Page 52 of That's Too Pucking Bad

He laughs, not even looking back. “Stay focused, dude!”

After practice, Declan’s the first to bring it up, flipping his helmet off and wiping his face with a towel. “So, rumor is the Reaper’s got a party lined up this weekend. That true?”

Caleb nods. “Yep, heard the same. Probably gonna be big.”

My mind’s already ticking. A party could be good– drinks, music, something to get the game out of my head. Declan seems interested too, flashing a grin. “Sounds like you’re going, then?”

I nod. “Hell yeah.”

A few hours later, we’re at the bar. It’s crowded, as usual, but we find a spot. Declan orders rounds, and we’re halfwayinto them when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around, and there’s Amelia, a wicked smile already curling at her lips.

She leans in close. “Zane. Long time, no see.”

I raise an eyebrow, not really in the mood. “Amelia.”

Her hand slides up my arm, stopping at my shoulder. “Wanna head somewhere quieter?” She bats her lashes, the whole act. “Catch up?”

“No,” I say, and she doesn’t look too pleased, lips turning into a slight pout. But I keep my face blank. Nothing about this is appealing.

As I turn back around, something catches my eye– a face across the room. Someone I didn’t expect. Someone I definitely didn’t want to see.

Colin.

Remy’s boyfriend.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, the beer suddenly tasting sour.

Before I can even comprehend what is happening, I stand.

I push out the heavy door of the bar, the cold air hitting my face hard. There he is— Colin, leaning back against the brick wall, barely noticing me as he laughs with some blonde girl. He does not look up until I’m in his space.

“Colin,” I say, voice tight.

He looks up, confused, eyes narrowing. “Do I know you?”

“You’re cheating on her?”

“I think you’ve got the wrong person, man,” he says, turning his attention to the girl.

“Stay away from Remy,” I grind out. My fists clench, itching to make my point clear.

He scoffs, shaking his head. “Remy? Do I fuckingknow you?”

“You don’t want to know me.”

“What, are you some kind of... what? Rich fuck at Blackridge who thinks because he’s got a class or two with Remy that means you’re now her best friend?”

“Rich fuck, huh?” I laugh, bitter. “I don’t care what you think of me. Just stay away from her.”

“Stay away from my girlfriend? Who the hell do you think you are?” He steps up, right in my face now. “You don’t know anything about me or my girl. You don’t know me.”

I feel Caleb’s hand on my shoulder, pulling me back, but I shove him off. My voice comes out low, edged with threat. “I know enough.”

“Enough?” Colin’s laugh is sharp. “You don’t know anything. She’s my girlfriend, and last time I checked, she hasn’t mentioned anything about you, so you’re nothing.”

I clench my jaw, the anger burning in my gut. But Caleb’s tugging me back harder now. “Come on, man. This isn’t worth it.”

I shove off Colin. He falls on the ground and then I let Caleb drag me back. But I don’t go back inside. I just walk, fists aching, mind buzzing. Remy’s going to be mad I confronted her boyfriend— I know that. But she’ll understand when she finds out her boyfriend was here with another woman. She’ll see I was just looking out for her.

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