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From what I always knew of Conor’s family, it was perfect. I was jealous of the relationship he had with his parents. Care packages would always arrive, and he’d be on the phone with them a lot. My mom tried to come see me at college a few times, but it was always hard for her to get off work. Eventually, she never mentioned it, and I got used to being alone during parents’ weekends. So to hear things are rocky with his parents is a real surprise.
“My sister found out my mom is cheating on my dad. Like witnessed her and the other guy making out in my mom’s office.”
Fuck. That sucks.
“I’m sorry, man.”
He nods and tips his beer back. “Yeah, well, my sister doesn’t handle things like this very well, so she’s an emotional mess, and my mom is trying to act like she didn’t get caught and is just ignoring it. My dad is presently in the dark, so coming back to Chicago is nice, but not what I thought it would be. At least I can be here for my sister through this shitty time.”
I tip my drink back, unsure what to say.
I mean, I had a shit childhood, one that still torments me and threatens to ruin any happiness I try to obtain, but it was that way from birth. I never knew any different. Finding out in adulthood that your family isn’t the perfect one you always envisioned has to be a hard pill to swallow.
“I’m sure she’ll appreciate you being here.”
He chuckles. “So much so she told me she was busy this afternoon and that she’d catch me tomorrow morning. We’re going to check out a lead on a place Jagger gave me, and if I don’t like it, we’re going to see a few other places.”
“These trades are such short notice. I’m sure she’s got stuff to do.”
“I guess, but so far you’re the only one who seems excited to have me.”
“I can call Tweetie. He’s hyped to have you on the team. Hell, I’m excited to be back on the same team as you.” I finish my drink. I was going to call Henry and Tweetie last night, ask them to join us, but I think Conor needs some time not having to be on for everyone. “And if the apartment thing falls through, you can always crash at a hotel for a bit.”
He groans. “Just the thought of spending every night in a hotel—reminds me of being on the road. But I’m happy to be back in Chicago regardless of all the shit going on. We’re going to have a killer line.”
“I wish I had something to make you feel better about the situation with your family, man.”
He cracks his neck and looks at the television. “It’s okay. It’s just hard. I put on a brave face for my sister, but I don’t know… I thought they were happy these days. It feels like everything I believed was bullshit. Plus, what does this mean for the future? Separate holidays and shit?”
I continue to listen, not having any advice to give him and wishing I had some wisdom like those quotes you see on social media or billboards. Something to make him feel better and give him hope it will all work out.
“It’s good to be back with you. You always were such a rock for me.” He finishes his beer.
“I’m not sure I remember it that way.” He was the closest thing I had to family in college, a time I felt so alone. He was the one who was always there for me.
“You always had all your shit together.”
I laugh. “No, I didn’t. And I don’t know. I mean there’s this wo—” I stop talking because I’m not going to make it about myself tonight. I’m not even sure how to describe what’s going on with Leigh and me. Eventually, I need to talk to someone about her.
“You losing your bachelor card?”
“Fuck no,” I say. I’m not lying, but also, I’m skimming the truth. If Leigh wanted something more, I’m not sure I would say no, and that’s a step I’ve never taken. Thinking about it makes my heart pound like my first game in the league.
He stares at me long and hard. “You cannot get all serious with someone right as I come into town. We’re going to relive those college days. Between you, me, and Tweetie, we’ll own the clubs.”
I refrain from agreeing or saying no, instead pushing the topic to something else. “How was living in Florida?”
It’s a lame question, but I don’t want us to venture into a conversation about what our nights will look like. Right now, it’s great being with Conor, but I wish Leigh was right next to me, or better yet, on my lap.
He tells me about Florida and how he’s going to have to get used to the Chicago winters again. We talk about some bullshit topics, and Ruby gets us each another drink. By the time we call it quits, and we’re walking out of Peeper’s Alley, I realize having Conor back as a teammate makes Chicago feel more like home.
Twenty-One
Kyleigh
“DoMom and Dad even know you’re in Chicago?” I ask Conor at the fancy steak restaurant he wanted to go to tonight. I dodged Rowan by using Alara as an excuse again, but I plan to come clean as soon as Conor goes back to Florida to pack up his stuff before preseason training.
“No. Dad called me when he heard the news. Mom sent me a text, which tells me she must assume you’ve told me. When I get back for good, I think me and you should see Dad, tell him, and go from there. Let’s let him finish out this case first.”
