Page 140 of Never You

Could’ve seen that one coming.

She never fucking listens.

“Heartbreak or not, you clearly still have your humor.” She flops her body onto my bed, a beaming smile splitting her face.

“And you areclearlydeaf.”

“Nah.” She runs a hand through her thick brown hair. “I just ignore you when you talk bullshit.”

“I hate you.” I throw my body back, landing on the soft pillow with a thud, my eyes wide shut.

“Yeah, well, you can hate me some more after tonight. Come on.” She taps my leg. “We’re going out.”

“What? No.” My eyes shoot back open.

“We’re going to a hockey game.”

“Fuck no!” The last thing I want to do is watch a couple of guys pick a fight on the ice right now. I don’t need anymore reminders how most of them are assholes, thank you very much.

“Come on, grumpy. It will be fun. You can explain all the rules and shit. I promise you can be a cranky little bitch again right after.”

“What game?”

“Hurricanes vs. All Stars.”

“All Stars?” A frown creases my forehead.

“Yeah, it’s a charity game. Major League playing the Hurricanes’ veterans or something. I don’t know. Johnny gave me tickets. He said a game will cheer you up.”

I growl, narrowing my eyes. “Johnny is wrong.”

She gives me a smug grin, then moves her gaze to her hands, innocently playing with her manicured nails. There is nothing innocent about Kayla.

She might be young, but she’s not afraid to play everyone like a fiddle to get exactly what she wants.

“I made a deal with Nana.”

My brow quirks up.

“She’s going to harass you the entire night if you don’t come with me.”

“You’re a bitch,” I say with passion.

The only thing worse than a heartbreak is a heartbreak with my grandmother nagging me the entire night. She’s been leaving me alone so far, respecting my wish to be alone, but if what Kayla is saying is true… she is probably sick of my sulking behavior. As much as I don’t feel like leaving my room, I don’t feel like staying in with Nana in my ear either.

“She’s going to make fried chicken and said she was going to whip up some cocktails.” Kayla smiles.

“Drunk Nana.Yay.” I glare.

“Right! I’m way more fun drunk.”

I purse my lips, staring at my annoying cousin with a scowl on my face. I know what she’s trying to do. I’d probably be doing the same if I were her. My mind isn’t jumping for joy thinking aboutbeing in a crowded rink, but watching a game of hockey does sound like the perfect way to get some fresh air.

“Are you buying me drinks?” I ask, still scowling.

“Are you gonna let me have a beer?”

“Sure.” I shrug.

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