AllFreeNovel
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“Uh, I don’t recall seeing her,” I say, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. I went to high school with Madison Grimes, but I don’t think I’m her favorite person. I know for sure Ryan isn’t. “But it’s pretty crowded inside. She could be anywhere.”
“Thanks, Blake.” She hesitates, biting her bottom lip. It’s slightly plumper than the top one, making them asymmetrical. “You seem … different tonight. Are you sure everything’s okay?”
Her genuine concern catches me off guard. It’s rare to find someone here who isn’t solely interested in my status as team captain. Someone who sees past the bullshit and cares enough to ask about me, not hockey.
I’m struck by this sudden urge to spill everything to her—about my dreams of making it to the NHL, my desire to escape my family’s business legacy, the disappointment of having parents who live forty-five minutes away but never bother to show up to games, and the worst of all, the loneliness I sometimes feel when everyone only sees the confident, smooth-talking exterior.
Where the fuck did that pity party come from?
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I lie, swallowing past the suppressed emotions rising in my throat. “Just a lot on my mind.”
“Understandable,” she says softly, clearly not buying it. “Congratulations on your win.”
“Thanks. Did you go to the game?”
She shakes her head, barely moving her long, dark, wavy hair. “I just got off work.”
“Yeah? Where’s that?”
“The Pub.”
I scrunch my nose in mild distaste. That restaurant is a dive. It would’ve been featured on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares if that show still aired. “They’re still open?”
She lets out a sigh. “For now. Although it was another slow night. They let me go early.” She gestures toward the house. “That’s kind of the reason why I’m here—besides Maddy making me come, of course.”
“Parties aren’t your thing?” I inquire with a hint of amusement. I have this girl pegged as a plain, girl-next-door type. No way will she feel comfortable inside those walls.
True to form, she gives a slight laugh and shakes her head again. “I don’t have much spare time.”
“Then you should definitely take a break and unwind. It’s Saturday night. Nobody studies on a party night.”
She raises an eyebrow and gives a small wave of her hand. “Some of us are actually after our degrees, you know.”
My pupils flare as my lips twitch. Little Miss Studious has bite.
“Oh, was that a diss, Miss…”Well, shit. I may know her first name, but I have no clue about her last.
“Hoyt. Amanda Hoyt.”
“I knew your first name.”
“Sure.” She rolls her eyes in jest. “But back to you thinking I insulted you. I didn’t diss you?—”
“Uh-uh-uh,” I interrupt, wagging my finger back and forth. “I believe you did. But if you must know, I’m pursuing a business degree.”
“Business?” She scrunches her petite nose. Come to think of it, she’s on the shorter side, or maybe just average height, seeming shorter compared to my six-foot-four frame. “I didn’t expect that.”
No surprise there. Why would I need a business degree since I’m bound for the NHL?But it’s not as if I have a choice in majors.
“Yep.” I remain tightlipped, keeping my reasons to myself despite the nagging feeling that urges me to share more. Not happening, my friend. Only immediate family members are privy to my plans. I can’t trust anyone else.
She glances at the house. “Are you heading back inside?”
“Nah, Juliette Heyday’s tracking me down. I think I’ll hide out at home.”
“An ex?” she probes further.
“More like a stalker.”
