Page 171 of Unleashed

Hadley shakes her head in disbelief. “Hell, no.”

“Um, is it Rhonda?”

Rhonda’s face falls and reddens. Annoyed, I say, “Okay, Sylvie. Stop. No one cares.”

“It has to be me,” Sylvie declares.

Ricky stops near her and asks, “You for what?”

“I was asking who Rod is in love with. Who do you think?”

His frown almost makes me laugh. “Is that a real question and why does it require an actual answer?”

“Tansy,” Sylvie states. For fuck’s sake.

I scowl while Ricky and Hadley make similar faces. Hadley says, “No way.”

Sylvie points with her chin. “No. She’s here.”

I turn to see the blue-haired troll walking with Greg, who’s wearing the black Shinedown shirt he wore fresh from the shower last night. It’s almost like a beacon for me. Patrice stops next to Sylvie as we all gawk at Greg and Trashy. Shaking her head, Patrice clicks her tongue. “I heard those two just got engaged.” What the hell?

I blurt, “They did not.” Greg and I weren’t even engaged unless you count our trip to the courthouse. He didn’t propose with a ring or ask the question.

She puts her finger on her chin. “Oh, wait a minute. He’s married to you. Then why is he messing around with Smurfette? I saw him kiss her by his car.” No way.

Finn says, “Okay, team. We’ll get started in a few minutes. Simone, a word?”

I direct my sourpuss pout to everyone in my immediate vicinity as I go to my brother. I look up at him and adjust my stupid hat. “What?”

He glances around us and lowers his voice. “Are you okay?”

“Why?”

Finn frowns. “Your dad was here for a week.”

“He’s not my dad, and we already discussed this.”

“Let’s get the equipment.”

“I don’t want to. Take your wife.”

Finn looks behind me and then at my face. “Is Rodwell still at your apartment?”

“For today.”

“How are things going with him?”

I stare at my brother. “Why do you care? You hate him.”

“Hate is a strong word. I need something stronger.” I turn to leave and he grabs my arm. “I’m kidding. Damn. I’m only checking in with you. I’m sorry about your father. He may be your full-blood relative while I’m only half, but remember that I love you more.”

My eyes burn and I nod, muttering, “Thanks. I love you more too, Finnigan.”

Finn puts his arm around my shoulders and hugs me. He whispers, “You’re so strong, Simone. You don’t always have to be.”

I squeeze him and then let go. Without looking at my brother, I say. “I need some water.” I’m not strong. I’m just good at hiding shit.

I go to the dugout and by the bleachers I notice Greg walking this way, but Sylvie follows him. “There you are, Rod. I’m curious about something.”

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