Page 20 of Pucked and Pregnant

“If I’m going to get people to like me, and they do, by the way, I have to be something completely different from Alice. If you’re bothered by me being flirty and using my assets to do my job, then that’s your problem. Maybe you can contemplate that the next time you get put in the box.”

I guess she hasn’t changed much either.

If they’re anything like they used to be, I should have brought some popcorn, because I know the show is just starting. Even so, I need to make an attempt to stop them, if only for my own peace of mind.

“Why don’t we all step back and handle this like rational adults?”

In perfect sync, they say, “Shut up, Connor.”

I feel like I’m seventeen again because this is exactly how they behaved when we were in high school. Aiden and I share a pointed look before making ourselves comfortable on the couch. We both know there’s nothing to do now other than wait for them to tire each other out.

It really is just like ten years ago but with one exception.

The summer before senior year, Max got an invite to a premiere hockey conditioning camp. Junior league coaches from all over the tri-state area were going to be there. It was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse.

Since Liv and Max were inseparable, we were used to having her around. She was just as important to us as she was to him, and for that entire summer, it was the four of us and Liv.

She was almost like one of the guys. When we went swimming at their house we didn’t have to worry about where our eyes were and how long they lingered there nor did we have to keep our topics G-rated to keep Max from busting a vein. It was nice to be able to relax a bit and be who we were.

Liv was able to let her hair down too, since Max wasn’t constantly hovering over her. She was bold, frustratinglypractical, and had a way of knowing exactly what to say and when to say it. She also had a wicked sense of humor. The dirtiest joke I know, I learned from her, and I’ve yet to come across a filthier one to date.

Seeing her now, it’s clear she’s grown into those parts of herself.

The downside was that after that summer, the four of us had a massive secret we had to keep from Max at all costs.

Memories flood my mind as I think back to that confusing yet exciting time.

“I don’t seewhat the problem is,” she pouts. “You’re hormonal teenage boys. I like to think I’m an attractive girl. What’s the problem?”

“For one thing, if Max finds out, he’ll cut off our dicks and send the rest of us through a woodchipper,” I say.

She leans in close, and I get a heady dose of whatever perfume she’s wearing. “Max isn’t here now.”

“He’ll be back in two months.” Aiden crosses his arms over his chest. “What makes you think he won’t find out then?”

“Are you saying you can’t keep a secret?”

“No but what if we end up with an unpleasant surprise from all of this?”

“Pills.” She points to herself. “Condoms.” She gestures to us. “When you double up on contraceptives the risk of pregnancy is almost zero.”

“Almost zero isn’t zero,” I argue.

“No, but statistics are on our side. Look, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I’m sure there are plenty of other guys who would be more than willing to do this. It’s just that you three are the only ones Max ever lets near me. Besides, there isn’tanyone else I’d trust more to not only keep this quiet, but also to treat me like I’m more than just some conquest.”

“Not that I’m saying yes, but why all three of us?”

“You’re the hottest guys in school. How could you possibly expect me to choose?”

We must be looking at her in some kind of way because she throws her head back and laughs until she wheezes.

“Your faces. I can’t…” She laughs again. “I’m sorry. You all just look so shocked and confused. It’s comical.”

Then she turns quiet, and we all anxiously step closer as a thought appears to hit her.

In a small voice, she asks, “Is me finding the three of you attractive really that much of a shock to you? Do none of you realize… oh, wow. This is…” Her breath catches in her throat, “This is so embarrassing. I thought at least one of you might… never mind. Please forget I said anything, and please, please, don’t tell Max about any of this.”

“Your math is wrong,” Dimitri grumbles.

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