Page 111 of Rinkmates

I’m just glad Riley doesn’t care about making his father happy. Screw him and his oppressive ways. I mean, even our minds need a break from the constant pressure of sports. We can’t always be perfect robots following every rule. Thank goodness Riley found a way to escape this man’s clutches, even though he gives it his all to keep that leash around his son’s neck. And in some way, I think he managed just that.

But Riley’s gotta cut that last cord and let go of that deadbeat in his heart.

His father is like a parasite, holding him back from being the man he wants to be. And even though he’s doing everything right, just a tiny flicker of Daddy’s dearest hold is still squeezing him tight, threatening to drag him down with all that toxic shit. I’ve seen where Riley comes from—nothing but a messed-up childhood with only his sister to rely on. But it’s time for him to break free and rise above it all. That’s what families are supposed to do, right? Lift you up instead of bringing you down.

Sitting at the lavish dinner table, surrounded by perfect manners and low-fat cuisine, I can’t help but notice the tension between Eleanor and Henry. She babbles on about selling houses, trying to fill the awkward silence left by his constant interruptions. And then there’s Rosalie, the glue that holds this dysfunctional family together. The only one they all seem to truly love. But as I continue to bite my tongue, feeling like an outsider, I watch how she plays her role. Always vying for attention, deflecting their scrutiny from Riley.

It’s like she’s been protecting him her entire life. And maybe she has.

The waiter sets down a fancy chia pudding with exotic fruits I can’t even pronounce, and Henry clears his throat, turning to me.

“Do you still keep in touch with Sandford Hayes?” he asks, causing my spoon to clatter against my plate.

What did he say?

Eleanor gasps in shock at the noise I caused, while Rosalie stops scrolling through her phone and gives me a concerned look.

But I can’t hear their voices or even feel Riley’s hand on mine.

All I can focus on is the name that has sent me spiraling into panic, that made my whole body shiver, my throat dry—Sandy.

My body tenses up even more and sweat beads form on my forehead.

Breathe, I remind myself.Just breathe.

With trembling hands, I stir the pudding around in an attempt to distract myself. “No, Mr. Huntington,” I manage to say in a forced calm tone. “I haven’t seen my former coach since I left the Olympics.”

Sandy. Don’t think of him. Breathe. Breathe!

“Sandford reached out to me,” Henry reveals, and I look up at Riley’s father with pleading eyes.

Stop saying his name. Please. Stop.

Thirty-four

RILEY

Iwatch as Liora’s body stiffens, fear etched across her face.

I know that look all too well—the feeling of being completely out of place in this house. But now, it’s more than just discomfort. It’s an overwhelming sense of protectiveness that washes over me. I wrap my arm around her chair, trying to offer some comfort while she absently pushes the pudding around her plate.

My father’s gaze is fixed on her. “Did you know I’m friends with him?”

She startles, shaking her head. “No, sir. I didn’t.”

“Dad, can we please not—”

“He told me you quit because of some petty heartbreak. Is that true?” my father continues, disapproval written all over his face.

I hate this man so much.

My chest tightens at the thought of Liora giving up her dream because of a breakup. It couldn’t be true. Before I can say anything, Liora shifts in her seat and speaks up. “I’d rather not talk about it, if that’s okay.”

I catch Rosalie’s concerned glance and she mouths to me,Get her out.

Without hesitation, I stand up. “I’m so sorry, Mom, Dad, but it’s getting late and Liora and I have a big day tomorrow before the gala. Thank you for dinner, good night!”

I help Liora up and as we make our way out of the dining room, I hear Rosalie launching into a story about receiving a standing ovation from New York’s mayor last week.

---