Ours to Lose (Oh Brother Romance #2)
Prologue
Three Years Ago
Gabe
Hey, it’s Gabe. Hopefully this is still your number (otherwise, sorry to whoever’s phone I’m blowing up this late on Thanksgiving). It was good seeing you again after so long. Even if you did kick my ass in Clue
Aubrey
Don’t blame me. Those were your family’s house rules. It’s not my fault you kept getting turned into a zombie
And it was good to see you too. I needed someone other than your brother to humiliate during games
Gabe
He tried to warn me. I’m surprised your friendship has survived the slaughter
Aubrey
He’s used to it by now. Plus, it’s his own fault for letting your family teach me how to play. I was an innocent child when I moved next door until Evan dragged me to a game night.
Gabe
And now you’re a cold-blooded killer. Too bad I’m leaving tomorrow or I’d demand a rematch
Aubrey
Does that mean you won’t be home for Christmas?
Gabe
Afraid so. Now that I’ve got the High Hitter fight to get ready for, I probably won’t make it home again until next year
Aubrey
I’m so excited for you! I thought your mom was going to jump on the table when you got the call from your coach . It sounds like an incredible opportunity.
Gabe
We’ll see. This style of tournament hasn’t really worked for boxing on a global scale outside of the Olympics. But it sounds like the guys putting it together have enough money that it could be big
Aubrey
Well, I’m going to cook the hell out of the food for the watch party your mom and Evan will no doubt throw. And your dad’s “no professional chefs in the kitchen on holidays” rule won’t be able to stop me.
Gabe
Only problem with that plan is I fully intend on having them with me for it in Japan. Sounds like you’ll just have to join them
Aubrey
That depends…will there be merch I can wear?
Gabe
I’ll make sure you have a shirt with my name on it
Aubrey
Your face too?
Gabe
Whatever you want
Aubrey
Deal
I should probably get some sleep. I’m in charge of the kitchen tomorrow, which means I have to get to the restaurant early even though the day after Thanksgiving is usually dead. But thanks for texting. Having you home always makes the holidays feel right.
Gabe
I was thinking the same about you. And I wanted to give you a proper goodbye, given how chaotic things still were when you left. With training for the tournament, I probably won’t be great at staying in touch
Aubrey
Then I’ll wish you luck now and see you in Japan. Go kick ass.
Gabe
You too, killer. And I still want that rematch
Aubrey
Anytime, Hardt. Next time you’re in town, give me a call.
Gabe
Count on it. Don’t make my baby bro cry too hard in the meantime
Aubrey
No promises
Thirteen Months Later
Saturday, Dec 25 · 5:14 p.m.
Aubrey
Hey. I’m thinking of you today. Evan said he hasn’t heard from you, and I know how hard holidays can be, especially this soon after the funeral.
I’ve been thinking about your mom’s gingerbread cookies and how she’d have us help decorate them when we were all home.
The nonstop Christmas music she’d play while your dad cooked.
How she bought us new mugs each year specifically for his eggnog.
She’s who I think of when I think of Christmas. It doesn’t feel right that she’s gone.
I know you may not want to talk, and if you don’t, that’s okay. But if you ever do, know that I’m here.
Thursday, Feb 24 · 3:31 p.m.
Aubrey
Just checking in. Hope you’re doing okay.
Wednesday, Apr 27 · 11:27 a.m.
Aubrey
Saw you have a fight coming up. Glad you’re back in the ring. Good luck.
Sunday, May 8 · 1:06 a.m.
Gabe
I miss her
Aubrey
I know. I do too