“Oh, so you’re doing it?” I don’t think she’s too happy about it.
“If I didn’t, my sister would worry.” She’d think I’m still mopey about our father or God knows what else she’ll make up in her head that she needs to fix for me. It’s easier to just take the position on the Ice Crew. I enjoyed it at my old school, but that was a more low-key school. Hockey here is the same as football in Texas.
I don’t know if it was the dean with influence from my sister or what, but I was given a spot on the team without trying out. She gave them videos, I believe. I’ll likely get shit for it too, but I didn’t tell my sister that. I’ll deal with it.
“I should learn to skate.”
“Oh, now we’re talking.”
“You’re going to teach me?”
“Yep, just like you’re going to help me with all my math work.”
“Deal,” she agrees as we grab all our stuff. “I’ll drive us over; it’s quicker.”
“What in the BMW is this?” I motion to her car.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“It’s a nice shade of blue.”
“It’s obnoxious.”
“It’s a nice car.” I laugh. A very, very nice one. I know this one cost over a hundred grand. BMWs require certain training to be able to work on them. All my knowledge about cars comes from my father. I don’t know everything when it comes to them, but I know a freaking lot.
“My father had it delivered a few days ago.”
“For your birthday?”
“I don’t know. You know how he can be.” She shrugs it off.
Yes, Georgia’s father got the wrong child if he wanted one he could bribe. This gift is his most extravagant yet. It has red flags popping up in my mind, but I keep them to myself. I don’t want her fretting about my thoughts.
“How did I not notice this before?” I ask when we pull up outside of the ice rink that is almost the size of an arena for the NHL.
“It sits on the backside of the school. The school is kind of up on a hill.” She points. I’m aware. I never had a reason to come to this side before when I visited. “That really wasn’t a question, was it?”
“Sure it was,” I say, stepping out of the car. “You don’t have to go in with me if you don’t want to,” I tell her when she side-eyes the building. Those fuckers have really spooked her. “Are you friends with any of the other Ice Crew members?”
Georgia starts laughing at my question.
“Good. I’m the jealous type,” I tease her, bumping my shoulder into hers.
It’s going to be hard to be friendly with a bunch of girls if they’ve had issues with Georgia. I’m sure I’ll have a bigger target on my head. I don’t belong here. I’m not smart enough or rich enough, nor do I turn a blind eye to anyone’s bullshit.
“You always lift my mood, no matter what is going on,” Georgia tells me as we go into a side entrance.
“That might be my favorite compliment I’ve ever gotten.”
“It’s true.” Good, that’s always my goal.
The sound of skates gliding on ice and sticks hitting pucks grows louder as we step into the arena.
“Practice is still going,” she tells me. I nod, watching the hockey team, and I can tell already they’re good, really fucking good. I never realized how fast-paced it could be when the players are actually skilled. The way they maneuver on their skates is incredible.
“Who is who?” I ask, and Georgia starts listing them off, starting with Caleb. Her head swings in one direction and then another.
“A few others aren’t out there, and I don’t know him.” She points toward one of the players as he takes his helmet off, revealing short, wavy hair. “He’s a new recruit. I heard he’s from the West Coast. That’s about all I know of him.” Georgia stares at him, her brows pulled together.
