Page 54 of SNOB

I also can’t ignore whatever stupid question she’s about to ask. “What?”

“Did we just?—”

“I need to focus on tonight’s game.” After turning the shower off, I move towards the door. “Thanks to you, it’s my first time back.”

“But what about?—”

“Nothing.” With one hand on the door, I push it open. “It was nothing.”

It can never be. And it’s staying that way.

Ember

“This is getting ridiculous,” Hannah says.

“You’re telling me,” I mutter.

She stands in front of me, blocking the entrance to the rink. “You really think we allow your type at our games?” Her hands come to her hips in a grey and gold two-piece outfit. It looks like something from Bring It On. A crop-top and pleated skirt. I didn’t think SBU had cheerleaders. “Cute, but think again, Vermin.”

A crowd starts to form around us in the rink lobby and… this isn’t worth it. I already stand out dressed in whatever I could find. An oversized Saint Bons hoodie from the lost and found paired with my cutoffs.

Hannah eyes my matching beanie, my coils stuffed under it. Everyone else looks ready for a fancy dinner. Suits. Dresses. Hell, even Hannah towers over me in heels. “Go away,” she says, a line forming behind me. Her posse joins her by her side, making a barricade.

I don’t even know why I’m here. Because Mac told me to? Time alone is what I need to process everything. Especially after what happened in that class. I’m still whiplashed by the way he cared for me, then stripped it all away with three words.

“It was nothing.”

Mac’s voice rings in my head and I don’t know why it makes my stomach sink. He’s right. We can’t be anything. Ever. He’s the enemy. Always will be.

“Suit yourself,” I say with a shrug.

“Just a moment.” A smooth voice comes from behind me. Turning around, I’m face-to-face with one of the Crowns. Gray. His hands come to my shoulders, spinning me back to Hannah. “Tough titties, Hannah. She’s with me.”

“As if. First Mac, now you?” Hannah scrunches her nose. “We’re not letting that in here. She’s a criminal.” She leans back as if she’s speaking to her friends but everyone can hear her loud voice. “Hide your gold, ladies! There’s vermin amongst us.”

Whispers erupt around me and this time it isn’t just students. Parents and other Paradise Hill residents add an extra layer of humiliation to Hannah’s protest.

“What are you doing here, anyway?” Hannah turns her glare to Gray. “Shouldn’t you be on the ice? Not trying for an easy lay?”

“Easy lay?” His deep voice comes with the same confidence most people in The Hill have. “You know all about being easy, don’t you, Alfonso?” Gray standing up for me tempers my anger as Hannah’s face reddens.

“Insult me all you want,” she says. “You’re the one that has to deal with the rot between her legs.”

“Fuck you, Hannah,” I spit. “I really don’t need this shit.”

“Don’t.” Gray stops me from walking away. “Mac wants you here.” His arm wraps around me, my shoulders rising as the smell of sweet cologne enters my nose. “So you’ll stay. And Hannah’s jealous ass will deal with it.” He’s nicer than Mac but his words are still threatening.

Hannah blinks. “Why on earth would Mac want her here? She’s nothing but a Valley whore parading around like she belongs. You’ll never belong.”

“Didn’t think I’d have to do this.” Gray leans forward and whispers something in Hannah’s ear before the colour drains from her face. “Sound good?” he asks, stepping back. His confidence oozes off him as effortless as his appearance. A beige collared shirt unbuttoned above his linen slacks reveals every bit of his chiselled abs. It somehow compliments that head of white hair that I can’t tell is natural.

Hannah finally steps out of our way, but not without another comment. “Careful, Gray,” she calls. “You’ll be next.”

“Ignore her,” Gray escorts me through the crowd parting for him. “She’s the OG hater. Great head game though.”

“Ew,” I wince, pushing the image from my mind.

The rink is a different place when it’s packed. The stands are already filled beneath the mural I’ve worked on and a small smile tugs at my face when I look at it. Painting this mural forced me to look at the beauty of Paradise Hill, its features on display. B-I-S-O-N-S sits in the middle in gold while forests, lakes and iconic statues surround it. I’ve included the team medals, even the one the dean accused me of stealing.

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