Page 72 of Hockey Boy
“Shut it,” I tell him, itching to swipe the phone off the couch cushion and check the message.
“Things are going well?”
“We’re moving in together, so I’d say so.”
Fitz tosses his head back and laughs. “I heard that was a Beckett Langfield special.”
War frowns. “What does that mean?”
“My brother thinks he’s a matchmaker. Though this time, I’m not sure he’s the one to blame. He was looking for a place for Jasper. Gavin was the one who offered up Lennox’s apartment.”
War chuckles. “Your brothers are crazy.”
“Certifiable,” Fitz agrees.
I shoot them a smirk. “You all just want to be us.”
War shrugs, his expression sobering. “Truthfully, you’re lucky.”
He means it. War’s story is tragic, and it’s shaped him into who he is now.
“Don’t worry, War. You’re not getting rid of us. And if you’re interested, I’d be happy to convince Beck to match you next.”
War scoffs. “No thanks.”
I turn to Fitz. “You?”
He rolls his eyes and laughs. “Yeah, that’ll be the day.”
I’m practically bouncing in anticipation. I forced myself to wait until we’d gotten everything out of the apartment before checking my phone. We loaded several suitcases, mostly with my things, but we grabbed some random things too, knowing she’ll spend hours looking, not knowing what I actually took.
I’m not normally a petty person, but I found indescribable joy in the revenge I exacted today.
As I settle in the back seat of War’s truck, I pull out my phone and finally unlock it.
Lennox: Hey, I can’t do dinner tonight after all. But I’ll leave a key with Gavin and Millie so you can get your stuff moved in. I’ll see you when I get home.
My mood instantly sours, and my whole body deflates. I was really looking forward to seeing her.
Me: Okay, see you then. How did your lunch meeting go? Did Ryder agree to do the wedding?
Lennox: Still working on it. Meeting him for dinner because he couldn’t make lunch.
My stomach knots painfully. Of course the fucker missed lunch.
Me: That’s convenient. Remind him you have a boyfriend, yeah?
Lennox: Aiden.
Me: Yes, that’s your boyfriend’s name. Make sure you use it tonight.
Lennox: Sounds like you’re jealous. Which would be how a real boyfriend with real feelings would act.
Annoyance flares inside me, heating my blood.
Me: I’m fine. I just don’t like people jerking you around. Both he and your father are taking advantage of you, and I don’t like it.
Three gray dots bounce on my screen, signaling that Lennox is typing. They disappear, then start again. A heartbeat after they disappear for a second time, my phone rings.Princessflashes across the screen, but I ignore thecall. If I speak to her right now, there’s a good chance that I’ll say something I regret.