Page 14 of Pucking Grey

Crew laughs. “Fuck, wow, I couldn’t figure that out? My brain’s fried from class. Can’t think about anything else. Are you ready to go?”

I nod. “Are you coming?” I ask Sydney.

“No,” she points at me. “I’m on cleaning duty. Want me to clean your room?”

I laugh. “Wait, are you serious? No, come with us.”

She winks. “I’ll clean your room for you. Crew?”

“It’s already clean,” he winks.

I laugh. “What’s with all the winking?”

I leave with Crew, feeling like this is some weird setup. They must’ve been talking about me. We get into his car, and Crew throws on his sunglasses.

“I saw the video,” Crew says, turning down the music. I roll my eyes. Here we go with the big brotherly talk.

“Yeah,” I cross my arms. “How awkward, right.”

“You’re too good for Matt, I think. I knew he was always a dick, but this is a whole new level.”

“How did you know about the video?”

He inhales, checking his mirrors. “He was showing it in the locker room.”

I snicker. “Like proud of it?”

Crew nods.

“What a fucking asshole,” I say, uncrossing my arms and laying my head back on the seat. “And now you invited him over.”

“It’s nothing personal. Coach recommends we watch the NHL games and take notes. And I know you want to watch Ryan play.”

I take a deep breath, thinking about my brother, Ryan Wilder. I should probably call him. “I do.”

He taps on the steering wheel.

I ask, “Did you tell Ryan about the video?”

Crew shakes his head. “Of course not, Maddie. That’s for you to tell.”

“Don’t be mad, Crew. But I’m dating someone else.”

Crew’s baffled face throws me off.

“Don’t tell Ryan either.”

“Who is it?” he asks.

“Greyson.”

“Grey?” he scoffs, shaking his head. “You –“ he sighs. When he grips his steering wheel, I start to feel like warning him about Greyson was a bad idea. “You shouldn’t date someone like him, Maddie.”

I shrug. “I know why you’re saying that, but just trust me that I have it under control. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Crew holds tightly onto his steering wheel, clearly upset.

“You can’t tell Ryan. This thing with Greyson isn’t going to last very long. I don’t need my brother overreacting and fighting with me about my choices. I get enough of that at home, okay?” I hold out my pinky.

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