Page 25 of The Friend Zone

I don’t tell her that he was planning on getting consoled by a couple of puck bunnies at the party. “Yeah, we had a rough time on the ice tonight.”

Talia sighs. “It’s really important to Tucker to live up to Cash Hanbury’s legacy. He’s always so stressed about people comparing him to Cash and finding him lacking.”

I nod in agreement. “Yeah, Tucker has really big shoes to fill, but he has nothing to worry about. He’s going to be one hell of a goalie if he decides to go pro.”

We get to a booth by a window that offers a lovely view of the boardwalk with the big Ferris wheel visible at the end of the pier.

“Take a minute to look at the menu and a server will be right with you. I’m going to add an order of fried pickles on the house.”

I smile at her. “Thanks Talia, that’s very kind of you.”

She swats her hand with a giggle. “Don’t mention it. It doesn’t happen every day to have a future hockey superstar in here, with the president of Zeta Theta Beta.”

Bay, who’s been quietly watching my interaction with Talia looks surprised. “You know who I am?”

Talia bounces with excitement, quite literally. “Are you kidding? First off, I’m totally rushing Zeta Theta Beta next year. It’s just a shame that you’ll have graduated and I won’t get to hang out with you. I’ve been following your makeup andskincare tutorials since I was a high school freshman. All my friends follow you too and we can’t wait for you to open Woods Cosmetics, your makeup lines are going to be the best.”

Bay smiles for the second time since we left campus. While I wish I was the one who made her smile this time too, I’m glad Talia is distracting her from the Gamma house drama.

“I’ll tell you what,” Bay takes her phone out of her purse. “Let’s friend each other on social media, so we can stay in touch. I’ll recommend that you get invited to rush Zeta Theta Beta next year.”

Tucker’s sister covers her mouth with both hands, overwhelmed with excitement. “Oh my God, seriously? That would be so cool, I’ll be forever grateful.”

“Absolutely. Zeta Theta Beta will be lucky to have someone who loves our sorority.” Bay beams.

After the girls exchange friend requests, Talia goes quiet, her eyes suddenly fixed on her shoes. “You’ve been so kind, Bay. I wonder if I could ask you to do something for me? You don’t have to but it would make my day if you’d take an ussie with me.”

There are about four years difference between us and Talia, but it might as well be forty. I swear kids these days speak a different language. “Ussie?” I ask.

Bay puts me out of my misery. “It’s a selfie but with two people. Ussie, like in us as opposed to the self in the selfie.”

I shake my head, laughing as the girls proceed to take a couple of snaps together. “Maybe Jagger is right that I’m like an old man.”

Talia is immediately curious. “Jagger Connelly? He was my favorite Cove Knight before you moved to Star Cove. Why does he call you an old man?”

I offer her my cockiest smile. “Oh, he thinks he’s hip and cool. He always laughs at me for drinking black coffee instead of his beverages full of sugar and whipped cream.”

Tucker’s sister giggles. “I’m a big fan of those drinks too, but Jagger is wrong about you. You’re out on a date with Bay Woods, it doesn’t get any cooler than that.”

Bay opens her mouth, probably to say that this isn’t a date but I cut her off. “I should ask you to repeat that and record it, so Jagger will shut up next time we order coffee. Besides, I agree. My taste is impeccable when it comes to dates.”

Talia nods. “I bet my brother is green with envy that you’re on a date with Bay. He’s always had a huge crush.”

I can’t help the smirk that curls my lips. “You don’t say.”

“Yeah,” she confirms, addressing Bay. “He kept saying how unfair it was that you were dating his frat president. When he cheated on you, he said that Topher was an idiot.”

Bay’s smile fades. “Yeah, well. Hockey players areplayersmost of the time. Be careful next year, Talia. Make sure you don’t waste years on a cheater like I did.”

The mood at our booth is somber when Talia finally leaves to go get us a server.

CHAPTER 7

JUST THE TIP

BAY

It shouldn’t surprise me that everyone knows how things ended between me and Topher.

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