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Chapter 29

Author: Jane Melody
last update Last Updated: 2025-10-02 02:40:09

Independence

Bryson's POV

After the game, I throw myself into finding a job like my life depends on it. I spend hours online, filling out applications at coffee shops, bookstores, campus dining halls, anywhere that might hire a college student with zero experience.

The problem is that the hours never line up. Every place wants me to work during hockey practice or when I have classes. Some want weekend shifts that would mean missing games.

"We need someone who can work Tuesday and Thursday mornings," the manager at the campus bookstore tells me. "Nine to one."

"I have practice then," I say, already knowing this won't work.

"Sorry, that's when we need coverage."

Each rejection wears me down a little more. For a moment, sitting in my dorm after the fifth "thanks but no thanks" call, I actually consider quitting hockey. Just for a second. But I know I can't do that. I'm too deep in it now, and honestly, I love playing too much to walk away.

Still, I need money. Richard is paying my tuitio
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  • PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER   Chapter 37

    Grade issuesJulian's POVAfter the second exhibition game, I drive Bryson back to the mansion for the weekend. Dad texted during the game saying he expects both of us home for a family dinner, which means neither of us has a choice.The car ride is completely silent. Bryson stares out his window, and I focus on the road, both of us lost in our own thoughts. The radio plays some generic pop station, filling the quiet with noise that doesn't require conversation.My mind is heavy as I grip the wheel. My grades have been dropping fast - really fast. I failed my last economics test, barely scraped by on a finance assignment, and I'm pretty sure I bombed the accounting quiz from this morning. If I fail these courses, I know exactly what happens next. Dad will pull me from hockey faster than I can blink.The worst part is that I never wanted business and finance in the first place. I wanted to study sports management or maybe physical therapy, something that actually connects to what I car

  • PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER   Chapter 36

    Victory and ConfusionBryson's POVThe exhibition game day arrives and I'm already nervous before we even get on the ice. The locker room buzzes with pre-game energy, guys taping sticks and going through their warm-up routines."You ready for this?" Tyler asks with that genuine concern he's had for me since get one, bumping my shoulder."As ready as I'll ever be.""Second line, man. That's huge. Just play your game."I nod, trying to believe him. The pressure of moving up feels heavier today than it did during practice all week.When we head out for warm-ups, I scan the stands out of habit. That's when I spot Rowan sitting near the front, waving both arms over her head like she's trying to flag down a plane."BRYSON! YOU GOT THIS!" she screams at the top of her lungs.My face immediately goes hot with embarrassment. A few of my teammates laugh and look over to see who's yelling."Friend of yours?" someone asks."Unfortunately," I mutter, but I'm smiling despite the embarrassment I'm f

  • PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER   Chapter 35

    MisunderstandingsJulian's POVI feel irritated and I can't explain why. It's been eating at me for days, this constant low-level annoyance that makes everything feel off.A few days ago, I saw Bryson at a cafe with someone - dark hair, leather jacket, sitting close across the table. They were laughing about something, completely absorbed in their conversation. I'd only gone in to grab coffee before heading to the library, but seeing them together made me turn around and leave without ordering anything.Now I've overheard him on the phone with someone named Rowan. His voice went all soft and friendly in a way that made my jaw clench involuntarily. He was smiling while he talked, the kind of genuine smile I never see him give anyone at practice.My mind makes quick assumptions, filling in blanks with scenarios I don't want to think about. Bryson must have a boyfriend. Some guy he's keeping secret from everyone at school, maybe because he's not ready to come out yet. That would explain

  • PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER   Chapter 34

    New RoutinesBryson's POVI'm settling into my new job at the bookstore pretty easily. Working with Michael is fine - he's laid-back and doesn't micromanage, which I appreciate. But reconnecting with Rowan has made everything even better.Our friendship picks up as if no time has passed at all. She's funny and direct, the kind of person who says exactly what she's thinking without a filter. Within a week, she had become my closest friend, the one I actually talk to about things instead of just having surface-level conversations.After my morning classes, I head to the shop for a quick shift before practice. Rowan's already there, restocking the poetry section."Your stepbrother situation is so weird," she says without looking up.I groan. "Can we not?""I'm just saying, living in the same house as someone you kind of hate sounds like a terrible sitcom.""I don't hate him.""Right. You just avoid him constantly and get all tense when his name comes up." She grins. "Very normal behavior

  • PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER   Chapter 33

    Old FriendsBryson's POVI keep looking for a job, sending out applications like it's my second job. Most places reject me outright, and the ones that don't have hours that completely clash with hockey and classes. It feels hopeless."Maybe just focus on school," Danny suggests one night while I'm staring at my laptop."I need the money.""Richard's already paying your tuition though.""That's exactly why I need my own money."I'm close to giving up when my phone rings with an unknown number. For a second I think it might be Roy again, but the area code is local."Hello?""Is this Bryson Miller? This is Michael from Pages Bookshop. You applied for the part-time position?"My heart jumps. "Yeah, that's me.""Can you come in tomorrow around two? I'd like to talk about the job.""Absolutely. I'll be there."I show up fifteen minutes early, nervous but hopeful. The bookshop is small and cozy, tucked between a coffee shop and a dry cleaner. The smell of old paper and coffee hits me the sec

  • PUCK ME, STEPBROTHER   Chapter 32

    RegretsJulian's POVI notice Bryson hiding in the hallway, pressed against the wall like he thinks I can't see him. I ignore him completely. My focus is locked on Sylvie, standing there with her hand still reaching toward me like she has any right to touch me after what she did."Come on, Jules," she tries again, her voice dropping into that flirty tone she used to use. "Don't be like this.""Get away from me, Sylvie." My voice comes out colder than I intended, but I don't care."It's been over a year. Can't we at least be civil?""Civil? You cheated on me with Marcus and you want civil?"She flinches, glancing around like she's worried someone might overhear. "It was a mistake. I was young and stupid and—""Save it. I don't care anymore.""Then why are you so angry?""I'm not angry. I don't want anything to do with you or Marcus.""That's clearly a lie," she says, her voice getting sharper. "You came to this party knowing I'd be here. What did you think would happen?""I didn't know

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