Page 111 of Rules

“Shit!”

I lift my eyes, not even bothering to get up.

Andrew catches the puck, sees the opening and takes it.

The buzzer sounds.

Game over.

Chapter Forty-Two

BROOK

Every few minutes, my eyes look at the clock on the wall. Minutes tick by slowly, but that doesn’t prevent me from checking the time yet again. I’ve been doing it since the beginning of my shift, jittery.

Today’s the day.

The big game.

I have no clue about hockey, but I know how important this is to Max. And although we left things like we did the other day, I still want this for him. If anybody knows how hard that guy’s been working, it’s me. Even with a learning disorder, he’s giving his all to keep up with his studies while at the same time busting his ass on the ice to be the best possible hockey player he can be.

For the umpteenth time today, I wish I had a normal phone like every other teenager in the world so I could try to find the score online instead of fidgeting all afternoon. Then again, maybe it’s better that I don’t.

“What has you all on edge?” Megan asks as she walks over to me. She came in just a few minutes ago to cover for me until closing time.

“That obvious, huh?” I ask, tucking a runaway strand of hair behind my ear.

Her crimson lips curl into a knowing smile. “Only a little. What’s up?”

“A friend of mine is having a really important game today, so I’m kind of nervous.”

“A friend?” Megan wiggles her brows playfully.

“Stop it.” I elbow her as I pass by, but the only thing it does is make her giggle harder.

Taking off my apron, I grab my backpack that’s stashed underneath the bar. “Yes, he’s just a friend.”

“Whatever you need to tell yourself, honey.”

I roll my eyes, but the slight shaking of my backpack grabs my attention. Digging my phone out of the bag, I see Lia’s name on the little screen. “I’ve gotta take this. See you next week!” I pick up the call. “Hey, Lia! What’s up?”

“Where are you?” she shouts through the background noise. “I’ve been trying to call you forever!”

I pull away my phone to check my screen, seeing there are a few missed calls. “Sorry, I was at work. What’s going on?”

“They won!” Lia’s squeal is so loud I have to put some distance between the speaker and my ear if I want to keep my hearing.

“OMG, that’s amazing!”

My heart kicks up a notch with happiness. They won! They actually won.

There is a loud roar in the background, and then the music is turned on to the max. I guess the victory party has already started. Not that it surprises me. Andrew is notorious for his parties.

“Wait, I can’t hear you. Let me get out of here.”

I hear her move through the house, and she must have gotten away from the party because suddenly it’s much quieter.

“I’m at Andrew’s. He had to take care of something, but Derek and the guys set everything up. You should come.”

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