Page 16 of Best Kept Secret
Thankfully, Dallas steps in and snakes an arm around Millie’s shoulders. “My little sister got an internship on Wall Street.”
It’s a funny feeling. My chest swells with pride at the same time as my shoulders sag beneath the crushing weight of dejection. Because I’m so happy for her. I know what getting that internship meant to her. But the fact that she didn’t tell me, or even give me at least a heads up to let me know that she was coming here, hurts like hell. She knows damn well how I feel about her. And I know it’s pathetic, and selfish, and I have no fucking right to feel this way, but this is a blatant slap to the face.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating.” Dallas beams, grinning down at his sister. “Drinks are on me.”
“Loges is going home,” Happy announces like it’s national breaking news, nudging me with his elbow. “To knit, or jerk off. Or whatever it is he does nowadays cooped up in his apartment all by himself.” He laughs out loud, nudging me again, and it takes all I have not to punch him in his dick.
“You’re not coming, man?” Robbie asks, his brow furrowing slightly. “You just scored the winning goal. If anyone should want to celebrate, it’s you.”
I make a point of looking at Happy like he’s delusional. “I’m not going home.” I scoff. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Happy rears back, his face stark as he gawks at me, but I ignore him, turning back to Robbie with a grin. “If Tex is buying, count me in.”
My gaze flits to Millie in time to see her release an obvioussigh, her face deadpan, and it takes all I have not to laugh. Yeah, she fucking hates me. And I’m not saying her hate isn’t justified; I fucked up. But the fact that she’s stillthispissed at me has to count for something, right? So, as far as I’m concerned, it’s game on, baby.
“What the hell was that?” Happy asks as we weave our way through the cars in the parking garage.
“What?” I play dumb, hitching my hockey bag higher on my shoulder.
“Changing your mind to come to the bar,” he says incredulously. “Looking at me like I’m a fucking liar, Mr.Go home, get an early night, and meet me in the park for a run.”
“No idea what you’re talking about,” I murmur as I stop next to my Porsche, opening the trunk and depositing my bag inside while Happy tosses his gear into the backseat of his G Wagon. I can feel his eyes on me, but I ignore him, moving to the driver’s side.
“I’ll see you at Ned’s,” I say, opening the door, but it’s slammed shut so fast I almost lose a damn finger.
“Jesus Christ,” I yell, glaring at my best friend who stands there, smirking at me, his hand holding my car door closed.
“She’s the chick, huh?” he asks all cocky andknow-it-all. “The one from Detroit who hates your guts.”
I bite down on the inside of my cheek, staring at him.
Happy throws his head back on a laugh. “I knew it, you dirty dog!”
I roll my eyes then, furtively looking around the parking garage. There’re a few people starting to file out of the doors, so I shush him, shoving him in his chest. “Keep your fucking voice down, Hap.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Still giggling, he holds his hands up in the air. “But you do realize you’re fucked, right?”
I drag a hand down my face, nodding once at the reminder I don’t particularly need to hear right now.
“Did you know she was moving here?”
“Of course I didn’t know. She blocked my fucking number.” I shake my head, looking back toward the doors, my heart racing.
“What are you gonna do?”
Raking my fingers through my still damp hair, I release a heavy sigh, tugging on the back of my neck. “I dunno.”
“May I remind you that this is precisely why we have our player code of conduct,” Happy boasts like a smug asshole. “I’m a literal degenerate, and not even I’d break rule number four.”
I deadpan. “That’s really helpful. Thanks, Hap.”
Happy snickers again, and I turn away, hopping into my car and relishing in the silence that allows me a chance to collect myself and my wits.
When I’m startled by a loud honk, I turn to see my friend offering me his middle finger out his window, accompanied by a shit-eating grin as he backs out of the parking spot next to me. I shake my head at him, flipping him the bird straight back because when it comes to Happy, I’m mature like that.
Heaving a sigh, I start the engine, but just as I do, I glance in the rear view mirror, right as Dallas and Emily walk out with Fran and Robbie, Millie trailing behind them, focused intently on her phone. And as I watch her walk off toward their cars, I can’t help but wonder if maybe Happy’s right and I truly am fucked.
CHAPTER 8
