Page 32 of The Breakaway

“Accepted.” He nodded like he was accepting a secret mission. “Since I’ve hopefully passed your test, I’d like to extend an invitation. As you can see, our boy Rob feels a tad bit like shit.” He gestured behind him. “His head isn’t loving the noise and neon signs in this joint. We’re going to take this party to my apartment and would be honoured if you’d join us.”

Maddie eyed him. “What are we going to do at said apartment?”

Axel bowed slightly. “So happy you asked. My roommates and I recently procured a thrift store foosball table which we smuggled into the basement. Nick got the code from the building manager. I think he had to trade a pair of your underwear, but?—”

Maddie laughed out loud and slapped a hand on his chest. “I didn’t sleep with Nick! Is he still telling people that?”

Axel pulled his arm off Crystal’s shoulder and put his hand over his heart. “Just grateful for your contribution.” Maddie swiped for his hair, and he dodged, grinning from ear to ear. “So that’s a yes?”

Crystal was already shrugging on her jacket. "Let the games begin.”

Maddie hesitated, sneaking another glance at her step-brother.

I squeezed her hand. "You sure?" I asked quietly. "We can stay if you want."

She drew a deep breath. “No, let’s go."

They both handed me cash, and I tracked down our server to settle our bill, then the three of us followed Axel, Bear, and Nick outside. Where Rob was standing next to a friend as he smoked a cigarette.

Blood rushed to my middle as they both fell into step with us. Rob was coming. Of course he was coming. He, Axel, and Logan were close. The whole Outlaws team was like a brotherhood, but those three were inseparable.

I tried to act normal on the walk to Axel’s apartment on the other side of campus, but my mind felt like a shaken kaleidoscope. Rob didn’t say hello. Didn’t turn to look at me or acknowledge my existence. Though, that could’ve been on account of his bruised face and hands.

I shuddered, thinking about the game. I ached for him, though I knew I couldn’t say anything. I’d made that mistake with Logan, and I didn’t have an excuse for worrying over Rob.

As we climbed the steps to their building, the bass thumping from one of the first-floor flats vibrated the soles of my sneakers. We walked into the entry and took the stairs to the second floor.

Rory Harmon, a stocky redheaded defender, jumped off the couch with a whoop of delight when he saw us. "Eyy, you brought ladies!" He ruffled my hair as we pushed past him into the packed living room. Apparently, half the team hadn’t made it to Ranchmans.

I ducked away with a laugh, and Axel shoved him. “Hands off, bud, or Logan’ll whoop your ass.”

My eyes flicked up, locking with Rob’s. I quickly glanced away, my cheeks flushing, and Rory handed me a plastic cup with some kind of concoction. He bumped his cup against it. “Here’s to almost finals week.”

I laughed. “Why are we toasting that?”

He grinned as if to sayI toast everything, remember?Then whooped and headed toward the door. “We ain’t staying here, so don’t get comfy.” He pulled the door wide and motioned for us to walk out into the hall.

He led the whole slew of us to the stairwell. We followed him through the heavy metal door like baby ducks, our voices echoing off the concrete.

“This is the day,” Crystal murmured.

“When Axel and Rory use us as human sacrifices?” Maddie grabbed onto the railing when she almost missed a step. Crystal and I died laughing.

“Geez, you’re going to make me spill!” Crystal held her cup over her head.

I snorted. “Because that will make you more stable.”

We finally made it to the basement, and Rory charged over to where Mark was setting up the foosball table, a battered old thing that looked like it had seen its share of teenage brawls.

"First match.” Crystal cracked her knuckles, stepping up next to me. "You and me, babe. Let's show 'em how it's done."

“Not me?” Maddie frowned.

Crystal put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re smart. You can’t have all the skills.”

I grinned and joined her at one end of the table, flicking the goal counters on their metal rod. “What do you say? Girls against boys?”

Axel puffed out his chest. “A challenge has been issued!”

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