Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
“They’re staring,” I tell Georgia, making sure not to move my lips.
“That’s the Ice Crew.” I figured. “I’ll wait here.” She drops down into one of the seats before I can protest. I’m not going to force her.
“Give me a few names.” I’m all about names and faces. All the details I can get about people. I don’t know why my mind always retains those things. Why can’t I remember algebra formulas instead? That would be helpful. I guess in the long run I won’t use algebra, but I will use this talent forever.
Georgia might not be aware, but I recall a few of the names. She’s said them in passing when we’ve talked, which we do every day. I was getting little stories about them here and there.
“And last but not least, your captain—”
“Lana Parks,” I say before she can. The girl that has made Georgia’s life harder. I don’t get it. Georgia wants to blend and not cause trouble. It pisses me off that they are actively seeking her out to try to make her miserable.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar. What?”
“Maybe I’ll be the captain.” Her eyes widen. I love how expressive she can be.
“She’s always the captain,” Georgia informs me.
“I read all the crap they sent over.” It was a massive guide, but being informed always gives you the upper hand. “Captains aren’t picked yet for this season.”
“Be careful,” Georgia tries to warn me.
“What’s the fun in that?” I wink at her before making my way down to the table.
Chapter Four
LUKE
“Let’s not make this more emotional than it needs to be.” Sheriff Brinks glares at me. He knows that shit doesn’t work with me. He and I have gone around and around before, and now I’m here for made-up shit.
“Luke—”
“I’m sure I’ll be back soon enough.” I take the paper that says I’m officially off probation.
“Next time you’ll go to jail,” he warns.
I chuckle. “You think they’d actually let me miss a game?”
Brinks takes a deep breath to get his anger in check. We both know I’m right. Is it messed up? Of course it is. That doesn’t mean it’s not true. The school and likely this town will make sure I’m on that ice. If they get to use me, I’ll use them right the fuck back.
“Luke, you have one year left.”
“Don’t remind me.” I crumple the piece of paper and toss it into the trash before making my way out of the police station. One fight after a hockey game last year and no one can let that shit go. This isn’t even real probation. A bunch of shit they made up to try and scare me.
“Hey there,” Liz says as she passes by me. I ignore her. She turns, walking backwards so she can still see me. “Still an asshole?”
“Yes.”
“Got it. Are you ready to take me up on that offer?”
“It appears I need to be a bigger asshole than I already am.”
“Holy shit, I was teasing. You keep that wicked tongue to yourself.” She spins back around and keeps walking. If wicked is being correct in the things I say that no one else will, I’m okay with that. I check my smart watch, seeing I have time before practice.
With not much else to do, I head back toward the school grounds. Each day, more and more people are showing up. I already moved my shit into my room. I ended up paired with Grant. Out of everyone on the team, it’s not the worst pick I could have gotten. I bet Coach had his hand all up in that.
Grant has already moved in. I haven’t seen him, but all his crap is there. He is very clean and organized, boot-camp type. I stop walking when I spot Georgia Ashford barreling down the sidewalk, not paying attention to where she’s going. Typical of her, without a care in the world. Georgia has always thought she is better than everyone else. She doesn’t give anyone the time of day. I’m sure she’s as ready to get out of here as I am.
I don’t move when she collides right into me, falling backwards onto her ass. A small scream leaves her.
“How about you watch where you’re going?” I stand over her. She mutters under her breath, and I don’t catch it. “What?”
“Nothing.” She winces when she starts to get up.
“The fuck is wrong with you?” A girl snaps at me before I feel a shove to my right shoulder. Not sure what she thinks she was about to do. I take in the thin but tall girl with black, shiny hair. She’s not taller than me; no one around here is. “Oh, you have no words now when I talk to you. Someone that talks back.”
I turn to face the girl, wanting to take more of her in. She’s wearing a zip-up jacket with a sports bra underneath and those stretchy pants girls are always wearing with a pair of sneakers. This has to be one of the new girls. Those plump, shiny lips of hers are pursed.