She would love Sammy. My other work wife in Boston. They’re the only people who have always made me feel like I can be completely myself. A type of friendship that would survive any distance or time.
“Okay, good. Back to the pretentious billionaire.”
I bark out a laugh. “Been Googling my brother, huh?”
Via doesn’t even try to deny it. “Had to fuel my hate somehow.”
“Are you sure it’s hate?”
“Shut up. Don’t even try that shit with me.”
“Why? Because you know I’m right?”
Via wrinkles her nose as if she smells something foul. “Ew. You’re such an ass and so wrong, it’s not even funny.”
“Whatever you say,” I say, winking at her.
“Started drinking without me?” Aaron’s voice startles us both.
I glance behind me to see Aaron standing there in his perfectly pressed suit and peacoat.
“You’re late,” I murmur.
“No, I’m not. The game hasn’t started,” Aaron retorts, clearly on edge.
The tension between us is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. When our parents left and I moved back into the penthouse, things became extremely awkward between us. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it since he’s never there. Is it deliberate because he can’t stand to be around me, or is he truly busy with work?
Ignoring the whispers in my head is difficult. I constantly worry that Aaron has had enough of me. That he might only tolerate me out of guilt is hard to ignore at times. It makes my anxiety even more vicious.
And Via is now silent, sitting beside me like a statue, which only makes things more unbearable.
I wish Tristan were here. He would know how to distract all of us and lift the mood.
“A text would have been nice,” I say softly, turning back to smile at Aaron.
Can’t help yourself, can you, Zoe? Just shut up and drink your beer.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t ignoring you. Just got caught up—” I don’t let Aaron finish his sentence.
“With work? Yeah, figured. It’s okay, you’re here now. Grab a drink.”
Last stab, I promise myself.
Players from the opposing team spill out onto the ice, instantly making my stomach flip. My anxiety spikes just at the thought of seeing Dominik soon.
I’ve done this before. A normal game. In the team’s hometown. Nothing out of the ordinary. So there is no reason for me to be this nervous.
But something feels different tonight. I can’t put my finger on it.
Maybe it’s you.
Aaron sits down next to me a few minutes later, no drink in his hand. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
He shrugs, looking a little bored. “I don’t know. You’ve got an attitude tonight.”
I try to school my features before turning to face him. “Excuse me?”
