“Mine’s at least thirty,” Walsh deadpans.
It’s only been a few days since Rachel and I got back together. My roommates were happy to see her when we walked downstairs together, especially Shelby. Although, given the number of times wecelebratedgetting back together, I think they kinda knew. But when I entered the kitchen and threw Christian my noise-canceling headphones, that probably solidified it.
The five of us shuffle into the booth and wait to see who else joins us. It isn’t long before Georgina arrives, and I introduce her to Rachel. Christian detoured to pick up Shelby, and soon arrives with her and Letti in tow.
The waitress takes our drink orders as Travis and Merrick arrive, sliding a table to join the booth. It probably annoys the staff that we continually do this, but they don’t say anything; hell, they have the Raptors logo plastered beside the front door, and we always make sure to tip well.
“It’s so good seeing you two back together,” Letti gushes.
“Thanks, Letti,” I say, shooting her a smile from the my seat in the booth, my arm resting on Rachel’s waist with complete ease. I look around at my friends and love how most of them match my contentment. Christian and Shelby. Travis and Letti. Seth and Georgina—although, who the fuck knows what’s going on there.
“How are you doing after everything, Merrick? Emma lay down her sword yet, or is she still being that feisty redhead we know and love?”
“Know and detest,” Letti mumbles.
Merrick laughs. “It’s been good—quiet, so I’ll take that.”
Letti scoffs. “I have no idea what you ever saw in that woman. She’s like five foot of pure evil.”
“Sometimes good things come in small packages,” Walsh offers.
“So does anthrax,” Seth mumbles from the seat beside me.
“Live and learn,” Merrick replies as he pulls out his phone when it alerts him to a message.
Travis leans over, brow raised. “Looks like there’s no shortage of options,” he teases.
“Eligible hockey captain,” Walsh adds with a grin. “Plenty of talent draws plenty of talent.”
“The prospects have definitely doubled,” he nods toward me. “Since this one got snatched off the market.”
“You can keep your puck bunnies,” I say, balling up a napkin and tossing it at him.
He catches it, laughing. “I’ll take your cheerleaders too,” he jests.
The waitress takes our long, chaotic order and vanishes into the kitchen. I lean back into the booth. This café is rocking the 1950’s look, complete with an old-fashion jukebox in the corner. This place is popular with the student body, and being just off campus, it’s always busy.
A small bell rings over the door as two students enter the half-full restaurant. Seth tenses, then shifts uncomfortably beside me. The arm resting behind Georgina’s head slips down to his side as he locks his hard gaze on the entrance. The girl who just entered looks at us, her smile faltering as her friend turns to her, worry pinching her face. The girl hesitates, her gaze lingering just a moment longer—then she turns and walks out.
I scan my friends for any reaction, but only Georgina meets my eyes—we’re the only ones who seem to notice. “You okay?” I ask, leaning in and keeping my voice low.
“Fine,” Seth snaps, refusing to even look at me.
His eyes have gone even darker—if that’s possible. Harder, more tortured. He’s sitting inches from me, but now feels miles away. I glance back to where the girl stood, and piece together that must’ve been Abigail because I recognized Julia. Georgina’s happy demeanor drops, and I wonder if she senses the longing. Does she know about Abigail? Surely she must know something, or understand the reason behind Seth and his lack of commitment. Or maybe she’s just as lost as the rest of us.
39
Randy
I’ve been here for over an hour, and my nerves still haven’t settled. Mrs. Summers, or Jo, as she insisted I call her, is lovely. She has been nothing but warm and welcoming. Ray, though. Rachel’s dad. He’s giving me absolutely nothing, and I have no idea if he likes or hates me. I can see he respects my on-field ability. But my off field? I can’t get a read on that, and that’s the part that actually matters. I guess every dad is going to be protective over their daughter. Throw in the fact that she has a child, and that protectiveness is only going to double over his grandson.
I run my fingers around my arm holes to adjust the cotton digging into my biceps. Yep, I’ve gone the collared shirt on this one, breaking out the big guns. Ray is a huge sports fan, so I’m still wondering if I could have gotten away with my team jersey. I’ll use anything to my advantage right now.
“So, what are you studying in college?” Jo asks as she slices into the orange pie in front of her.
“Accounting,” I reply, reaching for my water. Is it hot in here? Maybe it’s the roast—or maybe it’s Ray’s laser-beam glare heating me from across the table.
“Oh, that’s lovely. Always handy to be good with numbers and money,” she says with an overly bright smile, clearly trying to counterbalance Ray’s disinterest. Rachel sits beside me andaccepts the plate from her mother, while Ray and Sam battle it out in a thumb war at the end of the table.
