Page 130 of Tricky Girls

Not only that, I want to know how she’d punish me for it too.

CHAPTER 28

Tilda

A group trip to the gym sounded fun until I realised that included Nic. Haz suggested it’s a good time to go since it’s the day before New Year’s Eve and most everyone will still be off island. I’m surprised Nic wanted to come at all but it is only a few months before Varsity now, and Coach will have us at the gym three times a week in preparation anyway.

We have some tourneys coming up too. Don’t know how I’m going to manage hours-long coach tripsandnights away with Nic. She’ll probably smother me in my sleep. Then again, maybe not. She takes hockey as seriously as I do and wouldn’t want something as dumb as my murder to scupper it for herself.

Like the Stores, the university’s gym is underground. I think that was a deliberate choice. With its stone walls and ceiling, theplace is so cold you have to jump on the machines immediately to warm up.

We have the place to ourselves just like Haz predicted. Water bottle and towel in hand, she beelines for the weights area, where she’ll probably be parked for the rest of the hour. She’s deadly serious about those guns of hers.

I prefer cardio over weight training. It’s better for the merciless way Coach drives us with drills.

Unfortunately, that means so does Nic.

It looks like we’re heading to the same treadmill, the one I always use when I’m here. We both slow down when we reach it, waiting to see who’ll make the first move.

Nic tosses out a hand. ‘No, after you. You need it more.’

Such a snide fucking comment. But whatever, I win, not her.

I set the machine to running whilst she climbs on the one next to me.

I make it a point never to be too close to her. Side by side like this, it’s extra apparent just how tall she is. Maybe as tall as Ryan and just as lanky. Every time she goes down at hockey or twists something, I’m scared she’s gonna snap.

I know she’s tougher than she looks. It’s the look in her eyes, their hardness, their remoteness. The way her hair spikes like just touching it might stab you. Her elbows and shoulders that probably feel like shrapnel.

She might not be Blakely-sized but I’ve no doubt she could bend me in a fight.

Would the other two come to my rescue?

I glance over at them by weights. Haz is trying to teach Elly something, frustration clear to hear in her voice.

‘Elly. Fucking hell, man. Like this, I said.’

I smile. They’re so cute when they’re squabbling. Just like Dan and Taylor.

When I turn back, Nic is glaring at me.

‘Excuse me.’ I wipe my hand over my mouth. ‘Didn’t mean to smile. I know you hate me having a good time.’

She scoffs quietly, not dignifying me with a reply.

I’ve got the endorphins flowing now. My heart’s beating like a drum, making me want to do silly things like engage with the girl next to me.

I start small, asking her how her Christmas went.

She purses her lips as she deliberates. ‘Good,’ she says, a tiny devious smile on her lips.

I don’t like that look at all. Did she shit in my bed or something? Absolutely would not put it past her.

I push my luck with another question. ‘Are you looking forward to the party tomorrow?’

She nods without answering this time.

I’m surprised she’s allowing the New Year’s party to happen at theirs. I forget she’s not a stick in the mudallthe time. I’ve heard her have fun before, I’ve heard her laugh. Granted, it’s usually when I’m not in the room. And there’s no forgetting our night at the Vaults when she was cracked out on cocaine.

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