Chapter 12 Legacy & Lies Beau
Legacy & Lies
Beau
I’ve been hiding out for the past few days.
Recovering from my panic attack. That’s what I tell myself, but I know it’s more about hiding from her.
That’s why I was shocked when JJ accosted me this morning and asked me if I was dating Wilder.
Apparently, some pictures of her chasing me down after their game have been making the rounds.
It’s caused some wild speculation about our relationship.
This campus feels far too small sometimes, but maybe it’s only me.
Between my family, the hockey teams, and her social media following, we’re not exactly anonymous students.
I swipe away another notification from Sin. She’s trying to rope me into some other public event. As if I don’t have enough on my plate.
My phone vibrates insistently, and I’m about to silence it when I realize it’s a phone call. The screen tells me it’s the one person I can’t ignore without consequences. Dad. Fuck.
“Hello.”
“I’m going to be in Chicago this weekend, and I need you to meet some potential clients with me.
The RMH group is looking to develop a new property, and they’re seeking investors.
It’s a promising partnership. They’ll be breaking ground next year, so this will be the perfect project for you to work on once you’ve finished school. ”
No “hi” or “how are you”. Straight to the point. “Dad, I’ve got a lot going on. I’ve got practice, and a game Sunday afternoon.” Not to mention the economics project due on Monday.
“You need to focus on your priorities. In a few months, hockey will be nothing more than the little game you played in school. It’s time to embrace your responsibilities.”
“I can’t let the team down.”
“You can get here and be back in time for your game if you must. Harrison is bringing his son along. Perfect opportunity to network with the next generation.”
The thought of driving to Chicago and back in time for my Sunday game is exhausting, but there’s no arguing with him. This is what I signed up for. What I promised, so now I’m stuck.
“Fine. Where are we meeting?”
“Au Berge, seven pm. Don’t be late. And wear something conservative.”
Right, even my style doesn’t suit him. It’s not like the bespoke suits I wear after games aren’t as designer as his custom boring grays and blues. They’ve just got a little more pizzazz.
“I’ll be there.”
“Good. See you then.” There’s muttering in the background, so I can tell he’s over the conversation before the line goes dead.
I dig my fingers into the knot just above my shoulder blade. The sharp pain is grounding, but it doesn’t help. I think it’s a permanent fixture in my life now.
There’s a soft knock at my door, and I stand up, brushing a hand down my shirt.
“What’s up?”
“Can I get a ride to school today?”
My best friend’s voice is more tentative than it used to be.
Our conversations have lost a little of the ease we developed in our first years at Lakeview.
The distance between us hurts, but I haven’t quite been able to rebuild the trust we lost when he was sneaking around with my sister.
I know it’s just as much my fault as his, but I don’t quite know how to fix it.
“I’ve got a group meeting for my entrepreneurial project before class.”
That’s right. It’s Wednesday. I’ve got class at ten, but he doesn’t start until one. He used to come in with me anyway. Now he catches a ride with my sister or one of the other guys more often than not.
“No problem. I’ll be down in a few.”
My feet are heavy, and it takes some effort to force myself into action, gathering my backpack and heading for the door.
I hesitate in the doorway, willing myself not to flick the light switch on and off five times, but I can’t do it.
The compulsions I’ve learned to control most of the time have gotten worse with the anxiety.
It’s as if everything this year is piling on, threatening to bury me.
“Want to grab a coffee before class?” I ask Lucy as my car purrs to a stop. We’ve spent most of the drive in silence, and I can’t take it anymore.
“Uh, I’ve already got plans. I’m sorry.” His eyes shift to the window.
“With Cece?”
“Yeah. You can join us if you’d like.”
My white knuckles are a stark contrast to the black leather steering wheel beneath them. “It’s okay. I don’t want to crash your date.”
“It’s not a date. We usually hang out before class when I don’t have practice. But you’re totally welcome.”
“Are you sure?” I need this. To reconnect with the two people who mean the most to me.
“No, it’d be great to hang out.”
“Okay. Where are you meeting her?”
“All Capps.” The coffee shop on campus is good. Neutral even though Jazz works there. Busy enough to blend in.
Good. This will be good. This is what I need.
“Beau?” Cece’s surprise is another dig at the distance between us.
“Hey, Sissy.”
We join her at the round table in the corner. It’s in a shadowed area underneath a tall plant. The perfect place for an intimate date, but the doubts creep in. I shouldn’t be here. I’m bothering them.
But her smile is genuine. Stretching up to crinkle the corners of her eyes. I know my sister well enough to know when she’s faking it, and this isn’t it. “Yeah. I wanted to hang with Dev, and he said you wouldn’t mind if I joined you. Is this okay?”
Dev has already pulled up an extra chair and dropped into the one across from her.
“I’m so happy to see you. Come on, sit down,” Cece says.
I jolt into motion, any lingering hesitation dissolving in the warmth of her welcome.
How could I have ever doubted her? After everything we’ve been through together.
Years of standing side by side, just the two of us against the world.
I should’ve known better. That’s what made it sting so much, knowing she didn’t feel like she could come to me about Dev.
Knowing she thought I wouldn’t understand.
But maybe I gave her every reason to believe that.
I didn’t exactly hide how I felt about her dating a teammate, not after what that asshole did to her in high school.
“I should grab a coffee or something.” I crane my neck around, spotting Jazz at the counter.
It’s not too busy at the moment, so she wanders over. “Hey, guys. How’s it going?”
Her hair is pulled up in a smooth topknot, and she’s wearing subdued dark clothes under her brown apron, but her smile reaches all the way to her eyes.
The same smile has been pasted on Cole’s face since they started dating.
I like to think I helped make it happen since I was the one who told him he needed to find a girlfriend to keep his ex off his back. I can at least make someone happier.
“We’re good.”
She places her hands on the table, leaning down. “I can bring you some drinks if you like. You can give me cash or pay at the register after. Don’t tell anyone else, though. Table service is only for special customers.”
“You don’t have to do that, Jazz,” Cece says.
“For you guys. Anything. I don’t mind. It gets me out from behind the counter. This is my favorite. When I get to wander around and chat with the customers.”
“Okay then. If it’s not a bother.”
“Perfect.”
Placing our orders delays the inevitable conversation. Because I came here for a reason. I’ve been mulling over Luna’s suggestion. That I should talk to someone. But now that I’m here, I’m not sure quite what to say.
My sister, however, is rarely short on words. She’s practically bouncing in her seat as she leans in close. “So, is it true?”
I squeeze my eyes shut trying to figure out where she’s going with this. So much has happened since we got back to school, and all I can think about right now is the conversation with our father this morning. But giving in to his demands is hardly something to be excited about. “What?”
“Are you dating Luna Wilder?” The light from the gas fireplace beside us intensifies the curious gleam in her eyes.
“You saw that? No, you know better than to believe rumors.”
Her lower lip pushes out in a disappointed pout. “I saw the pictures. You were wearing her jersey. And you were waiting for her in the tunnel after her game. That’s a total boyfriend move. Or was it photoshopped?”
“No.” Now it makes sense. I consciously avoided the pictures flying around campus.
When she puts it out there, it sounds pretty incriminating.
“We’re working together on some social media campaigns for the hockey program.
There’s a donor who wants to invest big money.
But we’re not the only school they’re considering. ”
“Oh, that’s why you were at Paws For Thought. I thought for sure it had to be love. You would never volunteer there for fun. I know how you feel about animals.”
That paints a pretty grim picture of me. Even my sister can’t see me doing something kind for animals without an ulterior motive. She’s not wrong, though. I wouldn’t have gone if I hadn’t been voluntold to be there.
“I don’t hate animals, Cece. I’ve just never been interested in having one in my house. But I actually had a good time. Some of the cats were pretty cool.”
“I know. Maybe it was wishful thinking. I was really hoping you’d found someone.” She turns to her boyfriend. “Right, Dev?”
He leans further back in his seat and shakes his head. Everything about him, from the crossed arms to the wide eyes, says, “don’t involve me in this conversation.”
“He agrees with me. And she seems so cool too. You have so much in common. You’re both captains of your hockey teams. And she’s practically famous. I watched a bunch of her videos. So cool what she’s doing for the sport. I love it.”
“That’s all an image. You should know better than to believe things you see on the internet. These influencers. None of it’s real.”
Jazz slides in beside me with a tray of mugs. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, Jazz.” Cece smiles at Cole’s girlfriend. Maybe I should talk to Cole about this. My sister has zero perspective. She’s consumed with love at the moment. I don’t want to burden her with my problems. This was a mistake.
“Fine. What other videos have you got planned with her?” Cece lifts a pink mug with a smiley face on it up to her nose, dragging in a deep inhale. “Running a rummage sale, ooh, no better, bake sale. I’d love to see you covered in flour.”
I fiddle with my mug, running a finger along a tiny crack marring the handle. The rich smell of the coffee isn’t enough to distract me. “I’m not sure. I’ve been kind of avoiding her since the game.”
Cece purses her lips. “Did you leave her alone to deal with the fallout?”
That cuts deep. I didn’t realize all this was going on until JJ informed me. But I should have called her or at least answered her texts. Instead, I’ve been avoiding her so I don’t have to face my own issues. “I guess. I didn’t know at first, though.”
“Ugh. You are so clueless. Call her today. Or text her at least.”
It’s hard to admit when my little sister is right, but she is. “I will. You’re right. I was being a dick.”
Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “He admits I’m right. Dev, can you check my forehead?” She tugs his hand over to place it on her forehead. “Do I have a fever?”
“No, you’re perfect.” My stoic best friend is staring at my sister as if she’s the only person in the world.
I shift in my seat, glancing at my watch. I know what they’re like around each other, and I still agreed to come. Brought it on myself. My chair lets out a screech as I push it back, standing abruptly. They both look up.
“I’ve got to get going.”
Cece opens her mouth like she’s about to protest, but I cut in. “Meeting someone before class.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll see you later,” she says with a smile. “I’m glad you joined us. I’ve missed you, big bro.”
“You too, Sissy. Catch you at practice, Lucy.” I turn to my friend, slapping palms with him, and it feels almost normal.
Almost back the way things were before Develia.
Can’t even get JJ out of my head when he’s not around.
He made up the ridiculous couple name for them, and it stuck. “I’ll pay on the way out.”
They’re absorbed in each other as I pass by on my way out the front door, and I realize I never brought up any of the things I meant to. But now all I can think about is Wilder.