My sister, however, is rarely short on words. She’s practically bouncing in her seat as she leans in close. “So, is it true?”
I squeeze my eyes shut trying to figure out where she’s going with this. So much has happened since we got back to school,and all I can think about right now is the conversation with our father this morning. But giving in to his demands is hardly something to be excited about. “What?”
“Are you dating Luna Wilder?” The light from the gas fireplace beside us intensifies the curious gleam in her eyes.
“You saw that? No, you know better than to believe rumors.”
Her lower lip pushes out in a disappointed pout. “I saw the pictures. You were wearing her jersey. And you were waiting for her in the tunnel after her game. That’s a total boyfriend move. Or was it photoshopped?”
“No.” Now it makes sense. I consciously avoided the pictures flying around campus. When she puts it out there, it sounds pretty incriminating. “We’re working together on some social media campaigns for the hockey program. There’s a donor who wants to invest big money. But we’re not the only school they’re considering.”
“Oh, that’s why you were at Paws For Thought. I thought for sure it had to be love. You would never volunteer there for fun. I know how you feel about animals.”
That paints a pretty grim picture of me. Even my sister can’t see me doing something kind for animals without an ulterior motive. She’s not wrong, though. I wouldn’t have gone if I hadn’t been voluntold to be there.
“I don’t hate animals, Cece. I’ve just never been interested in having one in my house. But I actually had a good time. Some of the cats were pretty cool.”
“I know. Maybe it was wishful thinking. I was really hoping you’d found someone.” She turns to her boyfriend. “Right, Dev?”
He leans further back in his seat and shakes his head. Everything about him, from the crossed arms to the wide eyes, says, “don’t involve me in this conversation.”
“He agrees with me. And she seems so cool too. You have so much in common. You’re both captains of your hockey teams.And she’s practically famous. I watched a bunch of her videos. So cool what she’s doing for the sport. I love it.”
“That’s all an image. You should know better than to believe things you see on the internet. These influencers. None of it’s real.”
Jazz slides in beside me with a tray of mugs. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, Jazz.” Cece smiles at Cole’s girlfriend. Maybe I should talk to Cole about this. My sister has zero perspective. She’s consumed with love at the moment. I don’t want to burden her with my problems. This was a mistake.
“Fine. What other videos have you got planned with her?” Cece lifts a pink mug with a smiley face on it up to her nose, dragging in a deep inhale. “Running a rummage sale, ooh, no better, bake sale. I’d love to see you covered in flour.”
I fiddle with my mug, running a finger along a tiny crack marring the handle. The rich smell of the coffee isn’t enough to distract me. “I’m not sure. I’ve been kind of avoiding her since the game.”
Cece purses her lips. “Did you leave her alone to deal with the fallout?”
That cuts deep. I didn’t realize all this was going on until JJ informed me. But I should have called her or at least answered her texts. Instead, I’ve been avoiding her so I don’t have to face my own issues. “I guess. I didn’t know at first, though.”
“Ugh. You are so clueless. Call her today. Or text her at least.”
It’s hard to admit when my little sister is right, but she is. “I will. You’re right. I was being a dick.”
Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “He admits I’m right. Dev, can you check my forehead?” She tugs his hand over to place it on her forehead. “Do I have a fever?”
“No, you’re perfect.” My stoic best friend is staring at my sister as if she’s the only person in the world.
I shift in my seat, glancing at my watch. I know what they’re like around each other, and I still agreed to come. Brought it on myself. My chair lets out a screech as I push it back, standing abruptly. They both look up.
“I’ve got to get going.”
Cece opens her mouth like she’s about to protest, but I cut in. “Meeting someone before class.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll see you later,” she says with a smile. “I’m glad you joined us. I’ve missed you, big bro.”
“You too, Sissy. Catch you at practice, Lucy.” I turn to my friend, slapping palms with him, and it feels almost normal. Almost back the way things were before Develia. Can’t even get JJ out of my head when he’s not around. He made up the ridiculous couple name for them, and it stuck. “I’ll pay on the way out.”
They’re absorbed in each other as I pass by on my way out the front door, and I realize I never brought up any of the things I meant to. But now all I can think about is Wilder.
Chapter 13
