Page 102 of Dream Mates
Skate smash had sort of a rave theme going on–with dance breaks. It was a big-deal professional sport here. The pro teams were mostly alpha females, but there were a few betas and dudes.
“How are tryouts going?” I asked her. Her school skate smash tryouts for next year’s team were this week and next.
“Good. Really good. I think I have a chance,” she told me. “I’m going for swing, though. Not crusher.”
“I’m so glad it’s going well. I can’t wait to go to your games next year.” Swing was essentially the pivot in roller derby–they could switch between the other two positions. Crusher was the blocker, only this was pretty much full-contact and on ice skates.
“Maybe next year we’ll win more. The season ended so early this year. Oh, Hiro and I submitted our intern applicationstoday–complete with teacher recommendations.” She beamed, looking pleased.
“I’m so glad. I’m proud of the both of you for getting them done.” They’d started them over the weekend.
“Oh, I can’t wait to work with you. Even Hiro’s mom thinks it’s a good idea, and nothing impresses her.” Riley rolled her eyes.
True. My phone buzzed. A text from Kilroy’s mom.
“Do I want to join Kilroy’s mom’s book club?” I asked. Generally, book clubs were an excuse to drink wine and gossip. It might be fun to meet more omegas.
“I’ll check.” She frowned and texted someone.
I felt someone behind us. Pine filled my nostrils, and I leaned backwards, and looked up into Brennan’s blue eyes.
“Hey fucker, where’s my food?” Riley asked. “I want a lime whirl, fried potato balls, and pizza nuggets.”
“Beer me–and nacho me.” I grinned. Two foods that I was glad this world had.
“Evan’s in the food line, Jett’s in the drink line. Text your requests.” Brennan raked his hand through my hair, nails lightly grazing my scalp in a way that felt nice. Ever since our motorcycle ride he’d been more affectionate with me. Not like Evan and Wes, but it was nice.
I texted them both for us.
Bren still stood there. “We’re right here if you need us.”
“Sweet baby cheeses, back off, you overprotective fuck. We will befine.” Riley rolled her eyes.
“Love you too, Ri.” Bren laughed, then left to find his actual seat.
Riley looked at her phone. “Kil saysyes, because, and I quote,They have good snacks.”
“Great.” I texted Kilroy’s mom that I’d love to. She texted me the book title and I looked it up. It was a super smutty boss romance. Oooh.
Both teams came out on the ice to warm up. The Rockland Raiders were in black and silver, the Capitol Crushers in blue and red. They wore jerseys with their nicknames on the back–which were a lot like roller derby names but without the pop culture references. Many wore fishnets, tights, or long socks with their shorts. Some of the helmets were a different color, which designated thebullet,the person who scored, which was pretty much a jammer. It was the position I’d played back when getting my PhD, because I was small, fast, and really didn’t understand the rules.
Evan and Jett brought us our food, and I dug into my nachos. Yeah, this was the best part of a sporting event. However, it was cold. I texted Evan asking if he had a sweatshirt.
The teams had left, and the mascots were throwing things at the crowd. Riley stuffed a dinosaur-shaped pizza nugget in her mouth.
“Thanks for sharing this with me. Best birthday present ever.” I grinned. “And I can’t wait to see you play.”
Riley leaned her head on my shoulder. “Thanks for giving a shit about me.”
“How could I not?” I grinned, putting an arm around her. Just the idea she thought I might not, tugged on my heart.
While I loved Wes, Evan, and Spencer, getting a Riley was the best thing about coming here. Who knew I needed a teenager in my life?
“Hey, will you back me with my sisters?” She stole one of my chips.
“Of course. On what?” I tried to think of what issue her sisters might have now.
“I…” She sat up. “I want to change my last name when the pack does, and Sasha’s going to shit a cactus.I… I barely remember my parents. I’m not tied to my last name like they are. But she’ll be mad–and make some comment about me just using itfor the opportunities. I mean, I will use those, but it’s not the only reason. You’re my pack, my family. Why wouldn’t I? Sonja’s going to take a different name when she marries her wife. I think they’re merging their names and making something cute.”
