Campus Hottie (Campus)

In true form, Brayden wanted to stomp over to the math building in order to get his hands on Dr. Holloway. Carson talked him down from the ledge and kept him from doing that. The last thing I’d want is to see Brayden ending up in trouble or even suspended because of me.

It's unfortunate that it took a situation like this to let go of my anger and forgive him. No matter how irritated or frustrated I get with my brother, I’ll always love him. And nothing will ever change that. At some point in the not-so-distant future, I’ll have to sit down with Carson and resolve our relationship, but there’s been too much going on to do that.

Ten minutes later, Mom sets a steaming plate of stroganoff with broiled asparagus in front of me. Even though it smells delicious, my appetite remains elusive.

“Dig in before it gets cold,” she encourages, settling next to me at the island.

I pick up my fork and push around the noodles and beef on my plate, trying to give the illusion that I’ve at least eaten some of it. I don’t have the heart to confess that I’m not hungry after she went through all this trouble.

“Sweetie,” she sighs, “you need to eat. It’ll make you feel better.”

“I know.” I spear a noodle and pop it into my mouth before chewing it methodically and swallowing it down.

“At the rate you’re going, you’ll be here until tomorrow morning.”

“Sorry, Mom. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this.”

She slips a comforting arm around my waist. “It’ll get better, I promise.”

I nod, hoping she’s right.

Before we can steer our conversation to a more pleasant topic, the front door opens before being slammed shut. Mom straightens on her chair as we both stare at the hallway that leads to the foyer.

“Were you expecting someone?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. I had extended an invitation to your brother, but he’d said he wouldn’t be able to make it.”

The only other person who would walk into the house without knocking would be Theo. I’ll admit that seeing them together the first time was a bit of a shock to my system, but now that I’ve gotten used to it and become better acquainted with him, I’ve discovered he’s a really nice guy and Mom seems genuinely happy.

Happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. Once I realized he wasn’t trying to come in and take Dad’s place, it was easier to let go of my concerns and accept their relationship for what it was.

Instead of the older man walking into the kitchen, Brayden strolls in.

“Hi, hun.” Mom rises from her seat and quickly crosses the large space. “I didn’t think you’d be able to make dinner.”

Just as I lift my hand in greeting, Carson appears behind him and the movement stalls midair. When my surprised gaze bounces to my brother, he shrugs, a sheepish expression settling on his face.

As the silence stretches, Brayden clears his throat. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Surprised, I automatically rise from my stool. “Yeah, of course.”

“Want to go to Dad’s study?” he asks, already swinging around and heading toward the entryway where our father’s office is located.

“Sure.” My gaze flickers to Carson’s as I walk past. Even though we’ve been in touch over the last few days, it’s mostly been him texting or calling to check in and see how I’m doing. No matter what has happened in my life, he’s always been a steady presence I can count on.

Once inside the room, Brayden closes the door, sealing us inside the space where all of Dad’s trophies and football memorabilia is still proudly on display. There are photographs of him at different stages in his career, from high school through to the professional teams he played for. Everywhere you look, there are pictures, framed news clippings, and awards. Being here always makes the ache in my heart throb a bit harder for all that was lost.

Just like I always do when I step over the threshold, I gravitate to the last photograph that was taken of our family before the accident and pick up the silver frame. I don’t realize I’m running my finger over the glass that covers his face until Brayden murmurs from beside me, “Sometimes it doesn’t feel like the loss will ever fade, does it?”

I glance at him, surprised by the question. “No.” Lifting my lips into a slight smile feels impossible. “There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about him.”

“Same.” His shoulders deflate as he hefts out a heavy sigh and gets straight to the point. “I’m sorry, Elle. I hope you realize that it was never my intention to hurt you.”

Thick emotion gathers in my throat as I nod. “I know.”

His gaze shifts to the photograph still clutched in my fingers. “All I’ve tried to do is protect you the way Dad would have wanted.”