Page 95 of These Pucking Boys

“Why?”

“First of all, to show your support, and second of all, to mark your territory. There are so many girls who would do anything to be in your shoes,” Maya replies.

“For real. The ice girls for instance.” Fiona wrinkles her nose. “A bunch of whores just waiting for the opportunity to get in bed with a player regardless of their relationship status.”

I don’t like how this conversation turned into woman-on-woman bashing. Surely not all women who work for the team are interested in hooking up with a player.

“If my presence is needed all the time to prevent a boyfriend from cheating, then that relationship is not worth keeping.”

“Shit. Sorry, June,” Maya apologizes. “I forgot about your cheating ex.”

I wait for the reminder of Bill’s infidelity to hit me like a ton of bricks. But I feel nothing but annoyance at myself that he fooled me for so long.

“That’s okay. I forgot about him too.” I smile.

“You’re right to keep Jake in the friend zone,” Fiona adds. “He and his buddy Ryan can’t be trusted.”

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat. Fiona’s comment was shitty, but I can’t fault her for it. I don’t know the guys, so perhaps she’s not wrong. Maybe I’m just getting all their attention because I’m a shiny new toy. Once the novelty wears off, they’ll move on, leaving me more broken than when they found me.

Despite the new dark cloud hanging over my head thanks to Fiona’s comment, I still need to know how Ryan is doing. He didn’t return to the game, which means, his injury must be serious. When the girls are distracted gossiping about someone I don’t know, I text Melissa.

Do you have news about Ryan?

Mercifully, it doesn’t take long for her to reply.

They don’t want to make an official statement yet, so I can’t give you details. But he’s okay.

I let out a breath of relief, then decide to be bold and text him. I mean, he ate cake off my pussy last night. I don’t expect him to get back to me until later, though.

Hey, I hope you’re doing okay. That was tough to watch.

I’m about to put my phone away, when it pings with his reply, making me giddy beyond measure.

“Who put that smile on your face, June?” Fiona asks, stretching her neck to try to read what’s on my screen.

God, why is she so nosey?

I put the phone away, lest she sees Ryan’s reply. I can’t let any of the WAGs suspect I’m involved with three players. With the way there were bad-mouthing the girls that clean up the ice during the breaks, I’m pretty sure they’ll call me a whore if they find out.

“No one.” I get up from my seat. “I need to use the restroom.”

“I can come with you if you want?” Maya offers.

Shit. I don’t need to pee. I just want privacy to read Ryan’s message for crying out loud. “Oh no. If you don’t need to go, stay and watch the game.”

She frowns. “Are you sure?”

“Gee, Maya. June is a big girl,” Wendy retorts.

Ignoring the queen bee, I reply to Maya, “Yes. I’m sure.”

I get out of the row and up the steps as fast as I can before Maya decides to follow me. I pull my phone from my purse only when I find a quiet spot.

I’m good, Peaches. Thanks for checking on me.

I was so worried.

I’m happy you were.

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