Starless Nights (Hale Brothers Series Book 2) by Kathryn Andrews Read Free Book Online

thoughts, and all over the world around me. When I see candy, bikes, strawberry blond hair, park benches, a beach towel, glittery things, holiday decorations, just about anything, it someway somehow has a memory attached to her. And the very worst one . . . the stars.
    We spent hours studying the stars, the constellations, different seasonal patterns, and the Greek mythology tied to each one. Night time was our secret time, and for six years, I spent almost every night lying outside with her telling stories and sharing dreams.
    The nights without her have been the hardest. At least now, by living in the city, the glow from the building’s lights drown out and blur the darkened sky, removing any possibility of seeing them, and for that I am thankful. Regardless I still find myself looking up, and with the stars gone, it is a reminder that she is too.
    Nate and I continue to play through the sets. I should be focusing on the game but I’m just going through the motions and running through memories of her. This is what happens when I see her, smell her, touch her . . . the memories come flooding in and I’m trapped remembering a different life. A life that I wanted and now don’t have.
    When we were kids, after school she would come and watch me practice. Once I started competing, she would sit in the top row behind whatever bench I was placed at and cheer me on. When she moved, I found myself still looking for her in the stands, even though I knew she wouldn’t be there. And once she returned, every match I played, I always looked for her just hoping one day she might show.
    “Hale, get over here!” Coach’s voice echoes across the courts and snaps me out of my mind. Playing on autopilot, I have no idea how much time has passed.
    Walking to the benches, I pick up my towel to wipe my face. Coach is standing near the entrance to the locker rooms and his hands are on his hips. His lips are tightened into a thin line and panic rips through me.
    It doesn’t matter that we are the same size and I am technically an adult, will I ever be able to shake the fear that a middle-aged man causes me?
    I’m nervous. He sees it and frowns. “Yeah Coach?”
    “What the hell has gotten into you today?” He waves his hand toward the courts.
    “Sir, what do you mean?”
    “Kid, you are on fire. Keep this up and you could go all the way.”
    Even though Dad has been in jail and gone for over a year, I still expect the worst. After ten years of emotional abuse, being told how awful and worthless I am, his compliment catches me off guard. “Thank you, sir.”
    “Same time tomorrow, kid. I’ll be expecting a repeat performance.” Coach pats me on the shoulder and wanders down the tunnel to head to the offices.
    Nate skips up next to me and eyes me with uncertainty. My brows furrow down. Why is he looking at me like that?
    Nate and I met my first day here on the courts. I had called the coach to let him know that I had arrived early and he had me paired with him in the sports complex at seven the next morning.
    The match was grueling and just what I needed. Instantly we became friends.
    Nate was born and raised in the Bronx. He knows all there is about the city, and has spent the last couple of weeks playing tour guide to Matt and I.
    “So, what’s her name?” he smirks at me.
    “What do you mean?” I break eye contact to walk back and grab my things.
    “I’ve been slapping the ball around with you for three weeks and not once have you played like you did today. So, I ask again, what’s her name?”
    Running my hand through my hair, I contemplate how much I should tell him. He doesn’t know her and sometimes I think that it might be nice to talk about her with someone who is completely uninvolved with our circle of friends.
    “Leila,” I let out with a sigh.
    “Ah, what did she do this time?” He smiles at me knowingly, only he really has no idea.
    “What you should be asking is what hasn’t she done?” My tone lets him