Page 95 of Puck and Prejudice

Chad and I are on the same bus as the Kaminski twins, and both are drunk and loud already. Chad and I need to drink a lot to catch up. I definitely need something stronger than beer. I’m a little tired and sore, and my throat was scratchy this morning. I hope I’m not getting sick.

While we wait, Chad calls Jane. She’s recovered from surgery, but now, she’s dealing with early pregnancy symptoms and puking her guts out.

With the phone glued to his ear and his brows creased, Chad starts to pace. I can’t hear the conversation, but I can guess Jane isn’t feeling better. It sucks for Chad and for me. Izzie was supposed to come with her sister, and if Jane doesn’t come, I’m not sure she will.

If she doesn’t, it’s my own damn fault. I should have told her how I felt during one of the numerous times we talked on the phone during the week. I got it in my head that I had to tell her in person, but our schedules have been too crazy and we haven’t seen each other.

After a couple minutes, Chad ends the call and turns to me.

“How’s Jane?” I ask.

“She’s still feeling pretty rough. Izzie is with her now, so that makes me feel a bit better.”

“So… they aren’t coming.” I try to hide my disappoint, but I don’t think I manage.

He shakes his head. “No.”

“The weather is miserable anyway. They can watch on TV from the comfort of the couch.”

“Yeah.”

Logan joins us, throwing his arms around Chad’s and my shoulders. “Are you ready to party or what?”

Alex comes over, holding four miniature bottles of Fireball. “I got the shots!”

I grimace. “Couldn’t you find anything better?”

“Don’t wanna? I’ll drink yours.”

I take one of the bottles from his hand. “Give me that.”

We take our shots, then it’s time to hop on the bus. Fireball is not my go-to choice when it comes to shots, but I can’t deny it does help with the tiredness. I’m alert now and ready for the show.

* * *

IZZIE

I won’t deny it, I was disappointed to miss the parade, but I couldn’t go without Jane. She was my excuse to be there. Jackson did invite me to go, but we’re not together, and the last thing I want is to be seen canoodling with him in front of thousands of fans and cameras. So I kept Jane company and watched the whole thing on TV, which was okay, until they showed the players with their families and I saw Caroline hanging all over Jackson. Jealousy swept over me like a tsunami.Shedidn’t miss out on supporting Jackson at such an important event for him.

Maybe I should have gone.Fuck.

Regret is a bitch, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I head out before Chad gets home, because I have a shift at Triana. Usually, time flies when I’m at work, but tonight, I keep looking at the clock and checking my phone. Part of me expects Jackson to show up, but as the end of my shift approaches, the likelihood that he’ll surprise me is low. There isn’t a text from him either.

I’m in a foul mood, and it doesn’t help that I keep replaying the scene of Jackson and Caroline together, having a good time.

The restaurant is now closed, and I’m wiping the bar with excessive force when Manuel comes over. “I think that spot is clean.”

“What?” I snap.

“Que te pasa, tia?”

“Sorry. I’m not in a good mood tonight.”

“I noticed. Is it because you didn’t go to the parade to celebrate with your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I grit out. “But yes.”

Manuel’s brows arch. “What? He didn’t invite you?”

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