Page 70 of The Friend Zone

Cole shakes his head. “Didn’t you hear me before? I would do anything for you, Bay.”

I believe him, but that doesn’t take away my guilt. “Wait until you really have to sleep in the locker room. If we still had the Zeta house, I could have moved you into my room, but I live in Satan’s quarters right now. The only reason why Topher can’t kick me out too is that I’m not a Gamma brother and the Dean would probably have questions if I got evicted. But I feel terrible that you lost your room because of me.”

Cole’s eyes are full of a serious determination when he speaks next. “No, I lost my room because your ex is a vindictive asshole who’s always been jealous of our friendship. For what it’s worth Bay, I want you to know that the only reason why I entertained his bro-code was that I thought you saw me as nothing but a friend. I hope it doesn’t sound petty that I didn’t want to lose my room to pursue someone I thought I could never have. Had I known that you reciprocated my feelings? Fuck, I would have packed my bags weeks ago.”

I feel slightly better, but only marginally. “I still feel responsible that you’re in such a tight spot because of me. What if your grades suffer and I end up costing you your spot on the team and your contract with the Heroes?”

Cole’s is much braver than I would be if I was homeless. “I’ll work hard not to make that happen. I know there’s a shortage of housing on campus and in town, but I’ll speak to Coach. He’s mad at us right now, but maybe he can think of something. Atthe very least, I hope he’ll allow me to sleep at the ice rink. The physical therapy beds are ok.”

I’m about to say that a massage bed isn’t as comfortable as a real bed, but Ryker intervenes before I have the chance.

“What if there was a room for you? I have a spare bedroom and it’s yours if you want it.”

I squeal, unable to contain my excitement. “Really? Oh my God, Ryker. That’s so kind of you. Cole, why do you look like someone just put salt in your coffee? That’s perfect. Ryker lives literally two minutes off campus. You have a car but it’s walkable distance. I know because it’s in the same apartment complex where Lakyn was renting last year.”

COLE

Bay’s excitement makes it even harder to turn down Ryker’s offer.

But I have no choice. “Thank you man, I appreciate it,” I finally bite out. “But I can’t move in with you.”

Ryker looks taken aback. “Why not? I thought we were fine when we had to share a suite during summer training camp with the Heroes. Am I that bad of a roommate?”

Embarrassment twists my insides and I lower my gaze staring at the wooden floor of Lakyn’s guest room as if it was the most interesting work of art I’ve ever seen. “It’s not that. Sharing with you was more than ok. I just—I can’t afford to pay any rent, ok? It’s no secret that I’m here on a scholarship. There’s a small stipend that comes with it, but it’s just enough that I can afford to pay for my extras without asking for my mom’s help or without having to get a job. My signing bonus from the Heroeswon’t come until after the hockey season ends, so there’s no way this could work.”

Ryker clasps my shoulder. “Listen man, if you want that room, it’s yours. I don’t need any rent.”

I know I should be grateful for his kindness, but I can’t contain the scowl on my face. “Look, I come from a single parent family and I’m here on a full scholarship, but I’m not a freeloader. I can’t take the room.”

Bay should get it, since she pays her own way toward her education and even paid for Lakyn’s education costs, but she doesn’t seem to understand. “But Cole?—”

I’m about to tell her that this isn’t something I’m prepared to discuss, but Ryker is a stubborn motherfucker. I should know, since we have that in common.

“I don’t need any rent. My dad paid for the entire year.”

It must be nice not to have to worry about money. A part of me resents people like Ryker, Jagger and Topher who were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. It’s much easier to resent douches like our frat president though. Despite their privileged upbringing, Ryker and Jagger aren’t entitled pieces of shit.

“That doesn’t change anything, sorry.” I say, hoping my tone is final enough.

You don’t get to be the number one draft pick straight out of high school though without being extra stubborn and Ryker is determined to win this argument.

“Then pay me rent when you get your bonus. Does that work?”

It might on some conditions. “With interest?”

Ryker slaps me on the back. “My family owns several banks. Let me tell you dude, your negotiation skills suck. No, no fucking interest. We’re friends and we’re gonna be teammates. Teammates are supposed to help one another, Cole.”

It’s easy to say that when you aren’t the one who’s left owing someone. “But?—”

“If roles were reversed you’d do the same thing for me.”

It isn’t a question, Ryker is sure.

“I would.” I admit.

“Then stop being an idiot and take my offer. If you really want to repay me, help me out by having some extra ice time with me. The Heroes coaching team gave me some stuff they want me to fine tune and I could use someone to run the drills Coach designed for me.”

I was given some stuff to work on too. “I would be happy to help you with that without asking anything in return, because…” I realize the mistake I made only after the words have left my mouth.

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