Page 68 of That's Too Pucking Bad

Nothing.

I take a deep breath, pull out of the parking lot, and hit the road. “C’mon, Remy,” I mutter, trying to shake off the impatience creeping in.

As I drive, I think about where we could go— maybe that Italian place she likes or the new sushi joint. My mouth curls into a smile, imagining her laughing over dinner. But as I near her street, my phone buzzes.

Remy: Can’t today.

My stomach twists, and I’m about to call her when I spot her outside of her house.

I slam on the brakes, peering through the windshield. She’s out there with Colin, of all people. They’re laughing, and my gut twists tighter.

I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I see them hug. I grip the steering wheel, a wave of anger hitting me. Colin leans in, kissing her softly, like it’s something normal. My heart drops.

What the fucking fuck is this?

I watch as they walk to his beat-up car, and my vision narrows on the two of them. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. She steps into his car while I pull down the street where she won’t notice my car. I race around the fucking block like a maniac.

I feel a mix of betrayal and rage bubbling up inside me.

I grab the bouquet, my knuckles white on the stems. Without thinking, I throw the flowers out of the window. They scatter across the pavement, red petals fluttering in the wind.

“Fuck!” I growl, slamming my hands on the steering wheel. I turn the car around, not wanting to follow them to wherever the fuck they’re going.

As I drive back home, the weight of everything settles in my chest. I thought we had the best night and of course, she’s running back to her boyfriend. I thought we had something real, something worth pursuing.

But now?

Now I’m just a fucking idiot, a side piece, driving back to my empty mansion with nothing but the echo of her laughter haunting me.

I’ve never missed a practice. Not once. But today? Today’s different. I need answers.

I park near the community college’s gate for what feels like fucking hours, watching students trickle out. But I know he’s here because of his stupid fucking car. Finally, I spot him. Colin. He looks exactly like I expected—worn-out sneakers, scruffy hair.

What does she see in this guy?

I walk up, and he immediately goes defensive, eyes narrowing as he stops short. “What the hell do you want, Zane? You trying to fight me or something?”

“So, you know my name huh?”

“Remy told me all about you…”

I highly doubt that, but I am kind of curious now to know what exactly she told him.

I raise my hands, playing it cool. “Relax, man. I just want to talk.”

He crosses his arms, not backing down an inch. “We got nothing to talk about.”

“Oh, I think we do.” I take a breath, deciding to lay it out. “It’s about Remy. I’ll be straightforward. I’m interested in her.”

Colin’s whole face twists, like he’s ready to throw a punch. “The hell you are. She’s with me.”

“Yeah, I see that. Problem is, she’s not happy. And frankly? I don’t get what she sees in you.”

His fists clench, and he steps closer. “You don’t know anything about us.”

“Really? ‘Cause from where I’m standing, it looks like she’s miserable.” I shrug, looking him over. “Look, man, I’m willing to make this worth your while. So, how much?”

“What?” He actually laughs, shaking his head like I’m insane. “You think you can buy her off me?”

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