Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 128356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
After I listen to the coach blabbering about how I’m actually a superb player but let violence take over, and I should be more mindful of the team I dragged down with me tonight, I leave the arena, my phone in hand.
Me
Where is she?
Larson
At home.
When did she get there?
A few hours ago. After dropping by Stantonville.
Larson said that Violet went to HAVEN, probably to check on Laura and her kid, because Violet doesn’t forget about people. For instance, she still visits Mario all the time and even talks to him. According to her, “You never know. He could be listening. I want to keep him company.”
One time, she said her online embroidery sales were doing well, but instead of spending that money on herself, she bought a shit ton of stuff for Laura’s daughter.
Even with Larson around, I still don’t like her going to that grimy place.
A weight slams against my back, and I grunt, losing my balance.
Preston jumps in front of me, grinning. “Drive me home.”
“I’m not your fucking chauffeur.”
“You should be whatever the fuck I want, considering you screwed us up tonight, and now we’re behind the Wolves.”
“Do I play hockey just to beat the Wolves?”
“Why else would you? They’re the most annoying motherfuckers and need to go down.” He smiles again. “Anyway, I’m coming with you.”
He walks beside me, completely ignoring my attempts to push him away.
“What a fucking shame that despite my sacrifices and my busted lip and provocations that will add more enemies to my bucket list, your lousy penalties axed us.”
“Stop being dramatic.” I shove him toward his car. “You would’ve been provocative anyway.”
“True, but I wouldn’t do this.” He taps the corner of his lip. “My precious looks are stained because of you, so you better make it up to me by telling me what the fuck got your panties in a twist, big man.”
“Just get out of my sight, Pres.”
“Nah.” He steps into my space. “You haven’t been yourself, and Vee keeps asking if you’re okay. And you’re totally avoiding her. What have you done?”
“Why do you think I did something?”
“Because she’s kind and sweet and would never hurt a fly. Can’t say the same thing about you.”
“Whose friend are you?”
“Yours, of course, which is why I call you out on your bullshit.” He grins. “Come on, tell me about it all over a drink?”
I don’t want to.
But I do need to talk to someone, though Preston is not the best choice. He’ll clown around and say ‘Called it’ about my mom being off and my whole obsession with revenge being weird.
“I have a better idea!” Preston taps me on the shoulder. “We cockblock Kane and make him cook us something, and then you can at least receive the sane bullshit advice. Deal? I’m glad you agree, deal!”
I shake my head, but I slide into his car’s driver seat as he blasts some godawful loud music and starts singing off-key.
What a nuisance.
But at least maybe after I talk to the guys, I’ll be able to face Violet properly.
33
VIOLET
“What are you even doing here?” Dahlia asks with a hand hitched on her hip while glaring down at Preston.
He merely picks up a few grapes and stuffs his face full of them, then searches his surroundings. “You talking to me, Dakota?”
“It’s Dahlia! You’re obviously doing this on purpose, prick! And scoot away. This was supposed to be a cute little picnic for Vi and me.”
“Nah, it’s me and Vee. You go climb Kane as if he’s a tree.”
Her face reddens, but she attempts to kick him, and he rolls away on the blanket after snatching a sandwich. I don’t think it’s okay or even easy to eat while rolling, but Preston seems to do it completely fine.
“She’s my sister, and I have priority,” Dahlia mutters, flopping down beside me.
“Finders keepers, ya know.” He rolls back close to us, propping himself up on his elbows and grinning.
He looks a bit different today, though I can’t quite place why. He’s dressed in jeans, a white shirt, and his Vipers jacket. His hair is more floppy, but his eyes are a bit dimmed.
Dahlia and I opted to have a picnic in the local park, considering the beautiful weather, and Preston decided to join as usual. It’s still a bit cold, though, so we’ll probably have to pack up and leave in a while.
Since it’s the weekend, the place is full of people walking, running, or playing tennis on the courts down the hill.
But from our position, we get a nice view of the town center and its centuries-old institutions.
The beauty of the setting and the pretty food I made for this picnic doesn’t seem to ease the tightening in my chest.
It’s been a week and a half since I last saw Jude in person.
I know I should take the ghosting as a sign. I’ve experienced that before with some guys, and it never bothered me. If anything, I was glad I didn’t have to talk to them and was relieved they chose to leave me alone.