Page 53 of If You Love Me

“We should have invited Lexi and the girls,” Dred says as she uses chopsticks to move half the mango salad to her plate.

“Callie has a hockey party tonight,” I say without thinking.

Dred lifts an eyebrow, like she’s surprised I know this. “Of course she does. That girl lives and breathes hockey.”

“She is so fucking adorable,” Connor says. “And she has great taste in hockey players.”

“Of course you’d say that,” I tease. “But she is adorable.”

“She has the chops for the Hockey Academy, if she keeps it up,” Connor adds.

“She’s an excellent goalie, from what I’ve seen,” Dred agrees.

I set my fork down. It’s an opportunity I can’t pass up. “I have a question about the Hockey Academy.”

Connor pokes at his mango salad, a flush working its way up his neck. “They have a great program, and it got me out of my parents’ hair for the summer. It worked out well for all of us. Especially them.”

“You were there at the same time as Madden, Bright, and Stiles, right?”

“Yup.” He pops a bite of mango salad into his mouth.

“What’s the deal with you and Madden’s sandwich?”

Dred nearly spit-sprays her wine across the table. As it is,Connor chokes on his food. Dred is out of her chair between one blink and the next, ready to take action.

Connor holds up his hand. “I’m fine.” He coughs twice more. “Did Madden say something to you?”

I shake my head.

Connor rolls his eyes to the ceiling, the tips of his ears bright red. “Why can’t I escape my past?”

“You have to deal with it to get past it,” Dred replies.

For someone in her early twenties, she sure is self-aware.

Connor sighs. “Everyone loved Madden at the Hockey Academy. Everyone always loves Madden. Even when he does questionable shit. I was an asshole with a chip on my shoulder, and he was the golden boy. No one was ever going to be on my side.”

“Have you tried to have a conversation?” Dred asks.

“What’s the point? He’ll believe what he wants. Doesn’t matter if it’s the truth or a lie.” He pushes his chair back from the table. “I’m going to go.”

“Please don’t,” Dred says softly. “Roman isn’t trying to corner you. We just want to understand. But we can drop it, can’t we?” She gives me an imploring look.

“Yeah. Absolutely. Sorry I brought it up.”

“It’s just… The Hockey Academy is what got me here, but the road wasn’t easy. If it means I’m forever the villain, then that’s what I’ll be.” He picks up his chopsticks.

“Noted. Leaving it alone.” I change the subject. “What are everyone’s plans for tomorrow?”

“I’m planning to stop by Lexi’s with gifts for her and the girls at some point.” Dred points a chopstick at each of us. “What about you two?”

“More of this.” I point to my takeout. “Peggy and Hollis aren’t coming back until Boxing Day.”

“I plan to binge theDie Hardmovies while drinking all day tomorrow and be hungover on Boxing Day,” Connor says.

Day drinking alone on Christmas sounds like the opposite ofa good time. Being alone with Lexi will test my willpower. But if I have company…

“Could you put that plan on hold until later in the day?” I ask.

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