Play Along(23)

He’s got a point. When we were younger and it was just the two of us trying to get through high school, college, and eventually, to the big leagues, I saw the toll it took on Kai. Life came at him a lot quicker than it should’ve for any fifteen-year-old and the responsibility of taking care not only of himself but also me was an obvious burden.

So, when he needed a pick-me-up, I learned how to be the one to make him laugh.

When we only had enough money to order one meal, I charmed the waitress into throwing in some extra fries for free.

When we couldn’t afford to take the bus, I made friends with the driver on our route, and he constantly snuck us on board.

I may not be the responsible brother, but I know how to use my strengths to my advantage. People like me. I know how to make others smile. So yeah, sometimes I joke around, but I keep a positive attitude towards life, and things have always found their way of working out.

“I um . . .” I clear my throat. “I was hoping I could get Mom’s ring from you.”

“Isaiah.”

“What? You’re not using it for Miller.”

“No, but . . .” He keeps his attention on his son, who’s running around the grass in front of us. “Look, you know I’ve been saving Mom’s wedding ring for you, but I had hoped you’d give it to someone you see yourself spending your life with. Not . . . whatever you and Kennedy are doing.”

“Just trust me on this, okay?”

“Isaiah,” he exhales. “Come on, brother. You treating Kennedy like she’s your real wife isn’t going to make her magically fall for you.”

“There are things about Kennedy that you don’t know. All you guys see is me looking like a fucking idiot, pining after this girl, but it’s different when she and I are alone. I don’t know how to explain it, but in my gut, I know it’s different.”

Kai’s eyes soften. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. It’s happened to you a lot, and I don’t see this ending any differently. I don’t think Kennedy sees this playing out the way you do. I’m your brother. I want to protect you from that.”

In theory, I understand his concern. Kennedy might have an expiration date on this marriage, but all I’ve heard is that I got six long months to get my wife to fall for me.

Kai laughs to himself, breaking the tension. “I cannot fucking believe you got Kennedy to marry you on Saturday night. This is what I’m talking about. Everything works in your favor. The girl you’ve been pining after for years randomly shows up in Vegas and marries you.” He shakes his head. “What the hell kind of Vegas luck is that?”

I smile with him. “Well, technically it was Sunday morning.”

He stops laughing. “Sunday?”

“We got married on Sunday.”

“Oh.”

Kai takes another swig from the bottle as we continue to watch Max pulling out dandelions from the ground before trying to blow them, much in the way he tried to blow out the candles on his birthday cake. He gives up and wobbles his way to me, stem outstretched for me to help him.

Pulling him into my lap, I hold my nephew and blow at the same time as him, letting him believe he’s the reason all the white, feathery tufts are now floating around us.

“I know I don’t have to remind you of Sunday’s date,” Kai says.

“Max’s birthday.”

“Well, that too.”

“No.” I clear my throat. “You don’t have to remind me.” Kissing the top of my nephew’s head, I hold him in my lap. “Pretty amazing that Max was born on the same date that we lost Mom, huh? It’s almost as if she sent him here for us.”

“Yeah,” Kai breathes. “That’s how I’ve always thought about it too.”

“I met Kennedy on that same date three years ago. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that.”

“You didn’t.”

“I just so happened to marry her on the exact same date.”

His smile is small but understanding. In the same way Max was sent for us, I’ve had the same belief about my new wife.

“Fine,” he relents. “I’ll get you Mom’s ring.”



All the lights are out in my apartment, but it’s still plenty bright thanks to the flashes of lightning filtering in through the windows.

I’m a grown man and at thirty-one years old, I still hate storms.

I try to put the TV on as a distraction, but it’s no use. My anxiety is too high, my nerves are too fragile.

Another flash of lightning illuminates the night sky and instantly I’m on my feet, pacing my living room and texting my brother.

Me: You good? Are you home?

Kai: All good here. I’m home. You good?

Me: I’ll be all right. Are both Miller and Max home with you?

Kai: They’re here.

Me: Good. Don’t drive anywhere.

Kai: You know I won’t. Love you.



I shoot a quick text to Travis and Cody, checking in, though they have no idea why. Cody asks me if I want to come over for dinner and to watch the Chicago Devils game on TV, but he lives far enough away that I’d have to take a car, and that certainly isn’t happening.

Then, I shoot Monty a text.



Me: You home?