Page 86 of My Pucked Up Enemy

He replies:

Always here. Just say when.

I set the phone down, stare at it.

God, why does this feel like choosing between two halves of myself?

And why does it feel like no matter what I pick, I’ll lose something I can’t replace?

I’m standing at the edge of everything I’ve ever wanted. And I’ve never felt more alone.

Chapter twenty-four

Alex

"Thisbetternotbeone of those dinners where the main course is a scoop of mashed potatoes shaped like a flower," James mutters, tugging at his bowtie.

"Just be glad the dress code didn’t include skates," I say, adjusting my cuffs.

"Think they’ll serve protein shakes with the salad course?" James continues.

Parker, walking a few steps ahead of us, glances over his shoulder. "Please behave. Bessie made me promise not to embarrass the team."

"Too late," Ethan says, already halfway through a pack of mints. "I’m in a bowtie. Damage is done."

Connor snorts. "Let’s just hope tonight doesn’t end with James giving an acceptance speech that isn’t his."

The five of us—me, Connor, James, Parker, and Ethan—file into the ballroom in slow formation like we’re preparing for a ceremonial faceoff. The place is decked out: chandeliers overhead, white tablecloths, strings of lights wound around indoor trees like it’s prom night for the psychology elite. It’s not exactly our usual Friday.

But tonight’s not about us.

It’s about Nina.

Derek and Lizzie are already inside. Coach sees us enter and gives me a subtle nod. We made it. The rest of the Acers are still at home or laying low, but we five? We suit up for our girl.

A white card marks our territory:Dr. Nina Erwin Fan Club.James reads it and immediately snaps a picture.

"Group chat material," he says.

"Please don’t post that," I mutter.

"Oh, I won’t," he says. "Not until tomorrow. Maybe with a filter. Maybe not."

I settle into my seat, but I can’t relax. Not yet. I keep checking the entrance like it’s the penalty box and we’re waiting for our guy to get released.

Because I want to see her face when she realizes we’re here.

And then, she walks in.

She’s with her friend Patty and two people I instantly clock as her parents—her mom with the same almond eyes, her dad walking like he’s half protective and half curious. But all I really see is her.

Nina is in a dark emerald dress that hugs her curves and flows just enough to make the entire room feel like it dimmed around her. She looks effortless and completely breathtaking.

She spots Coach and Lizzie first. Smiles. Waves.

Then her eyes shift.

They land on us.

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