Page 5 of Play Maker

This wasn’t the worst day of my life, but the best.

Instead of hiding outside, and fueled by shock and adrenaline, I stalked into the room.

“Gotta love these family reunions,” I stated.

My comment was met with silence. Silence and frigid glares.

“I think it’s time we talk about my future,” I added. “The one that doesn’t include Langston.”

Maybe I wasn’t as smart as the rest of the Lunds, but I knew one thing. In life, sometimes you had to play dirty to win.

Two months later

Unfortunately, transferring colleges wasn’t as easy as all that. My grades weren’t great, and I relied on my hockey stats to get an acceptance letter.

Only, I didn’t have a choice. I had one offer and that was it. Take it or leave it.

I couldn’t wait to get out of this place. I felt suffocated and at the same time, isolated, and I hated it.

Preston was the first, and only person, I confided in.

Axel: Hey, I’ve got good news and bad news. I’m leaving Langston.

Preston: You finally made it happen. How? Are your parents freaking out?

Axel: They are. I don’t care. And the how isn’t important.

The fuck it wasn’t. Still, I didn’t tell Preston about what I’d done, using a secret to gain favor. Maybe I was more like my family than I wanted to admit? That idea was even scarier than staying here at Langston.

Preston: Don’t push them too far. You still need their money. And their name carries weight.

Axel: I’m not worried.

Preston: And the bad news?

I paused for a moment. I didn’t want to hurt my friend, but he needed to know.

Axel: I only had one offer. From Sutton University.

The college where his ex, Jace Rowland, played.

Preston: Are you shitting me?

Axel: Nope.

Preston: He was such an asshole to me, and now you’re on the same team? WTF?

Axel: I know. But don’t worry. I can handle it. And he’ll get what’s coming to him.

Confronting my family was one thing.

Confronting Jace? Well, that didn’t quite work out the way I imagined.

CHAPTER 3

JACE

PRESENT DAY, SUTTON U, WINTER SEMESTER

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