Page 64 of The Last Goodbye

“Done what?”

“You turned your fucking life upside down when you were in college, man. You stepped up to the plate for your baby sister, in a way that blows my fucking mind. You fucking raised a child while you were a kid yourself. When you took custody of her, you lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and slept on the couch, so your sister could get out of that shit situation. You provided a life where Jovi eventually got to go off and be a normal college kid, even though you never were. I swear to fucking God, I met you when we were young, when everyone else, including me, was just fucking around—and you were never that way. I’ve looked up to you since the day I met you, Bass.” He shook his head and smiled. “You need to sit back and enjoy it today, brother, because Jovi is a fucking rock star. And she would have a very different life if she didn’t have the big brother she has. So stop worrying and pat yourself on the fucking back. She’s graduating with honors today from one of the most prestigious universities in the country. You were a very big part of her journey. You’re her brother and her parent all in one. You’ve been the only one to show up from day one for that girl, and she’s worked hard to make you proud. Don’t let that be clouded by who shows up today and who doesn’t. Who fucking cares? You’re here. She’s here. We’re all here. It’ll be fine.”

My jaw was on the fucking floor because who the hell was this, and where was the cocky bull rider who typically avoided deep conversations?

“You’ve looked up to me since you were a kid, huh?” I said with a smirk.

“Of course that’s what you’re leading with, you fucker. And if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll shave your eyebrows off in your sleep.”

I snorted. “I appreciate it. You’re right. I can’t control what my mother does. Never could. I just fucking hate that Jovi cares so much. Why does she care if the woman shows up today? She’s let her down a million times—why would she expect anything different?”

“Because you shielded her from a lot of the bullshit that you dealt with when you were growing up. You took the weight of it and tried to give her as normal a life as you could. She’s also got the purest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. She sees the good in everyone and always has. And you made it so that side of her never got tainted.”

“Wow. You’ve clearly been paying more attention than I would have ever expected,” I admitted.

“I pay attention to the people who are important to me.” He nodded, and then he got a goofy smile on his face, lightening the mood. “Remember, if you want to keep those brows on that handsome face—you best keep this to yourself.”

“It’s in the vault, dickhead.” I cleared my throat and leaned forward. “But I appreciate it. Love you, brother.”

“Love you, too.” He nodded.

“So tell me what’s going on with you? Why aren’t you sleeping? Are you nervous for next week?”

“It’s just a lot, you know? Last week went really well, and I’m off to the finals. I just, I want this title, man. I’ve worked for it. There’s a lot riding on it.”

“Listen, you’ve worked your ass off. I know you like to make light of it and act like it’s no big deal, but we know how much this means to you, Cannon. And I know how committed you are.”

He scrubbed a hand down his face. “You and Brody and Cutler all went off to college, and me and Nix were just trying to figure our shit out during those years. And this is all I’ve ever been good at, and I don’t want to fail, you know?”

“Dude,” I said, surprised by his words. “You’ve been at the top of your game for years. You’re considered the best in the world right now—there is nothing about you that’s failing. Regardless of what happens next week, you’re a fucking winner, Cannon. Nobody would say differently. You’re a badass out there on that bull, and everyone knows it.”

He nodded, and I didn’t miss the way his shoulders relaxed. I had no idea he was struggling so much with the nerves. He always played it so cool. “Thank you. I just don’t know how long I can keep doing this. It’s taking a toll on my body and my mind, if I’m being honest. So I need this, because I won’t have peace in my life until I have that trophy buckle in my hands.”

“I get it. You know you’re the best, and you want the world to know it, too.”

He puffed air through his nose. “True that, brother.”

A knock on the door had us both startling. It was still early, and I doubted any of the other guys were awake yet.

I walked to the door and pulled it open, finding my sister on the other side. She had a garment bag in her hand and a backpack hanging off her shoulder, with a big smile on her face.

“Hey, what are you doing here so early?” I asked.

“Um, good morning to you, too, brother dearest.” She chuckled as she moved past me and dropped her things on the bed, then gaped at Cannon. “And you’re up, too?”

“Hey, Jov,” he said as he stood up and gave her a hug. He chuckled when I glared at him. “Happy graduation day.”

“What’s happening here?” she said, looking between us as she stepped back.

“His pre–world champion nervous energy is making it hard to sleep,” I said, leaving out the details and the slight nod he’d given me that he appreciated me not sharing more about it. “And I’m excited because my baby sister is a college graduate today.”

She studied Cannon first. “You’re going to crush it. You’re Cannon freaking Jones. Don’t forget it.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” He smirked before settling back in his chair.

Then she turned to look at me. “And you are up early because you’re worried about me being disappointed that our mother is going to flake on showing up to my graduation.”

She was correct, but I’d never admit it. Not today at least.