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“Yes, it was.”
He looks at me. “So you’re Paxton Saul? Badass, man. I saw your picture on that billboard, the one with the energy drink? Nice.” He nods to himself. “I’m gonna get one of those as soon as I go pro. You’ve heard of me, I’m sure. Nick Ruckman, running back for Manhattan Institute of Arts and Technology? I make the news all the time.” He holds out his hand to shake.
I ignore it.
“Nick Fuckman?” I pretend to not hear him right.
His handsome-pretty face screws up in annoyance. “No, man, Ruckman.”
“Sorry, I’m still hearing Fuckman.”
“Ruckman. With an R,” he raises his voice.
“Oh, for God’s sake, Pax! Grow up.” That’s Ruby, who slides by me and stands next to Nick Fuckman. I’m sorry; I just can’t make my brain think his last name any other way.
I turn to leave before the two of them start making out or something, because I don’t want to have to projectile vomit or punch someone at Mason’s party.
As I’m walking towards the door, Rowan darts out from between two of my teammates and grabs me by the arm. “You,” she says.
“I wish I was anyone else today.”
“We need to talk.” She drags me out of the room and into the hallway that leads to the back of her and Mason’s apartment.
“What can I do you for?” I sigh.
“What is eating you?” She gives me a scowl. “And don’t tell me nothing. I know you too well.”
I shrug. She’s the annoying big sister I never had, and I know her well enough to know she won’t let it go. “Ruby,” I mutter. “I mean, it’s no big deal. I thought we kind of had something, and apparently we don’t. That, plus losing the Stanley Cup in front of my family has me in a pissy mood. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come tonight.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, you big stupid meatball. Stop wallowing in self-pity. It’s really not a good look,” Rowan says in exasperation. “Obviously you’ve got a thing for her. Go tell her how you feel.”
“She and I have worked things out and established that we feel nothing for each other.” I square my shoulders and plaster my best indifferent look on my face. “I’m perfectly happy on my own, and my goal in life is to never see your sister again.”
Rowan squints at me in annoyance. “Fine. That’s a great plan. Now excuse me while I go mix up some formula.”
I look at her in confusion. “Formula?”
“Well, I’m standing in front of a six-foot-six-inch-tall baby. Wouldn’t want you to get thirsty.” And she stalks off, leaving me feeling alone and foolish.
5
RUBY
Tonight is going great. Just great.
My former friend Pax is here sulking over nothing and trying to provoke Nick for no reason that I can see. I’m also regretting inviting Nick. Nick is on his fourth beer and not handling it well.
I’m annoyed, because this should be a kick-ass party. I channeled Great Gatsby vibes for weeks while I was helping my sister find all of the decorations and picking out our outfits. I love the twenties.
But no, two jockstraps are acting like total asses and ruining everything.
At least Pax has retreated and is sitting on the couch sulking and talking to Logan, rather than trying to pick a fight.
So that just leaves me one problem to solve.
“What is up with you, Nick?” I demand. We’re standing in a corner by ourselves, because everyone is avoiding us. Well, Nick. Nobody wants anything to do with Nick.
“The coach is still riding my ass,” he grumbles.
