Page 31 of The Comeback

“Yes, and if I thought he was going to repeat that transgression I would be the first one to help you dispose of the body, but there’s something going on there. He’s totally into you, and from everything you’ve told me, there’s got to be a reason he acted that way.” Her big brown eyes are scrunched up in thought as we make our way up the stairs one slow step at a time.

“You don’t even know him.” I suppose I don’t really know him anymore either. I may have put him in this box and pushed him away, but he pushed me away first. In the harshest of ways possible.

“No, but I’m an actress. And as an actress it’s pretty much my job to study people and learn to read them. And he’s giving off all of the want-to-get down and dirty with my bestie vibes.”

I swallow hard and glance around with wide eyes to make sure no one heard, but everyone around is staring at their phones or wrapped up in their own conversations. They don’t care what my unfiltered best friend has to say.

“I somehow don’t think lust is a reason to forgive all of his past transgressions.” Not that I wouldn’t enjoy giving in to the electric heat that sparks a flame in me any time I’m in his orbit.

“Maybe not, but I don’t think it’s just lust. The way he looks at you. The way he’s been helping you with your stage fright. Those were dates, not helping a friend sessions.”

Could she be right? I don’t know. That might make it worse. I’d been thinking we could maybe just indulge in our baser feelings one time and get it out of our system, but the thought that he might be into me on a deeper level is frankly terrifying. After all, he has the power to destroy me and he certainly had no problem wielding that power before.

After an eon or two we make it out the exit door into the crowded foyer of the arena. People are milling about getting snacks and merch and there’s a huge crowd jammed up in front of the lounge area to our right.

I don’t like the gleam in Ree’s eye when she spots the crowd. “I gotta pee. I’ll be quick, I promise.”

My brow arches in disbelief as I eye the huge line spilling out of the women’s restroom, but I give her a nod. I’m ninety percent sure she’s up to something, but you have to make allowances for your bff.

I frown a little. The crowd doesn’t seem to be easing up all that much. In fact the mass of people off to the side is quite possibly getting thicker by the time Ree finally makes it out of the restroom. The fluorescent lightning glints of her touched up rosy glossed lips.

“Let’s get out of here. Not sure why all these people are still hanging around.”

Ree’s huge chocolate eyes widen to the size of one of those stuffed animals with the gigantic peepers, something boos. “Looks like something’s going on over there.” Her white tipped nail points in the direction of the crowd by the lounge.

“Don’t you pride yourself on being such a good actress? I’m not buying the innocent doe eyes, Ree Ree.” I shake my head at her.

“Hey, that would have played fantastic on stage. I gotta remember to tone it down for my future on the big screen.”

“Alright, lay it out for me. What’s going on over there that you’ve been stalling our exit for.”

A cheer and chants ringing out with the names of some of the hockey players starts up along with a rhythmic stomping of feet that I’m surprised isn’t shaking the concrete floor under our feet. Including Sebastian of course. Of course. I unsheathe the eye daggers for a second time tonight.

“What? I want to meet some hockey players. Plus, it’s for charity. Selfies for Snacks. They’re raising money for local schools nutrition programs. They help feed underprivileged school kids healthy breakfasts and school snacks.”

“Of course they do.” I clearly can’t say no to such a good cause and Aura knows it. “Can’t we just donate some money and get out of here? That crowd is like a black hole. We may never be seen again.”

“It doesn’t work that way. We have to participate.” She tosses a smile over her shoulder devoid of all shame and now she’s the one dragging my reluctant self along behind her.

“This line up is bananas. You sure you don’t want a G&T at Niche instead?” I try to tempt her with her favorite treat, but she’s undeterred.

“Nope, and we’re not going to Niche tonight. I’m not dressed for clubbing. Let’s just hit Wright’s.”

I shake my head again. Wright Wingers is the closest bar to campus and it’s the preferred spot for all the hockey players of course. Not to mention all their assorted fans, groupies, and hangers on. I believe they call the eager ladies who lie in wait for them puck bunnies.

Ree holds my hand tight while she slides her way through the crowd like a pick pocket. No one even notices her presence or protests her ghosting her way to the front of the line. I’m once again reminded of the myriad of things that make carnal thoughts of Sebastian a bad idea. Current reason, the girl with the long blond hair and Lightning jersey that’s draped over his shoulder while she takes a selfie. He flashes a bright smile. I know it’s not one of his real ones. I’m way too familiar with the many incarnations those can take. The girl turns at the last minute dropping a red lipped kiss on his cheek that has the faux smile slipping off his face and his forehead tightening with a frown.

She whispers something in his ear before he gently extracts her arm from around his shoulder. I stifle a snort when she whips her excessive hair over her shoulder hitting Sebastian with it. He splutters and brushes it away.

Once she’s moved on he glances up and catches my smirk. “Come here!” he calls out with a curl of his fingers. He’s looking at me, but I automatically turn around to see who he’s talking to.

“I’m talking to you, Frosty.” I drop my eyes to avoid the heads swinging around in my direction. I stumble forward at the little shove I get from Aura. She is so paying for this later. The longer I linger back here the more eyes sear me between the shoulders thought so it seems the best choice is just to get it over with, so I quicken my pace until a girl with an official looking clipboard wearing a purple polo shirt with the Lightning logo embroidered on the chest stops me.

“Just need to go over the rules,” she says in a brusque official tone.

“She’s good, Sin,” Sebastian calls out.

She gives me a wary look over her her clipboard as if she doesn’t believe I can be trusted before letting me pass. Why, oh why did I let Aura drag me to this game again? Oh right, because I was curious. I wanted to see Sebastian play again. Mental note, remember the chaos that curiosity causes.

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