It’s not that I don’t want to stay with Paislee, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that it’s enough that Paislee has the responsibility of being my guardian. I don’t want to be in her face every day, reminding her of it. Not that she looks at it that way but still. She deserves to not have to be the responsible one all of the time. Me staying in a dorm will afford her that and the freedom to have her own life.
“He’s a good one, so don’t listen to what others say about him or his little brother.”
“There are two of them?” My ears perk up way too much at that tidbit of information.
“Yes, there are two, but the younger brother is a dick.” She just said not to listen to what people say about him! I think my sister’s relationship with this dean is way more than I know.
“What teen boy isn’t?” I say dryly. I won’t be missing the boys at my old school. Everything with them was always about football, but I hear at Kingmakers Prep it’s all about hockey, which I’m also all about.
“They’re mostly assholes who only want to get into your pants.” She glances over at me with a pointed stare as though she’s telling me something I don’t already know.
“I mean, have you seen my ass in these jeans?” I tease. “I’m sure they want in them.” I wiggle my brows at her.
“Well, they can get in line because I’m borrowing them.”
“Really?” Now that has me smiling. She always dresses very conservatively.
Paislee can be uptight and believes things should be done a certain way.
She can be very type A. I am adaptable. There is a list that is only inside her head of how life for her should play out. It can get annoying, but the reality is that structure was what I needed when I was younger. Paislee really stepped in to help my father. It’s part of why I’m not trying to overtake her life.
“I could use a style change.”
“Say more.” I stare at her. She can have lots of my clothes. I have a bag full of the school uniforms I have to wear every day. It sucks because I always enjoy getting dressed up, but that does take time. With a uniform, I’ll be saving money. I’m sure I’ll find another way to spend it. Most likely on my hair or makeup. Not that I wear a ton.
“Just an idea.” Paislee shrugs.
“Please tell me it’s not an idea you came up with because you think I’ll enjoy it.”
“My style is terrible,” she responds, not answering the question.
“Can’t argue with that.”
“Shut up, brat.” Paislee laughs. It’s nice to be back around each other. Between college and then her taking the job here, I haven’t had the time with her that I used to. I miss her.
Paislee drives through the heavy iron gates that open smoothly. Past the gates, a pale stone driveway stretches ahead, lined with oak trees.
Buildings appear in the distance, the biggest one topped with a clock tower that is easy to see even from here. Impressive. Expensive. Kinda eerie also, if I’m being honest.
The air drifting in through the cracked window smells different—of fresh cut grass mixed with a hint of florals. Even the breeze seems slower here, as if it has learned to match the calm of the wealthy.
There’s a fountain ahead. Groups of students cross the lawns, their uniforms neat, their laughter light in the way of people who never have to worry about paying the electric bill. I’m definitely out of my league here, but I’ll adapt. At least I have Georgia.
Right now, I’m searching for the silver lining. People believe I’m stronger than I really am. I’m good at hiding the cracks in my façade… but sometimes a little light might slip through one.
Chapter Two
LUKE
Today, I’m itching to hit someone but haven’t gotten the chance. Coach Ken has warned everyone about baiting me. I don’t need bait. I’m already ready for a fight. Why else would I be playing hockey? You get a free pass to knock the shit out of people. It’s my therapy.
I had my chance yesterday, and I’m still sore. Caleb and I had gone at it. He took a cheap shot at me during practice and opened the window for me to retaliate. If there is ever an opening to hit that asshat, I’m taking it. I can’t stand him for the most part, and the feeling is likely mutual.
He’s a pretty, rich fuckboy. I’m simply a rich asshole. Us being any kind of friends is purely out of being stuck together. The only time we truly get along is when we are on the ice playing against our rivals.
At Kingmakers Prep, they keep us hockey players close. We all sleep in the same wing of the boarding school and share a lot of the same classes. We’re not completely isolated out here. We’re in a small town but not too far from the city.
The locals put up with us. I’m sure it’s because of the money the school brings to the community. The local high school has a decent hockey team that we play twice a year. That shit getsmessy. Lots of dick swinging and a boatload of penalties usually ensue during those games.
