Page 97 of Rookie Moves

He makes my blood boil, and I hate the effect he has on me.

Pushing open the door, I step out onto the street. People walk by, enjoying the warm, clear night, completely unaware that my world is closing in. Taking a few steps down the sidewalk, I lean against a brick wall and close my eyes, trying to regulate my breathing.

Ever since I was a kid, he’s always had the ability to make me feel small and insignificant, whether it was the tone of his voice or the harsh, cold words he said to put me in my place. The only reason I got to play hockey was because Piper’s mom caused a scene in the playground when I was in first grade, and my mom couldn’t bear the thought of people thinking badly of them.

They didn’t want to me excel at the sport; they wanted to put up appearances that we’re this happy, abundant family.

But the only thing we have in abundance is apathy and a lack of appreciation for each other.

I knew it was going to be difficult because my dad isn’t the easiest person to have a conversation with, but I stupidly thought he would be warmer toward me, considering I’m about to graduate with a major he wanted to me to pick.

I naively thought he would give me the chance to be his son first before I became his employee.

And a sad, hopeful part of me thought I could get some time with him, here or at back home, and talk to him to try and get him to understand why working for him isn’t the right choice for me. But the knot in my gut is screaming that will never happen.

Because I guess this has been his plan all along.

Joey is the heir to his fortune, and I need to accept my place as the spare part.

The sound of hard leather shoes clicking against the sidewalk has my eyes opening, and I turn my head to see Joey approaching. His brows are creased in a frown, hands tucked into the pockets of his dress pants.

Feeling myself start to get annoyed again, I avert my gaze to glare at the cars passing by.

“Are you alright?” Joey asks.

“Yeah, fine,” I bite out.

He moves to stand next to me against the wall, letting the silence pass between us as the sounds of sirens and car horns filter through the air.

“He means well, you know,” he says quietly.

I huff out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, sure he does. That guy doesn’t give a shit about me. He just wants to control my life.”

“He’s not doing that.”

Without a word, I roll my eyes toward the sky, clenching my jaw as I shake my head.

Joey doesn’t see it because he’s always wanted to follow in our father’s footsteps. He doesn’t see the invisible prison I’m in because he’s exactly where he wants to be.

“I’m proud of you, Tyler. I hope you know that,” Joey says, his voice slightly choked up.

Opening my eyes, I turn to face him with a frown. “No, I don’t know. The only time I’ve ever heard it from you was when you texted me when we advanced to the Frozen Four, then again when we won. I’ve only heard you say those words twice in twenty-two years, Joey.”

Sighing, Joey drops his gaze, almost like he’s disappointed in himself. “I’m sorry if I’ve ever made you doubt how much I care for you, Tyler. I should’ve told you more, because I am proud of you.”

I’ve wanted to hear those words more than he’ll ever understand, but I’m unable to speak as the backs of my eyes sting.

“I’ve been so excited for us to work together, taking over the business like we used to talk about when we were kids.” He lifts his head, and his face takes on a wistful expression. “Have a mini fridge full of candy bars and a pinball machine in the staff lounge.”

My throat burns as I take a deep inhale through my nose. “That was your dream, Joey, I never said it was mine.”

“I know,” he says so quietly it’s almost drowned out by the sound of the cars speeding by. “I know he’s a tyrant sometimes, but I hope you’ll consider it. For me. I want to make up for the years I wasn’t the brother you deserved.”

“But what if I don’t?” I ask, my voice cracking. “What if I want to do something else?”

Joey’s smile is sad, and I can see the anguish in his eyes. “Then I’ll support you in any way I can.”

Snapping my head to stare out into the road again, I swallow the sharp lump in my throat.