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“Conor said you’re headed home this weekend?”
“Yeah.” I clear my throat, sneaking another glance at Rylan. Still standing by the guy. Still smiling.
“Not looking forward to it?”
I exhale. Shake my head. But I don’t offer more details.
Both because I don’t feel like talking about it and because I know Harlow’s parents passed away, so complaining about my awful yet alive ones feels insensitive.
And I’m not used to having conversations about anything important with a chick. I don’t have friends who are girls. Another thing Parker ruined.
“Conor told me you spent break telling him to talk to me.”
The abrupt conversation shift captures more of my attention.
“He was listening, huh? It was like having a conversation with a brick wall,” I tell her. “But yeah. I’m happy you guys worked it out.”
“Me too.” Harlow leans closer. “And I’m only mentioning it because I don’t want you to think I’m sticking my nose in your love life for no reason.”
I snort. “What love life?”
Harlow glances in the direction I keep looking. “You like her. Rylan.”
“Sure, I like her,” I say. “She’s my tutor.”
Harlow rolls her eyes. “No, I mean youlikeher. You’re into her.”
“No, I’m not.”
“And you’re mad at me for introducing her and Ryker.”
Ryker. What a dumb name.
And Harlow’s annoyingly perceptive. Neither Hunter nor Conor would have worked that out so quickly.
“I’m not mad at you,” I lie.
I shouldn’t be, at least. No question it’s totally misplaced.
“Ask her on a date,” Harlow advises me.
I scoff. “I don’t do that shit.”
Harlow shakes her head. “Do you hockey players all attend the same commitment-phobe class?”
Probably. It’s called easy pussy. Tying yourself down to one girl when dozens want to fuck you is just dumb decision-making. But I can’t tell Hart’s girl that.
“I’m not interested in a relationship,” I say instead.
“Why not?”
“I’m just not. And…bad experience,” I admit.
Harlow’s expression softens. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. She’s marrying my brother.”
I haven’t told anyone at Holt about my fucked-up romantic past. And it’s worth the impulsive confession just to see Harlow blanche.
