Page 5 of The Drop

This day really can't get any worse.

Chapter Four

Grant

First rule of staying on Cami’s good side: always do what she says and do not question her.

“So, we are picking someone up…” I probe, and it's technically not a question, so that I won't get in trouble.

“Yes.” She sighs, irritated and keeps her eyes on her phone. She has given up being nice to me now that I am on board with her plan.

“Cool, cool, cool.” I tap the steering wheel. “Little last minute.”

“It was an emergency,” she snaps again, and I flinch as she types away quickly on her phone.

“Right, right, right,” I say. “In Beacon Valley?”

Beacon Valley is a fancy town on the river, an hour away from campus, and I would put money on Cami never having stepped foot here, as her family runs a rink in the city.

“Yes,” she huffs. Most people would think Cami is being a massive bitch, but I’ve learned her irritable nature is a big front. She can be grumpy one minute and then fun and chatty the next, once she’s got out of her head.

Whatever the reason, we are heading to Beacon Valley, and she must be stressed out.

“Okay, okay, okay.”

“Are you okay?” She finally looks at me, snapping, “Why do you keep repeating things in threes?”

Well, she has got me there. “I’m good.” I force a smile, turning back to the road. We are in a much flashier part of Beacon Valley, which is saying something since the other parts are still nice. “I’m just eager to get back to the party.”

“Ah, of course, which girl is it tonight? Katy again?”

“Who?” I ask, confused.

“Katy?” she repeats before rolling her eyes. “That’s who you were talking to last night at the apartment?”

Huh? I could have sworn her name was Kendra. We threw a last-minute, move-in day party last night, and the apartment was a wreck this morning, but it was worth it, as Kend-, I mean Katy, stayed all night; we didn't get much sleep.

“Will you ever stop fooling around?” She sighs, rechecking her phone.

Stop fooling around? Have a steady relationship and be distracted from hockey? Fuck no. “I’m a busy guy, Cam.” I shrug, and she snorts. “I haven’t got time for anything else with hockey.”

“I just don’t think I could ever be casual with anyone like that.” She sighs, examining her nails in front of her.

“It’s easy. Lay down the rules and enjoy.” I laugh as she hits me.

“Pig,” she mutters, shaking her head and looking out the window. I know she doesn’t mean it to be hurtful, more that she disagrees with the way I treat girls.

Not that I mistreat them, I just don’t have any plans to settle down with one girl. Hockey is my focus.

“Come on, you must get it with skating,” I say, turning down another street. “You must want to focus without distractions.”

“I prefer someone to talk about my day, too.” She lifts her nose at my suggestion of casual. “It’s nice to have someone to depend on.”

I frown for a second, trying to think if I have ever really had that, other than with my parents.

I am interrupted as the GPS announces we have arrived at our destination, but there is no one standing outside the large house in front of us. I look at Cami for instructions.

“Um, pull around the back?” she suggests, pointing to the corner.

---