Page 85 of College Hockey Bully

‘Sweetheart, I know you’re still with Casey, but you need to know this. I went over to Scarlett’s and offered her one hundred thousand dollars to dump you. She didn’t even hesitate to take it.’

My heart pauses as I stare at the screen. An impatient horn sounds behind me and I realize I’d come to a stop.

Pressing gas, I dial Mom’s number. “I don’t believe you,” I greet.

“Sweetheart, I have the check stub to prove it. Even then, if you don’t believe me, you could always go see her. I’m sure she can’t wait to go cash it in the morning.”

The triumph in her tone makes my heart sink.Twice in one night, Scarlett? This isn’t looking good for you.

Or us.

“Why the hell would you do this?” I ask, not sure if my fury is directed at her, Scarlett or myself.

“It sounds like you’re upset with me, when you should be grateful,” she replies. “I simply made things easy for you.”

“Easy? How is any of this easy, Mom?”

“You were trying to tiptoe around her feelings, but it’s obvious she doesn’t care about you. I exposed that gold-digger. You should be on bended knees, thanking me. Imagine if you’d gotten serious and married this girl.”

“Jesus Christ.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Now, keep doing the right thing so our family can be whole—”

Her voice cuts as I abruptly end the call. I don’t know how tonight will end, but one thing’s for sure, our family will never be whole again.

Chapter 33

Scarlett

“For the last time, Mom. I’m not taking the money,” I mutter into the pillow.

From her scoff above my head, it’s clear she heard me.

“Honey, that woman was right about one thing; this is the most we’ve ever seen in our lives. Think about what this could do. We could finally get a nicer place, which is exactly what you’ve been working so hard to achieve.”

“On my own merit,” I reply fiercely, propping myself up and glaring at her. “I’d rather work my ass off than use that blood money.”

“Oh, don’t be dramatic,” Mom chides me.

I shake my head, dropping back on the bed and staring at the posters on the wall. That money might not be compensation for a literal body, but it still feels like I’m being paid off for something that died.

My heart.

“Whether or not you spend this money, it doesn’t change the fact that this guy has been playing you all along. At least, you have something for your trouble.”

“You sound just like her,” I mumble.

“I seriously wanted to punch her lights out, but that part made perfect sense. Let Aiden go, cash the check and moveon. The right guy will come along when you’re ready and guess what? You’ll look back on tonight like the bad dream it really is.”

I keep staring at the wall, not answering. She finally blows out a frustrated sigh. “I hope your dad will talk some sense into you when he gets here,” she says.

My head finally turns when she closes the door on her exit. I rise from the bed, still numb to the core after that revelation earlier. It’s hard to believe the same guy who asked me to trust him would hurt me like this.

As I take my T-shirt off, I spot the check on the dresser. I pause, the shirt still dangling in my hand. Mom is right; that money could change our lives. A lovely house in a nice neighborhood, clothes of my own that actually fit, a second-hand car and I’d be set until I’m done with medical school, earning my own money.

It’s quite tempting.

Yet, something feels off.

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