Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain novel Chapter 89

#Chapter 89: Out in the Open

That afternoon, I prepare to make my transition home.

I talk to my mom and tell her I will be back within the week I can hear the relief in her voice and it makes me yearn to see her. To be honest, I appreciate her even more now that I know she chose to keep me and love me as her own, though I’m disappointed she never told me the truth.

I also text Hailey to tell her that camp is almost over, When first left, I told her I didn’t know how many weeks I would stay to allow some leniency and to keep her from getting suspicious. She’s excited to catch up, and I promise to call her when I get back.

That evening, we return to see Michael, who is looking substantially better. He’s sitting up and some color has returned to his face. He also already has a visitor. Sitting on the side of his bed–holding his hand–is Rita.

Then it hits me. She didn’t want Alex because she’s already in love….with his brother. I can tell, because the look in her eyes is the same one I see in the mirror.

Alex, my sweet testosterone–blinded male, apparently doesn’t see it. “Hey, Rita,” he says, unaware of the fact we’ve just walked into an intimate conversation.

Rita stands and backs away as Alex plops down into the chair closest to Michael’s bed.

1 fidget with my shirt, hanging in the doorway. “Alex, maybe we should come back.”

Rita and I exchange knowing glances. “It’s fine,” she says. I think you already know.”

“Know what?” Alex asks, generally confused.

Michael clears his throat. “There’s something we need to tell you.”

“That you’re better? I can tell. You look great, brother!”

“No–I mean, about me and Rita.”

Alex doesn’t move, but his eyes travel from Michael to Rita, taking note of her unusually bashful face, then back to his brother. “What about you and Rita?”

“We’re sort of…” But as Michael looks for the words, Rita finishes for him. “Dating.”

“You’re dating?” Alex shakes his head. “Uh–uh…you two?”

“Why not?” Rita asks, her high pitch betraying her offense.

I wink at Rita. “I think you two are a great match.”

She smiles, an action that’s not lost on me. Now that I’ve gotten one of Rita’s rare, genuine smiles, I know I’m part of the pack. “Thanks,” she says. “How about you two?

“We’re working out the details,” I say as I approach Alex and he takes my hand, kissing it.

“But it’s going to be great,” he purrs with a little too much enthusiasm.

“Good. That’s good,” Michael says to Alex, only his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. It’s a little…sad, “Look, we need to talk.”

“About what exactly? I’m okay with the two of you…really.

Michael chortles. “Dude, no–about the future.”

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+25 BONUS

#Chapter 89: Out in the Open

Alex leans forward, understanding the seriousness of his brother’s intentions. “What about the future?”

“I’m not gonna be around forever, little brother.” There’s pain in Michael’s eyes, and I fear the worst.

So does Alex. He shakes his head and stammers a bit. “I–really–what–are you not better, Michael?”

Michael’s eyes drop. So do Rita’s. I think her eyes are filling with tears.

“Michael?” Alex says again, pushing his brother to respond “You need to be honest with me.”

“I don’t know how long I have.”

“So, it’s true. Mom and Dad tried to tell me, but then I walked in and saw you like this…”

Alex raises his head and closes his eyes. I can feel ripples of agony swelling from him.

In the background, Rita is slumped, her shoulders heaving and I can tell she’s crying. I approach to comfort her, not knowing how she’ll take it, when she wraps her arms around me and buries her head in my shoulder. I can feel her tears soak through my thin shirt, and I wrap my arms in turn around her, patting her back but not knowing what to say. I’m a little surprised she is being so touchy–feely with me. Then again, we’ve been through a lot together in the past few days.

Michal swings his legs around but isn’t quite able to stand up. Instead, he straightens his back to appear strong and dignified. Even in his condition, it works.

“I’m not just rolling over and taking it, Alex. I’m going to stay around as long as I can–for my pack and for Rita- but this poison in my system…I feel it, zapping me of my energy…my strength. I don’t know how long it will be, and neither do they. It could be weeks, months, even a year before I’m gone.”

Alex lowers his head with a sniffle, wipes at his eyes, then lifts his head to match his brother’s gaze.

“I just want you to be ready to take over in my absence.”

“But I’m not ready. I can’t be you,” Alex says defiantly, though I can hear the pain in his voice.

Surprised by this answer, Michael’s facial features wrinkle. “You don’t need to be me, Alex. You need to be you.”

Alex leans back, unwilling to listen. Michael, sensing his hesitancy, asks us to leave.

“Ladies, can we have a moment together? I need to talk to my brother in private.”

I answer. “Of course.”

I lead Rita outside, making sure to close the door behind us.