Bryson's POV
At the bookstore, I flip through my lecture notes while Rowan organizes returned books behind the counter. The afternoon shift is quiet, just a few customers browsing the shelves.
"So practice was interesting yesterday," I say, trying to sound casual.
"Oh?" She looks up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "What happened?"
"Julian defended me. In front of the whole team." The words still feel strange saying them out loud.
Rowan's eyes widen. "Wait, what? Your stepbrother, who hates you, defended you?"
"Thompson was talking s**t about me in the locker room. Said my plays were just beginner's luck." I flip a page without really reading it. "Julian grabbed him by the collar and told everyone to shut up about it."
"Oh my god." Rowan clutches her chest d
