Page 88 of Rinkmates

Derek leans into my space, his hand cupping my ear as he whispers, “It’s legendary. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.”

Riley shoots Derek a stern look. “We’re. Not. Going.”

I look up at Riley. “Why not?”

Riley hesitates for a moment, his gaze locking with mine. “It’s just…I mean, we talked about taking it easy this weekend,” he began, his voice trailing off slightly. “This isn’t just like any party it’s—we could just chill at home?”

“And how often does a secret party like this come around?” I counter, already knowing the answer. “I like parties.”

“Not parties like this,” he says through clenched teeth as he tries to tell me something. But I don’t get it. It would be a nice distraction.

Derek chimes in. “Come on, Riley. It’s tradition.” Derek’s grin widens.

Riley glances around at his teammates, who watch our conversation with amused interest. He lets out a sigh, conceding defeat with a lopsided grin.

“Come on,” I say. I think a party would be perfect to forget all the stress.

“Fine. But we’re making it an early night.”

“Deal,” I agree. “Can I bring Priya?”

“You don’t want to. Trust me,” Riley says. “It’s nothing she’d like. Now let’s get some food.”

He vanishes to get dressed and I try to get some answers about the party from Derek, but he says he’s not allowed to talk about it. What happens there, stays there.

When Riley comes back, I try my luck with him, but all he says is, “You wanted to go. So, I’ll treat you just like any other guest. But you can still back out, of course.”

“I won’t.”

“Well then, smarty pants, I’m here for the moment you say I was right, and you regret it.”

He takes my hand like it’s the most natural thing in the world and walks out with me, never letting go even when we’re in a deserted corridor where no one can see us. That’s when my phone buzzes, and seeing the name makes my heart race with excitement.

“Um, just a second, okay?” I hide the phone screen from him, noticing his curious glance. “I need to take this call.”

“Everything okay?” he asks as I step away, trying to keep my smile under control.

“Yeah, just family.”

As soon as I’m out of earshot, my heart leaps with joy as I answer the call.

Riley’s gazebores into me from across the table, his brow furrowed with concern.

“That’s all you’re having?” he asks, his voice gentle yet probing.

I shrug, poking at a cherry tomato with my fork. “I’m not that hungry.”

“Lia, you need to eat more than just a salad. You’ve been training hard, you need the energy.”

“I’m fine, really.” I force a smile, but it feels strained on my lips.

Riley leans forward, his whiskey eyes searching mine. “Is everything okay? You seem…off a little.”

I avert my gaze, focusing on spearing a piece of lettuce.

How could I tell him that Grace’s words had burrowed under my skin like parasites, feeding on my insecurities? That every bite feels like a step closer to losing everything I’ve worked so hard for? What are some shitty days when I can live a happy life after, right? I’ve been cutting the calories for two weeks now and I’m glad it shows. It’s just for now. I’ll be fine. No one said media business is easy.

“I’m just stressed about the competition, that’s all,” I say, shoving the lettuce into my mouth. It tastes like cardboard on my tongue.

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