Page 24 of Love on the Ice
Grabbing a pair of knockoff Uggs, I slide my feet inside and let out a sigh at the warmth. I don’t wear them too often because it doesn't get extremely cold here, except for a few weeks before it’s back to warm.
Reaching for my belt bag on the bed, I slip it on over me and adjust it in the mirror before I turn away from my reflection and head out for the living room, where we’re all going to meet before we head out together.
I haven’t talked to anyone much recently. I’ve kept to myself, choosing to stay in my room and search for a job. I’ve applied at so many places that I feel like I’m seeing stars. I’ve lost count, and at this point, I can’t even remember the name of one place I’ve sent my résumé, let alone all of them.
Brooklynn’s eyes find mine as soon as I step off the last step of the stairs. She gives me a big smile, and I can’t help the slice of guilt that burns through my belly. She’s beautiful, and I see them in my head—the sight of them in the driveway, the way they looked at one another, the smiles.
But then why did he come to my room?
Did he think I was Brooklynn?
No. Shaking my head, I replay everything that happened, and I remember him saying my name. He knew it was me, which makes this confusing all over again. I don’t know what to do or think.
“You ready?” Sky asks.
Nodding, I give them the best smile I can, and thankfully, nobody asks me any questions. After everything that happened, not just Reid but my professor, too, I don’t want to answer any questions. I don’t want to think about anything. I just want to go to a hockey game and have fun. I need the distraction.
We all climb into Ayden’s car and head straight for the arena. We have our tickets, we have our jerseys, and we have our signs. I chose not to make one. Instead, I laughed at everyone else’s. They had a great time writing fun and sexy, even flirty, messages on them in hopes that the guys would see them and laugh.
I just didn’t have the wherewithal to actually think of something clever, let alone the nerve to write it. I feel like I’m nothing more than a wet blanket, another reason why Reid probably would do better with Brooklynn as his girlfriend.
I’m boring.
Flat out, one-hundred-percent snoozefest boring.
It doesn’t take us long to reach the arena. Willow Creek is technically in a different town but only twenty minutes away from Raleigh and the arena. It’s really the best of the two worlds. We’re close enough that we can go into the city any time we want, yet far enough away that we can enjoy the smaller town life.
“Okay,” Sky calls out. “Before we go inside.”
There is a moment of silence that doesn’t lift. It stays almost heavy, and I lift my gaze, flicking my attention from woman to woman. “What?” I finally ask, breaking the silence.
It’s Brooklynn who speaks first. “We’ve been worried about you. We all know that asshole was wrong, and what he did was traumatizing. We just want you to be okay.”
Tears prick my eyes. They don’t fall, though. There’s no reason for it. I’m safe. I know I am, and thanks to my friends, I will get through it and come out on the other side. I always do with them by my side.
Plastering on as much of a smile as I can muster, I let out a heavy sigh.
“I’m going to be okay. Once I have a job and feel a bit more stable, I’m going to feel better.”
Brooklynn laughs, and everyone swings their attention to her. But she doesn’t give anyone but me her attention. She leans over, her eyes wide and her smile huge. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy before. I pause, my brows snapping together, wondering what she’s going to say.
What if she tells me that she’s head over heels in love with Reid? I think I might burst into tears right here and now. I don’t think I could hear that today. I’m honestly trying to be happy and have fun, but that might pop what little balloon I have.
“You mean,” she begins, “once Reid sneaks back into your room and makes you come again.”
A collective hush descends over the car. I can feel every single one of my friends’ eyes focused on me and only me. I can also feel my eyes widening as Brooklynn’s words sink into my head. She knows. And she’s not mad.
I’m so confused.
“You know?” I whisper.
“I know, and it’s hot. The way he went after that professor. I thought he was going to kill him.”
I open my mouth to ask for more details, but Sky doesn’t allow us. Her back straightens, and then she nods her head, her eyes wide, her eyes bright.
“Lorelai calls dibs on the hottie, Reid, and that’s that. Now, let’s go inside and get some beers, some food, and some hot guys in pads.”
Dibs on the hottie.