Page 21 of Rush the Edge

“I’m not fucking with you.” He catches up to me quickly. “I’ve just never seen you get riled up over anything other than hockey.”

“I’m not riled up.” I am fully riled up.

He chuckles and passes his own locker to continue badgering me. “So you two grew up together? Why is she here?”

My heart rate climbs. “She’s River’s sister,” I snap.

Malaki’s face lights up. “That’sRiver’s sister? Our new neighbor?”

I grind my jaw, and he throws his head back to laugh on his way over to his locker. I swear I hear him mutter something under his breath about how the tables have turned, but I’m choosing to simmer myself down by taking my gear off.

I decide to skip the shower because I need space and air.We have one of the largest arenas in the league, but knowing that Daisy is here makes it seem small, and before I know it, I’ll be catching her sweet swaying hips slipping around every last corner.

After making it to my car, I slide inside and exhale a few times to calm down before grabbing my phone. I deleted Daisy’s number years ago, during a drunken rage, but it was senseless. Everything about Daisy is permanently engraved into my brain.

I dial the number I have memorized, and it rings once before going to her voicemail. I hate that my chest constricts with her voice floating through the speakers. It’s the same damn one she set up when we were teens.

I quickly type a text after reluctantly resaving her number.

Me

Ignoring my call? Classic. I’m ready to go. Where are you?

Daisy-Petal

The fucking mascot…really?

I wish I had stuck around to see her face during the interview.

Me

Is that code for thank you? Because you’re welcome for getting you a job.

Daisy-Petal

Actually, it’s code for I hate you.

Good. I hate you too.

My car comes to life, and I relax back into my seat. If it were anyone else, I would have left them stranded by now. Don’t get that wrong, though—I’m not waiting around because of her. I’m waiting because of River. If something were to happen to her, and it was my fault, I’d lose the only family I currently have left. The Sullivans may not be blood related to me, but they stepped in when my family practically disowned me. We don’t talk as much as I’d like, because I couldn’t deal with the constant reminders of Daisy, but I know that if I need someone, they’d be the ones to rely on.

Me

So I take it you didn’t accept the position? That’s a shame. I was looking forward to seeing you in that costume.

She texts back right away.

Daisy-Petal

Of course I took the position. I need a job, and if Cindy is willing to work with me if I ever need time off, what more can I ask for?

It doesn’t come as a surprise to me, but it still sends a line of dread down my spine.

Me

Time off? For what? To make out with all those plants in your apartment?

Daisy-Petal

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