“They had the greatest marriage until they didn’t,” I say. “My dad was in a car accident, became a quadriplegic. It was hard. My mom carried a lot of stress and ended up cheating on my dad. It was really shitty, and I’ve worked through a lot of it in therapy. My brother is still working on it. My relationship with her is decent. My dad passed, and my main concern is taking care of my brother and making sure he’s okay. I don’t want to lose him as well.”

Sanders nods. “Ever think that you’re possibly committing to your brother and that’s why you can’t quite commit to Scottie, because you’re afraid it might stretch you too thin?”

“I…” I pause and think about it. Shit. Is that the holdup?

“I can see by the surprise in your expression that I might have just hit the nail on the head.” He claps his hands for the ball, and I toss it to him. “You need to speak with your brother, because if you want a shot with Scottie, that relationship needs to be resolved. Chances are he doesn’t want the emotional commitment you’ve enveloped him with.”

“True. I hadn’t thought about it like that. He was bullied as a kid, and I guess I just wanted him to feel secure in himself. He…he wanted to cut out of life early after Dad died, if you get what I’m saying.” I grimace, hating that I’ve just shared something so personal about Mika.

“That would have been extremely traumatic to walk through for the both of you. And now? Where do you think he is emotionally? Does he still need you as his crutch?”

“Well, he’s my brother, so I’ll always prioritize his emotional health.”

He tosses me the ball, and I catch it. “Commendable, but maybe a conversation needs to be had there.”

“Yeah, probably,” I say.

“And then what will you do if there is no need for you to be his emotional guard dog?”

“I, uh…” I drag my hand over my jaw. “I need to think some more.”

“Well, do that. Decide if you’re all in. And if you are, be as honest as you have been while at camp, because your honesty helped Scottie find hers.”

Huh. That’s a good thought to take away.

“You’re right.”

“I know I am.” He smirks, lightening the tension.

I stare at him for a second and then ask, “Why all the sports stuff? Do you really think marriage is like a team sport?”