Playing For Keeps

12-None Of It Was Real

Rowan

Staring at Casey's profile I knew I needed to know. 

Over the last few weeks or so I'd learned a lot about what had actually gone on between her and my brother but I still didn't have the whole story. 

I needed the full story. 

My brother claimed she was just a fling and that she had concocted this whole little life for them inside her head but then I learned they had been engaged. 

I learned who Casey's dad was and I sure as fuck knew him being Eric's coach wasn't a coincidence. 

There was no denying that Eric and Casey had been serious but then why would he lie? And why wouldn't she expose him?

That was one of the reasons I believed my brother as easily as I did. When he came out and talked about what she had done, Casey had remained quiet. It was as though she had gotten caught and tried to tuck tail and hide.

From what Lennox said there were pictures and videos of him proposing to her. Pictures of them together on dates and when he met her family and when she met mine. Eric's story isn't the real one.

So why? Why when he came out and started these rumors about her had she remained quiet?

I was going to get to the bottom of it tonight. 

"Hey, can you tell me something?" I ask and she turns her head to look at me, a small smile on her lips. 

God, she's so beautiful. 

"Whats up?"

I clear my throat, shaking out the nerves in my lower stomach as I gear up for what I'm sure will be a bumpy ride. 

"I want to know," I start and her brows pull together, "About everything with you and Eric. How did you meet? How long were you guys together? Why didn't you out him when he claimed you were just a fling? I want to know everything, Casey."

She chews on the inside of her cheek as she processes my words. 

I knew this was hard for her but I didn't think we could move on to... well whatever or wherever this was headed if these secrets and lies loomed over us. 

Scooting closer I tuck a loose errand piece of hair behind her ear. 

"I'm not here to judge, Case. I just want to listen and understand." I say, my words soft. 

Slowly she nods, looking into my eyes before breaking contact and staring out at the lake before us. 

For a moment I don't think she's going to say anything... but then she does and my whole world is turned upside down. 

Casey

I'm terrified. 

I know the moment I tell him everything Rowan will not only look at Eric different but me too. 

Am I willing to ruin whatever is left between the brothers?

I know from what Rowan has told me that Eric formed the cracks himself but this would shatter them. 

But I also know if I don't tell him, I'll lose Rowan, even just as a friend, and I don't think I could handle that right now. 

He's become such a fixture in my life this past month and the thought of losing that guts me. 

So with a long look out at the lake I start from the beginning. 

*FLASHBACK* 

"There he is." Fallon points at a lanky blond standing in the corner of the room.