A bone-deep sadness that never goes away.I miss my mummy.No. Grown men do not cry themselves to sleep over losing their mother. But this grown man is working my ass off to get custody of my brother so he can feel safe enough to heal.
One weekend. The length of time with me before Squid starts talking in more than one-word sentences.
One week. How long before he feels safe enough to leave his room for more than food, school, swimming, or rugby league.
One call or summons fromFucking Fleski, and Squid immediately regresses back into his shell.
I don’t expect Emma to understand my situation, but will she still accept the potential for us if I come as a package deal?
“Emma.” I don’t hide the surprise or joy in my voice, opening my arms for a hug and not giving a flying fuck who sees. I’m here as a brother without a Mavericks’ team jersey in sight. “You look … like a sight for sore eyes before my second coffee.”
Emma makes a flowing, floral maxi dress and canvas sneakers look almost edible. Her makeup is natural or non-existent and she still turns heads. We didn’t plan this, and if the media get hold of it, so fucking what? Our siblings go to school together and are friends.It plays perfectly into Plan B. No, I’d renamed it Plan Z as the last plan we’ll need.
To my relief, she accepts my hug and doesn’t flinch when I kiss both cheeks, inhaling the same faint citrus scent I get from the little black origami dragons. “Dyl, what are you doing here?” she whispers, even though it’s fucking obvious.
Karma is good. Karma is great. No one can call us out for having siblings. I can sell this to Kenzie, and she can sell it to the team. Emma won’t lose her job, and I … what if Squid hates her? What if Emma can’t handle Squid?
“Sage, this is my brother, Dylan.” Squid punches my shoulder, and I turn to the girl, quickly extending my hand. “He’s a talker, but says nothing worth listening to. His main form of conversation is rugby league or fighting.”
“Thanks, dude—or should I call you, Squid?” I hiss with a grin, and Sage chuckles so I continue. “Hi, Sage. I’m Dylan Fleski, Little Squid’s older and better-looking brother.”
“Does that make youBig Squidor aHandsy Octopus?“ Emma asks, pulling away but not out of my arm around the small of her back.
“Ohhh, snap! Mic drop.” Squid does the mic drop motion. “Your sister wins already.” Standing next to Sage, as if they’re a formidable team, he extends his hand to Emma. “You’re Emma,right? Legend of the kitchen food fight? Major props for putting this guy in his place and almost as beautiful as your sister.”
“And I can see where your brother gets his charm.” Emma shakes his hand before checking in on her sister. “Sage?”
Sage still hasn’t said anything, and I can’t figure out whether she’s shy to meet me, or at that age where teenagers refuse to acknowledge people over the age of eighteen. But her shrug is quickly interpreted by Squid.
“Yeah, let’s leave the old people to climb the bleachers.” He grabs Sage’s hand, and they run off without a word.
“So,” I motion to where families and supporters are expected to sit, “You have a sister?”
“You have a brother.” She looks around. “Did you come here with the rest of your family?”
“Nah. My mother dragged Little Squid to all my games, whether he wanted to or not. The least I can do is smell like chlorine for the rest of the day and embarrass him by cheering the loudest.” See, that’s not so hard. I mentioned my mother without choking up, while refusing to acknowledge Fucking Fleski. “What about you? Will you be sitting with family?”
“I’m all Sage has—whether she likes it or not.” Emma yawns, covering her mouth, and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Sorry. Bad night. I only hope it doesn’t affect her performance.”
“Then, since we are friends, would you like to sit together?” Perhaps, in between cheering, we can talk. Perhaps, if we talk while watching Squid and Sage race, I can tell her about … why I want Little Squid to live with me. And Emma can tell me why she’s all Sage has.
Chapter 19
