“You always remember everyone.” I do, but it is a practiced skill I developed over the years. Others might not be aware, but you don’t have to be a jerk to get the things you want.
“There’s Kory,” I say when I spot her in the living room area.
This room might be the parlor, but I’m not sure. The house is beautiful and also massive. It reminds me of a house in The Hamptons. This place is a random home Caleb’s parents own. I know everyone is wealthy, but it’s crazy when you get to see it up close and personal.
We make our way over to Kory, who is standing with Claire and Amanda. Those two are tight with her, and I’m sure they voted for Kory.
“Hi, guys.” I don’t get a chance to say anything before Lana pops up out of nowhere. I’ve gotten the cold shoulder from her since the voting went down.
“No one wants a drink?” she says.
“We’re good,” I tell her because it’s strange she would offer anyone a drink.
“Wasn’t talking to you.” She hits me with a sneer.
“Well, I was talking to you.” Her lips press into a firm line. She’s not used to getting a taste of her own medicine. Lucky for her, I’m more than willing to supply it.
“You don’t want to do this with me,” Lana warns.
“You’re right. I don’t,” I agree. “But I will.”
“Suit yourself,” she says, and her previously annoyed expression transforms back into a bright smile. “You guys seethat Luke and Grant are here?” Lana tells the other girls. My stomach tightens, a thrill coursing through me.
It’s only because I enjoy sparring with Luke. That’s it. He’s a challenge, and not for nothing, he’s always pushing my buttons. I’m not seeking him out. If anything, he’s a stalker. I know he’s not, but still.
“I didn’t see them,” Kory tells her.
“God, I love it when Luke loses his shit on the ice.” Lana licks her lips. “It’s fucking hot.” On that we agree. Though I’d never say that shit out loud. “I heard he was pissed because one of the guys was talking about me.”
“You want to walk around?” I turn my attention to Georgia, not wanting to hear this.
“I bet he’s still all worked up. That’s when he does his best work, if you know what I mean,” I hear Lana say. Her words make my stomach curl.
“Yeah,” Georgia agrees. I’ll circle back to Kory later. I’m honestly not sure what I should tell her. I’d have to admit to breaking into the coach’s office. Both my break-in and them cheating would be hot gossip.
Georgia and I find the kitchen, and I get us both drinks, opening them myself. A few people from classes stop and talk to me. Everyone is still so new, but for the most part, they are fairly nice. It’s the selective few that want to make everyone else miserable to hide their own unhappiness.
That said, a lot of them stand by and let others get away with it. I often find that can be worse. If no one speaks up, that’s how things get out of control. Evil people will be that, but it’s everyone around them that allows it.
Georgia and I sip on our drinks and wander around. I’m checking the place out and not trying to spot Luke. We step out onto the back deck to get some air, having to scoot around a few people and almost getting hit with a ping-pong ball.
“This is a lot.” Georgia lets out a loud breath.
“We can leave if you want.” My eyes sweep over all the people around the pool. That’s when I spot him off to the side with Grant. Luke lifts the beer in his hand and takes a drink, his eyes trained on me.
“No, I’m good. I got this,” Georgia says, her voice filled with more confidence. It might be alcohol-induced. I flick my eyes away from Luke and let them linger on a few others to make it seem as though I’m merely watching everyone. “You know Luke and his friend are staring over here.”
“Grant.” I’ve shared a couple of words with him. He’s new too. Caleb joins them, as do a few other hockey players from the team.
“I think he’s into you.”
“Luke?” I laugh. “He wants to murder me.”
“I meant Grant. I don’t ever understand Luke. You never know what you’ll get from him.”
“Grant isn’t into me.”
“How do you know?” Georgia tucks one of her curls behind her ear.
