Page 8 of Twisted Collide

Normally, I’m not one for crowds, but today or, rather, tonight isn’t just about the crowd, it’s so much worse.

I hate what all this stands for. Don’t get me wrong, I love playing hockey, but I hate that even years later, my father’s voice is still in my ears.This is not the time or place to think about him.

Who am I trying to kid?It is.I’m only here because of him. I can’t even enjoy this win because my father takes up too much of my headspace.

Also, I know winning the Cup is a monumental moment, but how many times do we need to celebrate? This is the fourth party I’ve been dragged to. Can’t I just enjoy my summer break without having to celebrate something that happened almost two months ago?

A harsh sigh escapes my mouth, and I know I can’t stand here forever.

The sharp sound of a woman’s laughter cuts through the air and pulls me from my thoughts. I look over in the direction of the noise to find another one of Hudson Wilde’s groupies. Her shrill cackles make the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

I don’t know how he deals with that bullshit, but this is Hudson we’re talking about. My teammate lives for the pussy. His words, not mine.

A shiver courses its way down my spine at the crass thought.

This is going to be a long night.

I tilt my head in the opposite direction and take in the room, trying to determine which way will be less painful.

Hudson will be harmless but annoying.

To my right, I see Mason Goode speaking to our coach. There’s no appeal to that either. I don’t care to hear about everything we did right, followed by what we fucked up. Coach Robert might be like a father to me, but when it comes to hockey, his lectures can be tedious.They never end.We can win the biggest game of a coach’s career, and the man would still have some feedback.

Scanning the space, I look around for Aiden and Cassidy, but they’re nowhere to be found. Not surprising. They always sneak off to be alone. Too bad because hanging with them would’ve been my preferred option.

My gaze locks with Molly, and she takes me in for a second. Her brow furrows with concern, and she steps in my direction. I quickly turn away.

Nope.Not tonight.

She knows me too well and will read right through my false bravado that everything is all right.

Instead of dealing with my sister, I head to the lesser of all evils.

“Hudson it is,” I mumble under my breath.

As I navigate the loud and boisterous crowd, I try my best not to make eye contact with anyone I pass. Conversation and laughter fill the air, and I know if given an opportunity, any one of myteammates will stop me. I’m not in the mood for celebrating, let alone small talk.

I weave my way through the clusters of people until I make it to the bar, where Hudson is cozied up to a flock of girls vying for his attention. I halt my steps, leaning my back against the bar and crossing my arms over my chest. I’m hoping to make it clear I’m not to be approached.

My presence has Hudson pivoting in my direction and jerking his chin up. “What’s up, man? Glad to see you joining the festivities.”

“Nothing,” I grunt out. A better man would pretend to be happy. Too bad I’m not that man. Hudson stretches his arm out and places it around my shoulders. “Come on, bro, smile.”

When I don’t, he rolls his eyes and laughs loudly. It’s not that I don’t love the guy, but I’m not in the mood for his juvenile antics right now.

“Dude, we just won the Cup. Why do you still look fucking pissed?”

“I’m not fuckingpissed.” I step out from under his arm, giving me the distance I need right now.

This is my fault. I set myself up for this. He didn’t approach me; I went to him. I shouldn’t be an ass to Hudson. It’s not his fault I’m here.

“Could have fooled me.” He turns to look at the blond girl beside him, the one who clearly finds him to be the most entertaining human in the world since she cackles at everything he says. “Don’t you think he looks miserable?”

She bobs her head. “He does.”

“Maybe you can help cheer him up.” He grins at her, waggling his eyebrows.

Great, just great.

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