I wanted to sayno we’re fucking not,but that wouldn’t be fair. I broke the rules and fell in love with my best friend and roommate. I asked her for a date, and she turned me down. This was the end of our story. There was no more, and I had to let the idea of her go.
Emotion clogged my throat, but I owed it to her to not be upset. I never wanted hurt or worry in her voice. “We’ll always be okay, J.”
I didn’t move when she snuggled against me, even though every part of me wanted to push her off me. Instead, I took in everything. There’d never be a night like this again, the girl of my dreams sleeping on me. Tomorrow, I’d start trying to get over her.
“Dude!”
I woke to my brother’s voice barreling through my bedroom door. He kept turning my lights on and off, creating an annoying disco.
“Knock it the fuck off.”
“Grumpy. I take it you didn’t get any last night.”
My face flushed. The spot next to me was cold and empty. I had no idea when Jordan had snuck out, but she was great at it. Mastered theghostingtactic, just like she did at the hotel. Heartbreak was slower than I thought. I assumed I’d wake up devastated and moody, but the pain was drawn out.
It was the what-ifs that got me.What ifshe said yes and woke up with me? What if she stopped worrying about people leaving her and focused on what she had? What if… no.
She’d made her choice.
I stretched, got out of bed, and followed Price downstairs. Jordan’s back was to us, and she wore tight leggings and an oversized sweatshirt—mine, of course. She either stole it from my room or I’d given it to her at some point.
“Gentlemen,” she said, spinning and putting her hands on her hips. She wore a huge smile, her cheeks red with excitement. “We’re enacting the backup plan.”
“Am I supposed to know what the hell that means?” Price scratched his head, sleep evident on his face.
“The hockey fundraiser tomorrow night. It won’t be at the event hotel anymore; it’s moving to the rink.” Jordan’s eyes lit up. “Preston had the best idea since it’s easier to access with the roads, but we need a lot of help. I wrote out a plan for everyone if you are both okay helping. Damn, I never asked. Price, can you help out?”
“I ain’t got shit to do, girl, so yeah. I can help you. What do you need?”
Jordan laid out the plans, handing us each a to-do list. She went over every detail, from who was shoveling the path to the rink to who would work security. It involved a lot of people, but that was what Jordan didn’t realize. She gave her heart to so many, and everyone was willing to help her.
Pride radiated from my chest the way she took ownership ofthis event. Her professor and mom had rattled her, made her feel less than, but she was going to kick ass. And I’d do whatever I could to help her. As herfriend.
It was all I’d ever be, and while the thought of not being more with her fucking ached in my chest, it was the only way to keep her in my life. Maybe, in time, I’d move on.
“We want it to look like a lot of people are there. I need all the guys to bring dates for the event.” She chewed the tip of her pen as a strand of her hair fell on her face. Her large blue eyes met mine and sparkled with life. “Can you make sure they all bring dates to the rink? We’ll also need to have them sign a waiver about not being an idiot on the ice. We can’t have any injuries.”
“You got it.”
With marching orders, we got to work. Price rallied together his offense line to shovel, the ones who were still in town at least. They’d get started this afternoon. I called Liam first, who was totally on board, then Quentin.
He called Theo and his sister.
The word spread fast with social media. Everyone was snowed in, glued to their phones, so people loved the idea of a live fundraising event. Accounts were made, forms filled out, all while the three of us sat in the living room. Jordan called it HQ. Price was on the phone when Jordan cussed.
“What is it?”
“Decorations. I don’t know the layout of the rink or if they even have tables we can rent or use for the night. I’d like at least eight tables and a podium.” She paced the room, her face thoughtful. “Wish I could break into the rink right now.”
“We can get in.”
“What?” She faced me, hope swirling in her gorgeous eyes. “What do you meanwe can get in?”
“If the weather allows, we can walk to the rink and take a look. I can get us in.”
“Oh my god, you’re my hero. Yes, let’s go. I need a visual on it. Talk to the maintenance manager there.”
“Want to eat something first, then we can go?” I noticed she’d barely touched her food. “I can warm up some waffles for you.”
