Page 11 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

“Nope,” she says with exaggerated cheerfulness. “The guy bailed, without bothering to text. So I ended up at the bar alone, which was more entertaining than the date probably would’ve been.”

“Nova…” I trail off, not sure what to say.

My sister doesn’tdovulnerability.

She’s the type to brush everything off with a joke, and hearing her admit to something like this feels weirdly…raw.

“Don’t.” She holds up a hand to stop me. “I don’t need your pity, Gio. It’s not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal?” I repeat, my voice rising. “The guy didn’t even show up! Who the hell does that?”

Cocksucking loser.

“Apparently he does.” I see the flicker of hurt in her eyes before she looks away.

My hands clench into fists, the protective older brother in me roaring to the surface.

“What’s his name? I want to beat his ass!” Give me something to do with this pent-up aggression.

She snorts, shaking her head. “Like I’m going to tell you. I don’t need you going full hockey enforcer on some guy who’s not worth my time. I know Gio, you don’t have to lecture me.”

I open my mouth.

Close it.

“Sorry it didn’t work out.” I want to argue with her so bad.

My sister grunts. “I’m not. Everything happens for a reason.”

“Surprisingly zen of you,” I remark, leaning back against the couch.

She smirks, grabbing another gummy bear. “What can I say? I’m a fountain of wisdom.”

“Or denial,” I mutter, earning a playful shove from her.

“Shut up,” she says, laughing. “Seriously, though, I dodged a bullet. If a guy can’t even text to say he’s not showing up for a date, he’s not someone I want in my life.”

“Fair point,” I admit, though the idea of someone treating my sister like an afterthought makes my blood boil.

“Exactly.” Nova pops another gummy bear into her mouth. “Besides, I had more fun pretending not to know you and roasting you at the bar than I would have on a date.”

“Gee, thanks.” I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “Are you ever gonna let that go?”

“Absolutely not,” she replies, grinning. “The girl was hilarious, Gio. Like—brutally honest in the best way. We need people like that in your life.”

We?

“People who insult me in public?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “I have you for that.”

“Eh. We can always use one more.”

3

austin

I’m all yours until a hockey player falls in love with me. Then you’re on your own…

Why does the guy at the end of the bar look familiar?

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