Stay in my bed tonight, Drew. It’s been days, and I actually think I might be dying from withdrawals.
Drew
Withdrawals from what?
Me
You know they say death from a broken heart is actually a thing, right?
Drew
I can’t come over. Besides, I have to be in the office first thing tomorrow morning.
Me
Colton’s letting you come back to work?!
Drew
No, the opposite. I think I’m getting fired, which I absolutely deserve. He wants me to bring my office keys and laptop with me.
Sitting in Riley’s Bar, Silas and Mason raise a beer to celebrate our first win against the Scorpions. Meanwhile, my heart sinks to the bottom of the soda I haven’t touched.
Me
If Colton lets you go, he’s making the biggest mistake.
Drew
I breached my contract, Will, and the internet is calling for me to do the professional thing and quit. One way or another, I’ll be officially jobless tomorrow.
If it wasn’t for Vesper moving in with me and paying half the rent, I’d probably go back home. Marley offered for me to move to Vancouver and start over.
Me
What are you going to tell her?
Drew
I don’t know. The whole city seems to hate me right now, especially the Rogues fans. Lydia has inherited all my clients who haven’t already pulled away from First Line. Colton doesn’t deserve for his company to be dragged anymore. And I don’t feel welcome in my hometown.
“Come on now, guys. I know my goal was wild, but let’s not make it the only topic for tonight’s conversation.” Tristan slides into the booth next to Mason, who rolls his eyes at his teammate.
Phone out in front of me, I start typing a reply to Drew.
“Careful what you say, rook.” Tristan’s annoying voice floats across the table. “These hackers could be anywhere, waiting for your next PR scandal.”
I drop my phone to the table with a thud, and from beside me, Silas rests a firm hand on my shoulder.
“Drop it, Tris,” Mason pleads in a maniacal voice.
Tristan just shrugs. “I’m wondering how many more lives Will Jones is going to get before the hockey world wakes up and realizes that he doesn’t have the same talent as his dad.” Heleans toward me, and I can feel my lips as they tremble with rage. “Or how many off-limits women he’s going to screw over before the entire female population catches on to his fuckery.”
I’m instantly on my feet and standing in front of Tristan. He gazes up at me, cocky smirk reveling in my misfortune. More importantly, in my girl’s.
“Fucking around with my career is one thing. Messing with Drew’s reputation is a one-way ticket to hell.”
He blows out a laugh, and I lose it, grabbing his gray sweater by the neck and hauling him to his feet.
