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“I did, but Fulton offered me a full scholarship. I only had a partial scholarship at my school, and with my dad passing away, tuition was going to be tough.” There’s a sadness in her tone that makes me feel bad for giving her such a hard time. But then she goes and ruins it in her very next breath. “My boyfriend isn’t too happy about the move. He misses me being so close by,” she says, finally meeting my eyes. That last bit was for my benefit, no doubt.
“Oh, I bet he does,” I murmur loud enough for her to hear.
Saff stops glaring at me when my mom speaks in a gentle tone. “I’m very sorry for your loss.” Her sympathy-laced voice reminds me that this girl just had her world rocked.
“Me too,” I offer sincerely.
She nods in thanks, forking a bite of pasta into her mouth.
“So what school were you at back home?” My mom continues with her game of twenty questions. I’m grateful for her doing all the legwork for me. “I don’t remember Dan saying, only that you are one hell of a pitcher and he got lucky. Especially with Stella being out.”
I ignore the heat of my sisters glare boring into the side of my face at the mention of Stella. They act like it's my fault she and Jason hooked up and made a little Dagger! Seems like my mom and Raegan are the only women at the table who don’t want me dead.
“St. Claire,” Saffron answers once she’s swallowed her food.
“Great school. Expensive.” my mom acknowledges.
“Very. But the softball program is so much better at Fulton, so that’s a huge plus.” I’m not sure who she’s trying to convince, my mom or herself.
“Madeline, let the girl eat. We don’t have long before the game.” My dad cuts in, sparing Saffie.
“You’re all going?” I’m fishing. My family very rarely misses a game unless the twins are also playing. What I really want to know is if Saffie is coming along.
Raegan leans into me, putting all of her weight into it. “God, you weigh a ton!” She puffs out when she isn’t able to budge me. “Of course, we’re all going. My cousin has never been to a college hockey game. Can you believe that?”
My gaze falls to Saffie’s bent head. I have a hard time thinking of her as Saffron. It sounds way too serious for a college student. “That true? How is that even possible?”
She shrugs, chewing and swallowing before rolling her eyes like I’m slow. “St. Claire’s doesn’t have a hockey team.”
“Is it an all-girls school?”
“No. We just don’t have a hockey team.”
“Your boyfriend play any sports?” I take a bite of my pasta, licking a bit of sauce from my bottom lip. Grinning when I watch her eyes fall to my mouth and watch even after my tongue retreats. Her eyes narrow like she’s just realized she was watching me with something other than dislike.
I cock a brow, “Let me guess, Quarterback? Frat boy?”
Maeve nudges my foot under the table. I ignore her.
“No. Golf. And not a frat boy, but he is Alpha Phi Alpha. The president actually,” she says smugly as if that would shut me up. Put me in my place or impress me. I’m not. Not even close.
“So a huge douche. Not just a normal one. Got it,” I say, shoveling a bite of food in my mouth.
“Levi,” my mom reprimands. “Leave her alone. It’s refreshing to see a girl who doesn’t fall all over herself the second you flash those dimples.” Whose side is she on?
“It’s okay, Mrs. Sexton. He’s not used to it, either. Having to actually try to get my attention is making him act out, I think.” Saff joins forces with my traitor of a mother.
I glance up at my dad, hoping to catch a break there. No dice. He’s enjoying this as much as the rest of the traitors at the table.
With a smirk, I push back from the table and stand. “Oh, you guys thought I was trying? That’s cute.” I chuckle. “Trust me, if I try, she’ll know.” Winking at an ever-glaring Saffie, I kiss my mom on the head, taking my plate to the sink. “See you all tonight,” I call, whistling as I stroll out the front door, knowing that it will kill her that I got in the last word. Damn uppity ice queen. It’ll be so fucking fun making her melt.
Chapter 5
Saffie
I’d rather be a million other places than in line for this hockey game. After the scene at the Sexton’s house, I couldn’t even bow out gracefully without them, and especially him, knowing he had gotten to me. Ugh, he’s such an asshole. Something inside me must love fighting with him. I’m not sure what or why. It’s exhilarating in a way, though. And just like that, I’m pissed at myself for allowing him to affect me in any way at all. I’m not this person. I don’t let guys like Levi get to me. Must be all the stress of the move and transfer. Being away from home and Landon. Landon. Just thinking about him makes me smile. Taking out my phone, I shoot him a quick text while we stand in line, waiting to get into the arena. Knowing he won’t respond during his class, I slip the phone back into my hoodie pocket and shuffle forward with the rest of the crowd.
“Is it always like this?” I ask Raegan, glancing around at the hordes of people slowly making their way toward the entrance.
