Page 134 of Breakaway Hearts

I ask innocuous questions about her classes and the game, which she lets me, then Owen gives her a look.

“I don’t want to keep you,” she assures me. “Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I am now,” I choose honesty. “Do you want a ride?” I offer, hoping she says yes.

“No, that’s okay.”

“You’re on the way, Tab, it’s not a bother,” Owen adds.

“Claudia’s waiting for me,” she says of her roommate. “She came tonight, since I thought I’d be alone, so we’ll walk home together, and I might convince her to go to Ivy?” She looks questioningly at Owen, since they don’t always party at the hockey house, especially not if they didn’t win.

“Not sure there’ll be a gang, but you’re always welcome,” he tells her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asks me.

“See you then.” I force a smile and watch her walk away.

“As I was saying,” Owen starts again. “I know tonight you probably want⁠—”

“Never mind, can I take the ride?” Tab comes back, phone in hand, and I laugh, though it sounds foreign to me.

“What was that about?” Owen asks her, already opening the door so she can climb into the back seat.

“Apparently, I was taking too long, so she’s gone to party with the enemy.”

“The opposing team?” I ask, my blood going cold as I pray Tab has legitimate enemies here. Girls, preferably. I’m way better at mean girls than the alternative.

“No loyalty, that one,” Tab agrees.

“Which player?” I demand, probably more aggressively than I should, so Owen stops trying to usher me into the passenger seat.

“No clue.” Tab’s features show concern. “She thought #8 was sexy, but I don’t know who actually invited⁠—”

“I have to go there.”

I try to control the tears and shakiness in my voice, even as my hands are shaking.

“The hotel?” Tab looks to her brother, but he doesn’t know what’s going on either.

“Can you drop me off? Or I can take an uber. It’s the one on Lakeside, right? That’s where the visiting team stays?”

I think I’m hiding it well. The terror. If I hadn’t had the panic attack earlier, I doubt they’d know. Thankfully, my anger seems to be a deterrent for now.

“I’ll come with you,” Owen says, like there’s no way in hell he’d let me go alone. “Tab, I’ll drop⁠—”

“I’m coming,” she argues.

I swallow but don’t discourage her. She might have Find my Phone. And Owen will keep her safe.

It feels like he’s driving at a snail’s pace, but every time I look, he’s going ten miles over the limit. Neither of them asks any questions, which is good, because right now I’m pissed, but if I talk, I’ll cry. I’m also fucking terrified. Unknown predators on campus don’t scare me, I’ve learned how to defend myself, or at least get enough for DNA evidence, but Freddy…

As long as I don’t have a panic attack when I see him, I’ll be fine.

I keep telling myself that as we drive. I’ll be fine. But I’m worried about Claudia. About every other girl who falls for it.

“Room 812,” Tab shares when we pull into the parking lot. I’m not sure if Owen glares at her for finding it out or because she doesn’t stay in the car. “I asked if I could come, and she said the more the merrier.”

I scoff and want to throw up, but I take deep breaths and walk into the hotel like I own the place.