Page 13 of Puck & Make Up

“No.” Another jab. “Arguments.”

A sigh. “Go on then, kid. And I’ll see you Friday,” he adds begrudgingly.

Damn right he will.

Because, seriously, what else do I have to do?

I keep that thought to myself as I grab my coat and purse from the office, as I delay as long as I dare taking a look through my inventory system, making sure everything’s on track. But as it nears seven-thirty, I know that I need to make my escape before my uncle catches me…

Or before Fox comes in.

If, for some insane reason, hewasserious about meeting me at Maggie’s, he’ll have realized by now that I’m not going to show up.

Which means…

He’ll comehere.

And the last thing I need right now is to have to deal with him in front of my uncle.

In front of half of River’s Bend (the other half being down the street at Haggarty’s).

I zip out the back door, turn for the staircase that leads up to my apartment?—

Yes, I live above Monroe’s.

No, it’s not ideal for avoiding someone who might be looking for me.

I’m working with what I’ve got, okay?

I clutch my purse in my hand, tuck my coat beneath my arm, and run up to the second floor, my gaze swiveling from side to side.

Looking out for a certain giant, bearded, annoying as hell hockey player.

And no, I’m not disappointed when he doesn’t emerge from the shadows as I run.

And I’m certainly not disappointed when I make it upstairs and he’s not standing outside my door, looking to confront me for standing him up.

And I’m absolutely, definitely not disappointed when I unlock the front door, flick on the lights, and find my apartment empty, Fox not having mysteriously found a way to get inside.

Or lessmysteriouslyand more…

Breaking and entering.

But there’s no hockey player.

My apartment’s empty.

And I’m left with…well, not disappointment, but also, perhaps, something that feels a lot like…

Disappointment.

“Dumb,” I whisper, shutting the door behind me.

But…he still might show.

Which is why I lock up, turn off the lights, and sit on my couch in the dark, waiting for him to come and knock on the door until I answer (which I won’t because…don’t back down. Ever.).

But…

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