Page 111 of The Friend Zone

I don’t care about what he has to say. I’m just hearing him out, so I get my hands on that video. Despite Keith’s reassurance that he would handle it if it was released, I’ll feel better if it’s destroyed.

Once the main course plates are cleared out, we settle in our chairs to listen to the Dean’s opening speech.

I’m excited about the announcement I’m about to make about the new Zeta house. Just the girls with governing roles in our sorority know about it. So aside from Liv, Viv, Tami and Bianca, the other sisters will be surprised.

When the Dean calls me on stage, I stand tall, confident. My legacy as Zeta president is saved, thanks to Jagger’s father. And for once, I can see through my ex’s schemes and that gives me the upper hand.

RYKER

Cole and I have been assigned to the table next to the central one where the Dean and his VIP guests are sitting.

It’s no surprise that Dean Williams chose Jagger’s parents and the Mumfords to sit at the central table, since they’re his biggest donors.

A part of me wishes that my parents had been able to attend, but they weren’t alumni. Besides, my old man is in Europe on a business trip. I’m looking forward to introducing Bay to my family and I have no doubt they’re going to love her. I’ll have to talk to them about our unusual relationship, but I’m confident they’ll be ok with it. Eventually, at least. Dad and Keith are very good friends and I plan to enlist his and Rachel’s help to make sure my parents understand.

Tonight I drew the short straw in more ways than one. I don’t begrudge the fact that Jagger is Bay’s date; that’s understandable with the latest developments and with Keith building the new Zeta house. Bay will announce the news shortly, during her speech to the alumni.

The thing that’s really bothering me is that Bay is stuck sitting next to Topher, and I wasn’t much luckier than her because I’m sitting between Bianca and her friend Kylie.

The two women keep trying to whisper to each other, and I’m caught in the middle.

“Bianca,” I use my friendliest tone, considering I can count on one hand the number of words I’ve exchanged with the Dean’s daughter since I started at Star Cove. “Would you like to swap seats with me so you and Kylie can talk?”

She smiles for the first time tonight, her fake eyelashes batting in my direction. “That would be awesome. Thank you, Ryker. My dad said no changes of seats, but this is an emergency.”

I take a better look at her. “Are you ok?”

“No, I’m far from ok. My dad’s assistant is an incompetent bitch. She made the seating charts, and she sat Topher next to Bay. Can you believe it?”

It might sound hypocritical of me, but the choice of language is making me flinch. I might use my fair share of profanity, especially on the ice, but this is hardly the venue for cussing.

It’s hard to disagree with the sentiment Bianca expressed, though. “Yeah, that isn’t good.” I have to agree.

“Right?” Bianca hisses. “Topher came here as my date. It took me months to convince him. Having him sat next to his ex is the last thing I needed.”

Better judgment would probably be not to engage with her. “Yeah. I don’t blame you.”

She takes a big gulp from her champagne glass. “You must be pissed off, too. I thought you and Bay were together?”

The words tumble out of my mouth before I can think better of it. “We are together.”

Bianca’s eyes narrow into two curious slits. “Then why is she here with Jagger? I swear to God, if this is all a scheme to get back with Topher, I, I?—”

“She isn’t getting back together with Topher.” I snap, my tone harsher than I intended.

Bianca rears back at the vehemence in my voice. “Good. I’m glad you and I are on the same page.”

There’s no way in hell Bianca Williams and I will ever be on the same page about anything. But this time I manage to bite my tongue.

Rather than because I got a handle on my temper, it’s because Topher seems deep in conversation with Bay.

I don’t share Bianca’s jealousy. I’m one hundred percent sure that Bay wants nothing to do with her ex. I’m just concerned because after everything Topher has done trying to make Bay untouchable so he could have another shot with her, I don’t trust him.

I have my eyes on that fucker.

It’s impossible to miss the sudden tension in Bay’s shoulders. It’s the same tension that invades my muscles as I wish I could hear what he’s saying to her.

There’s a tense exchange between them. Bay is holding her cutlery with white-knuckle force, and for a second I fear she’s going to stab that motherfucker in the eye. Not that Mumford wouldn’t deserve it, it just isn’t worth it.

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