That’s final. I mock him in my mind with an annoying voice.
Are you being serious? I’m waiting for the next text to come through, telling me you’re joking and this was all just a prank.
Dad: That’s not going to happen, Asher. It’s time to grow up.
Rich, coming from you. Hypocrite. You’re telling us to grow up when you’re the one acting like a fucking child.
I’ve never had a problem expressing my thoughts and feelings. Quite the contrary. In my defense, I’ve been holding them back, even if it doesn’t seem like it. But that restraint isthisclose to snapping.
Dad: We’re not having this discussion right now. We can meet when I get back. I’m out of town until Friday, and then Adrianna and I are leaving that night.
Dad: I love you both very much. But disrespect me like that again, and there will be consequences.
I chuck my phone across my bedroom, not having a care in the damn world if it breaks into a million pieces. “Fucking bitch.”
A knock sounds on my door.
“It’s Dean.”
“Don’t come in!” I shout back. “I’m pissed off.”
He opens the door anyway. “Yeah, I figured.” He chuckles.
Playing with my hoodie strings, I yank and tighten them, sealing my hood over my eyes. “Go away.”
“You’re being a brat.” Dean laughs.
Something hits my leg—something he threw at me. I keep my smirk at bay, not letting him see my amusement.
“I’m aware,” I groan, blindly reaching and pulling my throw blanket over me in bed.
“Ash,” he says with annoyance and a hint of disappointment. “Sit the fuck up.”
Begrudgingly, I sit up and loosen the hood enough to see him. He’s smiling, and there’s a gleam in his eye that I can’t quite decipher, but if I’m right … it’s defiance.
“I have an idea.” He pauses and smirks. “You’re going to like it.”
“I’m listening.” I push my hood back and give him my full attention, absolutely hype about this rule-breaking side of Dean.
He smirks. “We’re going to throw a party Friday night after they leave.”
That gives us a few days to get everything put together. It’s perfect.
“You’re right.” I snap my fingers. “I fucking love it.”
Morning skate earlier was great, and I’m feeling so hype for tonight’s game. We’re going to destroy the Pirates, just like we did last time.
On top of it, we have the party tomorrow night, which is going to be the cherry on top of life. Dean and I need a win right now, and we’re going to take it if life won’t willingly hand it to us.
My attention is anywhere but on the class I’m heading to.
“Ash! Wait up!”
Fuck.
I recognize the voice—Sadie Anthony, an annoying blonde puck bunny who throws herself at any player on this team. I made the mistake of hooking up with her one time last year, and I’m still paying the price for it, evidently.
Spinning on my heel on the cobblestone walkway, I sigh. “Yes?”
