Page 5 of Hard to Break

Since he found out about me and Brooke, our relationship has been rocky. We agreed to put the worst of it aside to finish out the season, but it’s no sure thing that he’d have my back now.

James looks around the faces at the table. I always pictured him as a rich kid who grew up with expensive tastes and a craving for the spotlight. More often than not, guys like that are the ones who decide our fates.

I can see the moment he realizes he’s outnumbered.

“Draft the release,” he barks to Chloe. “It was a misunderstanding. The parties were known to one other. It has been settled, and Garrett has since apologized for his role.”

I exhale the air I’ve been holding in for what feels like an hour.

My hand under the table relaxes a little.

There’s nothing to fight.

James is out the door in a second, Harlan a few moments later.

“Thanks, man,” I say to Jay.

He jerks his chin. “Yeah.”

The friendship we had is still a long way from being healed. I wish I knew how to fix it.

Chloe reaches for her phone. “Well played.” She nods to me, but her gaze lingers on Jay. “Both of you.”

Jay doesn’t smile. “Don’t get too excited. Like we agreed, the team needs Garrett if we’re going to make the playoffs, and Kevin’s a piece of shit.” He rises from his seat.

“Miles? We’re going to need evidence.” Our head of PR gathers her things, tucking folders and tablets under one arm.

I frown. “Of what?”

Chloe pauses at the door, turning smoothly. “Your apology to Kevin.”

2

BROOKE

Dear Ms. Ellis,

As we are currently conducting our investigation into our corporate practices, we kindly request that you remove any content posted for Vivaro to date and return any merchandise you have received.

Sincerely,

Vivaro Management

“Do they teach asshole in school?” Nova puffs as she reads over my shoulder.

“The time slot clashed with music appreciation.” I slip the phone into my pocket and jump over a log on the trail.

I asked Nova to go on a midday hike because I needed some girl time. Today there’s barely any snow, but the grass is long dead and pine needles crunch under my stomping feet. The sun slants through the trees, hinting at spring. Not sure who it thinks it’s fooling—it’s not even February and so not going to be spring for a hot minute.

Thanks to the Vivaro email, I’m not getting paid anytime soon. Of course, the one brand I was building a collaboration with turned out to be taking advantage of other smaller creators.

It was always going to be a risk to stand up for the other creators who asked for my support. Now, not only has Vivaro put a hold on any future work together, but other companies I’ve talked with aren’t responding.

Still, thanks to Miles, I have a roof over my head and was spared going to my mom or brother for a handout that would come with opinions and strings.

Which is nowhere near the only perk of living with him.

“How are things with you and Miles?” Nova asks.

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