Page 19 of I Blame the Rival

Ava flicks a bleached dreadlock over her shoulder, “It stands for Designated Driver Discipline. Meaning, if you don’t follow my rules, I’ll kick your ass.”

Maren reaches over and pats my hand, “She’s only had to do that once, and the girl had it coming. You’ll be just fine.”

I gulp and turn my attention back to the driver.

“There’s only three rules you have to remember. First, if you’re going home with a guy, I don’t want to know about it. Second, under no circumstances will I be driving a guy home for you.”

Cecelia nods in agreement, “Don’t burden a hoe with a bro. I’ll make sure to text the group chat.”

“And third, if you need a ride home, meet back at this car by 1 AM. I don’t plan on making my morning class tomorrow but driving after 2 AM gives me the creeps.”

Maren draws a cross on her chest, “So creepy.”

Feeling more than a little overwhelmed, I awkwardly raise my hand. It bumps against the car’s low ceiling and I quickly pull it back down.

“What happens if we need a ride and its past 1 AM?”

Ava grins, “You’re on your own, bitch.”

Good to know.

“Enough chitchat, let’s hunt down those varsity players!”

Cecelia hoots and hurls herself from the car.

The rest of us hop out and follow the swarm of university students heading towards the only establishment open at this time of night. The small, square building doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the glowing BEATS sign and bass pumping from the open doors is enough to convince me we’re in the right place.

The late fall air bites my skin as we race across the street, the thin material of my camisole and short skirt doing nothing to help my cause. The line moves swiftly and pretty soon we’re handing over our IDs to the bouncer who gives each of us an appraising glance.

“You ladies are far from home tonight.”

The burly man tilts his head towards the Taber University lanyard hanging from Ava’s keys.

Cecelia throws him a wink, “Thought we’d see what the other side has to offer.”

A faint smile crosses his face before he steps aside and lets us pass. I shiver as a blast of heat hits us, the humid scent of sweat-soaked bodies hitting me immediately. Squinting against the dim lighting, a sea of unfamiliar faces stare back at me and another shiver goes through me.

We’re definitely not in Taber anymore.

Skylar

“All you gotta do is follow my example, Baby Vin, and you’ll be just fine.”

Walsh, one of my brother’s teammates, gives me a sleazy smile and I lean away. Out of all the Saber players, he isn’t the worst, but the guy has a seriously bad habit of harassing women. Especially when he’s drunk.

“I’m fine, thanks.”

He grins, shooting me with his finger, “You already got the first step down. Confidence is key especially when the bitch doesn’t know she wants to go home with you yet.”

I stare at him, deadpan, “Maybe you should find someone who wants to go home with you in the first place.”

My brother shoots me a warning look from his spot at the bar. The night has just begun, but there’s already a lacrosse bunny in his lap, running her painted claws through his hairwhile two more linger nearby. If I had to guess their names, I’d choose the ones ending in “i.”

“You’re kind of funny, Baby Vin. But you need to learn how to smile more.” Walsh frowns at me, his glazed eyes bouncing from me to the girls nearby, “Nobody likes a moody bitch.”

I shrug, “It’s better than being a bitch who pressures drunk girls into sex.”

“Skylar.” Vector snaps his teeth and the girl in his lap nearly falls off, “Enough.”

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