“You know we’re so proud of you, right?”

“Of course,” he said, draping his long arm around my shoulders. “And, okay, this is going to sound really petty, but I kind of wish Bethany wasn’t coming. I know it’s probably not fair, but it feels like she’s taking credit for something that’s not hers. It’s a big moment for my mom and I wish it was going to be just her and my dad. Or even just my mom, if I’m being honest.”

I raised my eyebrows at him. Blair was usually circumspect about Tad. I’d never really heard him say a bad word about his father; he was always trying to keep the peace between him and his brother.

“I know, like I said: petty. And I appreciate what he’s done for our skiing, but after everything he’s put my mom through, I’ve never felt the same about him. I wish I did.”

“That’s heavy, Blair. But, I mean, it’s fair.” I was careful. As much as I was part of the family in one way, I didn’t have the luxury of hating Tad, or even Bethany. I actually didn’t mind her, I just didn’t get her, the way she made her entire identity about her husband and two sons that weren’t hers.

It occurred to me that maybe it was Luke and I who were being petty by not coming along to support.

“Blair, do you want me to come? I probably can’t get on the flight tomorrow, but I bet I could get there in time for your first race.”

He turned and looked at me for a long moment. He leaned over and brushed a piece of hair that had come loose from my ponytail over my ear.

“You know what? In four years, we’ll all be there together, I’m sure of it. I’d love it if you were there, but I’m worried about Luke being alone. He’ll do something stupid like ski off a cliff. Just keep an eye on him, will you?”

This may have been him giving me an out, but he wasn’t wrong.

“I will. I promise. And seriously, no one will be yelling louder at the television than me.”

I wanted Luke to stay home and watch the opening ceremonies with me, to keep an eye out for Blair and drown our sorrows together.

“Can’t. I’m going to watch it with Breanna,” he said, smiling cheekily.

“Ugh, you traitor. And isn’t she like twenty-four? What is she doing dating a nineteen-year-old? Gross.” I didn’t want to admit I was jealous of the flavor-of-the-week girlfriend, or maybe I was too wrapped up in my funk about Nagano to realize it.

“Guys do it all the time. Don’t be sexist,” Luke said as he headed for the shower.