Unexpected Rush

Her mother patted her leg. “Of course you do. And why didn’t you tell me about the two of you?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I kept waiting for the right moment. And that moment just never came around. Until he and Drake got into that awful fight.”

“Well, yes. And your brother. He and I had words.”

“Did you?”

“Yes. I made it clear that the head of the household has always been me, and that while I appreciate him being protective over you, that nonsense has to stop. You’re not a baby anymore and I’m tired of seeing him act like a bully. And if he doesn’t stop this behavior he and I are going to have more than just words next time. It’s a pattern, and an ugly one and I won’t have it from my son. I think I got my point across this time.”

“Thank you for that.”

“But as far as the rift between Drake and Barrett? I’m afraid the two of them will have to fix that.”

She shrugged. “I don’t even care anymore. Barrett should have told Drake about us right from the start. Or I should have. I don’t know.” She rubbed her forehead where a dull ache had made its home for the past day.

“It’s complicated. You have two men who have been friends for years. And trying to date a best friend’s little sister is complicated.”

Her lips curved. “That’s an understatement. Especially where Drake is concerned.”

“Give the two of them time and space to make things straight with each other, and don’t interfere in that. You and your brother have to get right with each other, too.”

Harmony nodded. “I know that. And we will. Eventually. I’m just so mad at him right now.”

“And you have a right to be. But you two will fix things.”

“I’m sure we will—eventually.” Mama wouldn’t allow anger to fester between Drake and her. She’d have to make up with him. But not now.

“And how about you and Barrett?”

She teared up just thinking about it. “It’s over.”

“Why is it over? Because he and Drake fought? Honey, that’s nothing to break up about.”

“Because he waited too long to tell Drake about us. Because he felt it necessary to keep us a secret. Because . . . I don’t know. I guess because he didn’t put me first.”

Her mother nodded. “I can understand that. You have a right to be mad as a poked hornet about that. Maybe Barrett’s just not the one for you.”

“Oh, he was the one, Mama. I love him. That’s why this hurts so much.”

Her mother sighed. “Baby girl, my heart hurts for you. I hope you and Barrett can work this out. God knows I love that boy.”

Mama pulled her into her arms and held her. It didn’t matter how old she was, there was nothing better than being held by her mother. She took comfort in the solid embrace. It might not fix things, but at this moment, she felt loved.

And for now, that was good enough.

Thirty-Seven

The game against Dallas hadn’t gone like Barrett had wanted it to. Offense had been stagnant, putting up only seven points. Defense had been crusty, slow on getting off their marks.

He and Drake, not even speaking to each other, hadn’t been in sync and it had showed.

He’d tried to talk to Drake at practices and before the game and Drake wouldn’t have it. Every time he’d approached him Drake had walked away.

The tension had been noticeable even to their defensive coach, who had told them both that whatever was going on between them needed to be resolved, and it sure as hell better not affect their game play.

Barrett wasn’t sure if that’s what had accounted for their shitty game against Dallas, but it definitely hadn’t helped.

They’d lost, fourteen to seven.

He hated losing, especially a game that was close enough they could have won.

He needed to fix things between Drake and him. He needed to fix a lot of things.

He drove to Drake’s condo on Monday. It was an off day, and he knew that if he let this simmer between them it was only going to get worse. He rang the bell, and Drake answered.

His expression was still one of anger.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Drake asked.

“We need to talk.”

“I got nothing to say to you, man.”

“Then you can listen and I’ll talk. We’ve been friends since college. We’ve been teammates for four years. I love you like a brother, Drake. Don’t let this come between us.”

Drake opened the door to let him in. That was a start.

He walked in and Drake shut the door. What happened next would be telling.

“You want a water?”

For the first time in five days, that tight band around Barrett’s chest started to loosen.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

They walked into the kitchen and Drake pulled two waters out of the fridge, then handed one to Barrett. He opened it and took several long swallows to coat his nervous, parched throat.

“I owe you an apology,” Barrett said. “You were right when you said I should have respected you enough to come to you and tell you when Harmony and I first started dating. You and I have been friends a long time, and I should have trusted that you would be open and understanding, and know that I have enough respect for your sister to never mistreat her.”

Drake nodded. “That’s right, you should have known that. You’re not one of those assholes she typically dates. You’re my best friend. You would never hurt her.”