Page 8 of Exes That Puck
Higher up in my notifications are the ones I can’t stop staring at.
Zeke:You make it home okay?
Zeke: You okay?
Still unanswered. My chest squeezes, like just looking at his name is a confession.
Payton’s moving around behind me, humming while she throws books into her bag. I keep my head down, pretending to pack my things for class.
“You coming to breakfast?” Payton asks, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
“Maybe later. I need to shower first.”
She nods, studying my face for a beat too long. “Don’t overthink things, okay?”
I want to ask what she means, but she’s already heading for the door.
I lock my phone and drag myself to the shower, letting scalding water beat against my shoulders until my skin turns pink. When I get back, the room feels too quiet. A Post-it note on my desk reminds me about our psych paper.Due tonight! Don’t forget!
Right.
I grab my backpack and head across campus, phone burning a hole in my pocket. Every buzz makes my pulse jump, but it’s always the group chat. I don’t know why I want it to be him. It’s better that it’s not
Emma:Kara! You’re being quiet. Hungover from Saturday still?
Kara:No just tired. See you guys later.
The lecture hall is half-empty when I slip in, sliding into a seat near the back. I stare at my notebook, pen moving without purpose. The words blur together. My handwriting gets messier as my mind drifts. I draw spirals in the margins, then scratch them out. Draw them again.
My phone buzzes, and I jump at it desperately needing something to take my mind off him. I check it under my desk.
Payton:Want to grab lunch after your 11am? Dining hall?
Kara: Yes
The rest of the lecture passes in a haze.
By the time I make it to the dining hall, my friends are already camped out at our usual table. Trays loaded with salads and sandwiches, voices animated despite Monday morning fatigue.
“There she is,” Tori announces as I approach. “You look dead.”
“I am,” I mutter, sliding into the empty chair beside Lola. She gives me a subtle look. The kind that sayswe need to talk later.
“So,” Payton starts, unwrapping her turkey sandwich. “I’ve been thinking. Maybe Wolf Boy goes to different parties. We need to expand our search.”
Emma chuckles. “You’re obsessed.”
“I’m dedicated,” Payton counters. “Besides, Kara needs the distraction too. Right, Kare?”
All eyes turn to me. I force a smile, picking at my salad. “Yeah. Sure.”
Tori leans forward, grinning. “Speaking of Saturday night, you disappeared for a while. Everything okay?”
My stomach drops. “Just needed air after…” I look at Lola and raise my eyebrows.
“Uh-huh.” Her smile turns knowing. “And it had nothing to do with a certain hockey player eye-fucking you all night?”
“Lola,” Tori warns quietly.
