Page 20 of The Golden Boys

Another reason to hate that dick.

“Damn, Blue. Your finger still busted or something? That was ugly.”

Without turning, I know that voice. When I sigh, it draws a laugh out of him.

“What … do you want, Ruiz?”

“You only call me that when you’re mad, but that’s not possible. I haven’t had the chance to piss you off, seeing as how you’ve been dodging me for months.”

I shoot again and … miss again, mumbling a few choice words under my breath.

“You clearly didn’t get the hint,” I say aloud, dribbling the ball between my legs. The weeds sprouting through the cracks in the cement make this more challenging than it has to be, but I’ve got a good grip. Hopefully, I’ll find my rhythm soon.

“Well, what if I told you I come bearing gifts? Would that change your mind?”

Curious, I almost turn. “Depends on what it is.”

I should’ve just told him to kick rocks, but I’m not myself today for obvious reasons.

“Told my aunt I was stopping by today to talk, and that I needed to soften you up first. So, she made you these.”

Ugh … he knows his aunt Carla’s food is my weakness. Back when we were kids, she used to make all my birthday cakes, because Ricky never forgot when it rolled around.

Deciding to grant his request, I turn to face him, immediately regretting it. One look and I’m reminded why I’ve kept him away.

Out of sight, out of mind.

I’m also reminded why I let him into the house that night a little over a year ago. He’d stopped by to see Hunter, but I was the only one home. It wasn’t unheard of for him to stick around to keep me company, so I still let him in. However, at some point in our otherwise innocent friendship, things between us got … weird.

The brief sibling-like hugs we shared on occasion since elementary school started lasting a little longer. Then there was the‘accidental’kiss when I was fourteen and he was sixteen. Then, theotheraccidental kiss two years later. The next thing I knew, my v-card was in Ricky’s pocket, and after thefirsttime, it happened with him alotof times.

Like … alotof times.

Yep, definitely shouldn’t have turned around.

He’s every bit as attractive as when I first started avoiding him. The shadow of his dark, buzzed hair is freshly lined up, and he’s rocking a low goatee now. It suits him, which makes me uncomfortable to acknowledge.

A fitted tee and dark jeans look as new as the crisp-white sneakers on his feet. That’s not unusual for him, though. He has more than enough cash coming in to afford it. At the thought, the diamond stud in his ear catches the sunlight and the glint snaps me out of the daze.

“Brownies,” he says casually.

I blink a few times before speaking. “Can’t ha—”

“I reminded her about the nut allergy,” he interjects, playfully rolling his eyes. “I don’t forget shit like that.” He expectantly holds a plastic container out for me to take it. I swear he has the memory of an elephant.

“Thank you.”

I don’t hesitate to pop the lid and bite into one, which draws a laugh from him. Next thing I know, my arm drops as the ball once tucked beneath it is stolen and there’s nothing I can do about it, because … brownies.

Links of the chain connecting the wallet in his pocket to his belt loop make a clanking sound when he shoots. Of course, the ball swooshes into the basket on his first try. Freakin’ show off.

“Not‘working’today?” The question leaves my mouth snidely, and he doesn’t miss it.

Another shot sinks into the basket, then he passes a look over his shoulder with a knowing smile. His idea of ‘working’and mine are oceans apart. In fact, it’s the same ocean that caused our breakup, and it will be the same ocean that ensures we’ll never revisit what we had.

“Nah, I’m off today. Pays to know the boss,” he teases, referencing his uncle, Paul.

Ricky’s been‘running errands’for the guy since he was about thirteen. This is right around the time Uncle Paul took Hunter under his wing, once our father proved to be useless. Unfortunately, though, Paul isn’t exactly a stand-up citizen. Some actually argue that he’s at the heart of everything wrong with South Cypress. Well, him and his connections across the city.

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