A lump forms in my throat at the mention of my dad, and I shrug. “Good,” I say, feeling the weight of Jack’s stare. I know I started this conversation, but silly me thinking Dad wouldn’t be brought up. “You planning to spend less time in the penalty box this season?” I ask, directing the question at Nate while tugging the neck of my sweater.
“Not a chance.” Nate grins, and I chuckle, shaking my head. I reach for my drink, taking a long sip, and this isn’t as bad as I expected it to be. I’ll never admit it to a soul, though.
I comb my fingers through my curls, lifting them off the back of my neck. It seemed like a great idea when facing the chill outside on the walk over, but now this bar is beginning to feel more like a sauna. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Macy and Chad will want to leave soon, giving me an excuse to leave with them.
Ellie’s leg bumps mine, and she smiles at me. “I’m glad you’re here. Saves me and Sara from being the only ones getting glared at by all the puck bunnies.”
“You’re not making me want to stay,” I say, taking another drink and look around the crowded bar. Sure enough, there’s more than a few people staring at our table.
“What if I said Jack drove, which means we don’t have to walk back to the apartment from here?” Ellie suggests, and it does sound better than walking back in the dark. “He also usually takes Sara and me to get food before dropping us off,” she continues, and I think I can stick it out a little longer.
Still, it feels more like I’ve been thrown to the wolves—literally.
CHAPTER 7
Alondra
Within ten minutes,everything went to shit. When Macy and Chad were at the bar, a girl approached that Chad had been messaging during their short break. Except, they’d continued messaging after he and Macy got back together.
There were text messages from just an hour before we got to the bar, in which where he told the girl he would come see her later. Once she spotted him with Macy, it was game over.
Hoes before bros.
Macy ordered a round of shots after her very public breakup, and friends don’t let friends do breakup shots alone so I took them with her. Ellie felt bad and roped Coop, Nate, and Dylan into also taking a shot, but Sara and Jack stayed sober.
Ellie and I continue taking shots with Macy after the guys switch back to their beers, and I’m a giggling mess as Macy moans about what a terrible lay Chad was. I’m hopeful that after coming face to face with another girl Chad planned on messing around with, this will be the last time they break up.
“He didn’t deserve you,” I say, and she grabs the last shot from the middle of the table, throwing it back with ease.
“He didn’t deserve me,” she repeats, and Ellie gasps, covering her mouth with her hands.
“Isn’t the best way to get over someone to get under someone else?” she asks, and Sara laughs, shaking her head.
“I’m all for living in the moment, but maybe not tonight.”
Macy grins, and I think I agree with Sara. “El, last time we tried that mentality, I ended up kissing Jack,” I say, giggling as I point to the hockey captain sitting across from me. The corners of his mouth tip up into a smile. I feel my face heat as my gaze drops to stare at his pink lips, and I wonder if he’d kiss me again?
“I didn’t say you needed to end up under someone else,” Ellie says, grabbing onto my arm, pulling my attention away from Jack.
“She does,” Macy adds, and I turn too fast to look at her, my vision spinning for a moment.
“I do not! This is not gang up on Alondra night,” I protest, beyond mortified we’re talking about this.
“I volunteer as tribute if you’re looking for someone,” Dylan adds, winking at me, and I can’t deny he’s handsome. All four of them are, but there’s something inviting about Dylan, with his warm brown skin and dark eyes. Maybe it has something to do with his personality, but if I’m going to break my rule about hockey players, I’m afraid the spot is already taken—whether I want to admit it or not.
“You’re against my rule,” I say, a short laugh sputtering from me. I look at each of the annoyingly attractive men sitting at the table with us, shaking my head. “All of you are.”
“What rule?” Nate asks, tilting his head to the side.
“We need more shots,” I say, switching gears, and Ellie beams, sliding out for me to climb out.
“Get another round of lemon ones,” she says, giving me a thumbs up, and I laugh as Coop drags a hand over his face.
I’m halfway to the bar when I realize Jack is following behind me. I turn to look at him, and my feet trip over each other, sending me straight into his firm chest.
Holy buckets.
His large hands land on my waist, helping to steady me, but I don’t take my hands off him. Instead, I reach up to where the silver chain is peeking out from underneath his shirt, and his chest hitches. “Hi,” I say, laughing as I look up at his dreadfully handsome face.
