Page 130 of Twisted Collide

Hence, us meeting for breakfast before walking around. Duh. But alas, the city never sleeps apparently.

“Let’s grab breakfast at the diner I saw a few blocks away when we arrived last night, and then after, we can walk downtown.”

“Sounds like a good plan. I can always eat.”

Together, we start to walk, Molly leading the way. “How do you like working for the team?” she asks, and I wonder if this is some sort of trick question. Molly seems observant. I’ve noticed her looking at me and her brother a few times, and I can’t help but feel she knows.

I won’t be the one to say anything. It’s not my place, but it still makes me watch my words carefully. “I actually love it. I didn’t know if I would, but I do.”

“Social media marketing? Was that always what you wanted to do?”

“Isn’t it what our whole generation wants to do?” I tease.

The light turns green, and we have to stop walking so we don’t get run over.

Molly turns to face me. “Yep. Well, not me.”

I narrow my eyes at her, wanting to know more. “Have you always wanted to work for your brother?”

“Hey.” She laughs. “I asked my question first.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “True, but I had hoped I could get out of answering.”

“Ahh, there’s a story there.”

“Oh, there’s a story.” I laugh. “I was actually sent here because I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. The Redville Saints was my punishment, believe it or not.”

“And is it a punishment?”

I shake my head as I think about the past few months. “No. It’s not. Honestly, I think it’s probably the best thing that’s everhappened to me. I love the energy of working for the team, and I love the marketing aspects too.”

“Who came up with punishment? I can’t see Robert doing this.”

“My mom.”

“Maybe she was on to something.”

I nod to myself, wondering if maybe she was. Perhaps she didn’t send me away to punish me. Maybe she sent me away because she knew I lacked direction. I mean, I do love this. Creating content. Making people happy. It’s a form of art, down to picking the music, the angles, and the fresh, original, funny content. It’s cool to make engaging videos for something I’m not even that into. Hockey.

“We’re here.” Molly brings me back to the present, and I decide to table all thoughts of my mom for a later time when I can think about it. Right now, I’m in the city, ready to see the sights with a new friend.

56

JOSIE

It’s beena crazy three days since I returned from New York. I’ve barely had a moment to think. I’m creating a new TikTok campaign, so I’ve been running around the whole city interviewing fans and asking them what they love most about hockey. It’s been amazing. The only downside is that I’ve been too busy to call Dane.

I figure he must be insane with his own stuff because he hasn’t reached out either, so I decide to drop by his place before I head home to say hi.

I lift my hand and bang on the door, then follow by hitting the doorbell.

Maybe I should have called first?

That probably would have been the smart move, but I’m impulsive.

My fingers tap a rhythm on the wood as I wait for him to answer the door.

He might not even be here.

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