Moving Target (Rivals) by Cathryn Fox

Author:Cathryn Fox [Fox, Cathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cathryn Fox

15

Dane

As Dad’s words ring loud and clear in my brain, I cast a quick glance Kendra’s way, and note the fake smile. I eye her, and actually, upon closer inspection, she looks a bit pale. Is she nervous? I brush her hand with my knuckles, a caress of comfort and support, wanting to put her at ease. My father can intimidate me all he wants, but he’s not going to do it to my girlfriend.

“Samples?” I ask Kendra as Mr. Baker walks up to the counter with his weekly supplies.

She nods and her smile is less fake as she aims it my way. “Of course.” I put my hand on her back and walk her up to the counter, where little pieces of cheese sit in small white cups.

“Kendra,” Mom says, and Kendra looks at her. “How long have you and Dane known each other?”

“Oh, we met last Christmas when he was visiting the college with Rhys.” She naturally keeps out the part where we went back to her place and spent the night in bed. My body warms at the memories.

Mom’s smile is big at the mention of Rhys. “Did you know Rhys?”

“Not well. Just his reputation. He’s quite well…” Her body tightens, her words falling off, like she might have caught herself before she said the wrong thing. I get it. She meant his reputation with the ladies.

“Yes, he’s quite the hockey player and very well liked.” Mom’s eyes gloss over with pride. “I’m sure everyone on campus knew him.”

“Yes, exactly,” she answers, relaxing. “You must be so proud of him.”

“We are, we are,” Dad pipes in after ringing in Mr. Baker’s cheeses and packaging them in a brown paper bag.

“Dane is doing great things too.” Her eyes warm as she glances at me. “He was amazing at last week’s game. He blocked so many shots.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Dad says. Unfortunately, in this house, love is conditional. I need to be something great or I’m not worthy.

“Have you talked to your brother?” Mom asks.

“Not lately, been busy.” I love Rhys, and I feel guilty for not calling, although my parents love to message me to let me know how he played each game, which is always amazing. I’m happy for my brother, I really am. It’s just hard, always being compared to him. Now being out on my own without my parents’ constant judgments has been kind of nice. I’ve been enjoying the space and also, a phone works both ways. Rhys could call me. He could be tired of always looking out for me—heck knows, our parents put the burden on him to show me the ropes and teach me all his skills—so he could simply be enjoying the freedom too.

Mom casts a look at Kendra, her lips thinning. “Yes, busy. I see.”

I use a toothpick to stab a piece of cheddar and hold it out to Kendra. “School and hockey take up all my time.” I grab a cube of peppered gouda and toss it into my mouth.

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