Page 95 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

Traffic is at a crawl as we approach the arena. We should’ve gotten here sooner. If the dorm wasn’t five miles from the arena, I would’ve parked there and walked.

She picks at a loose thread on her jeans. “Nothing.”

“Nothing?” I repeat, side-eyeing her.

“He’s sweet.”

“And hot,” I point out. “A lethal combination.”

“He’s great in a lot of ways.” She looks down at her lap. “But I dated Tommy for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m over him, but I’m not sure I’m ready to date. I would be okay with it just being a hookup sort of thing, but he said he’s not interested in only doing the casual thing.”

“Oh … wow.”

“I know,” she laughs. “A hot hockey guy whowantsa relationship? A rarity. But I just… I don’t think I can be what he wants.”

The car in front of me moves a smidge, and I crawl along with it.

“From the way he looks at you, it’s obvious you’re already everything he wants. But I love and respect you, so if you’re not ready to date, I won’t pressure you about it.”

“I just…” She studies the pale pink polish on her nails. “I don’t know what I want. But he’s a good guy, and I refuse to string him along.”

I reach over and take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

It hurts to see my best friend so lost. Even though she knows ending her relationship with Tommy was the right thing, she’s still mourning the loss of a years’ long relationship.

It doesn’t help that I moved out right after everything went down.

“Why don’t you come over tomorrow, and we’ll order pizza and watch a movie or something?”

Bertie will be heading home for winter break soon, so I won’t see her until January.

“Are you sure you’re not too busy?”

“For you?” I scoff. “Never.”

Traffic continues to move at a snail’s pace. I have reserved seats, so we’ll be fine, but I prefer to be settled in before the pregame activities start.

Eventually I’m directed to turn and end up parking what feels like a mile from the entrance. At least I wore sneakers.

Bertie and I hustle inside, and I head to the bathroom to pee while she gets snacks.

There’s already a line for the bathroom, but since I started my period yesterday, I have no choice but to wait.

When I finally exit the restroom, Bertie is leaning against the wall nearby with an order of nachos and two soft drinks.

“Let me take those.” I reach for the drinks.

She gladly hands them over, then we start for the stairs that lead down into the arena.

“Rosie!”

At the sound of Bertie’s high-pitched shriek, I jump and spin around. “What?”

“Your jersey saysMrs. Hendricks.”

My stomach dips. “Oh. That.”

“Yes, that!” She clutches my arm so violently I’m lucky I don’t drop the drink I’m holding in that hand. “I didn’t realizethiswas the best part.”

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