I’m not the committed, vulnerable, attached type. And even if I were, even if he meant everything he said, it would never work out between us. Even if Aaron forgives us for initiating something physical, I will eventually destroy it.
Because I break everything.
And then Aaron will hate Dominik. They will never talk again, and it will be my fault. I can’t do that to my brother for my own selfish needs. Which means I am left with two options as I sit here, trying to focus on the game as the puck is about to drop.
Walk away, stop having sex with him, and keep things somewhat professional. Turn off my emotions, swallow them whole, and pretend like they don’t exist. I’m really good at that.
Focus, Zoe. Now is not the time to sort through your daddy issues.
Right now, Dominik needs to step aside so I can figure out what’s going on with Via and Aaron. Looking over my shoulder, I don’t spot either of them. I decide to send both of them a text right as the buzzer goes off.
And the game begins.
“Is theresomething you want to tell me, Zozo?” Aaron asks, keeping his voice low.
Via seems to have super hearing as she snickers. Aaron turns his head sharply, shooting daggers at her. I wish I could shake them both and tell them to stop.
They got back in the middle of the first period at the same time. They sat down, and neither of them said a single word for a long time. It just made me even more suspicious.
“Okay, that’s it. You two need to spill right the fuck now,” I demand. Looking at both of them as they stare off, pretending like they’re paying attention to the game.
“There is nothing to say.” Aaron pulls out his phone, and I instantly snatch it from his fingers.
I haven’t had a chance to enjoy the game because I’m worried these two idiots are on the brink of a violent confrontation in front of all of New York City.
“I’m not in the mood, Zoe. Quit acting like this and give me back my phone.”
“Me? What about you two? You’re both being children and ruining the entire night for me. One of you needs to talk.”
“We just mutually hate one another,” Via exclaims and claps suddenly, hollering after number nine as if she’s been following the game this entire time.
I want to smash my head against a wall.
“Aaron?” I turn toward my brother, who is avoiding eye contact.
I was wrong. It’s me who’s going to start a violent battle right here. Why the hell did I think tonight would be a fun outing with my new friend and my brother? Maybe if I had known they hated each other this much, I wouldn’t have asked my brother to come. I know he’d rather be at work right now anyway.
Aaron finally looks at me, grabs his phone back, and tucks it away. “How is everything going with you and Dom? I haven’t received an update in a long time.” I’m vibrating with rage.
“I swear to Lucifer,” I growl.
You can’t kill him here. You won’t survive in jail.
“Are you seriously going to ignore my question?”
“Yes.” Aaron looks me dead in the eyes, matching my frustration, but in the most controlled way. He’s a fucking lunatic.
“See, he is such an ass… You can’t blame me for loathing his existence.”
Aaron’s jaw twitches, and he closes his eyes, taking a labored breath. “You know what? I’m going to catch the next game with youalone. This woman is infuriating. I can’t sit here for another second.”
I’m stunned. My brother is standing up again and grabbing his coat. He’s actually about to leave.
“Are you serious? You’re ditching me again?”
I try not to sound defeated, but I can’t help it. I had hope for tonight. I wanted to smooth things out between Aaron and me. However, every interaction with him seems to make things worse.
I watch him smooth down his coat collar and glance back at the players shooting across the ice. His dusty blonde hair shines under the fluorescent lights.
