Page 18 of Facing the Line

“He’s another Sig Alph, Devon.”

“Oh yeah, JaShawn introduced us. What did you think of him?” Her expression is a mixture of expectant and hopeful.

So I nod. “He’s cool.”

Kendall giggles and links her arm through mine. “How fun would it be if we dated frat brothers?”

“So fun.” She has a point. I picture us, watching movies and going out to dinner together as a foursome. It feels cozy and intimate. Content.

And there are worse things. I don’t want to be tied down, but college is my chance to try new things, make new choices. One date won’t hurt. It’s time to say yes to a smart one.

Chapter

Seven

HADLEY

Jasmine: You’re coming to Adam’s Halloween party, right?

Hadley: I don’t know.

Jasmine: It’s the best hockey party of the year! You have to come. Bring your roommate! It’s always a blast.

Hadley: I’ll think about it.

Devon: Hey, wanna grab coffee with me?

I rub my finger over Devon’s text. He sent it four days ago, so if I’m not officially at the ghosting stage, I’m flirting way too close to the line. I vowed to stop thinking about guys that are bad for me and say yes to better choices.

So why am I ignoring him and getting dressed for the Hockey Hall Halloween party instead? I don’t know. I convinced Kendall to come with me, though, so if I had any sort of agenda or ulterior motive—which I don’t—I know she will keep me in check.

I shouldn’t have Jonas on my mind, with his soft lips, sweet smile, and deep brown eyes. My stomach flips at the mental picture. He’s off-limits, and besides, he’s a jock. He’ll inevitably put someone else first and disappoint me.

But apparently this is a great party. Can’t be missed. So I’m sure everything will be fine. As I pull on the bottom half of my costume, my phone buzzes with an incoming text.

Kendall: I’m sorry to ditch you, but…

Hadley: No. Don’t even be that girl.

Kendall: JaShawn is being VULNERABLE. It’s my Kryptonite!

Hadley: He just wants to get in your pants.

Kendall: I don’t see the problem. He knows what he’s doing in there!

Hadley: Enjoy ;) But you owe me!

I sigh. I don’t begrudge her the good time, but I wanted Kendall as a buffer tonight to help me stay strong in the face of any potential temptation the hockey party may or may not provide.

At least Jasmine will be there. She’s Cooper’s girlfriend, and he’s Hunter’s best friend. She’s around a lot, in their apartment and at hockey games, so I’ve gotten to know her pretty well. She doesn’t know about anything between me and Jonas—not like there’s anything to know. But she will be in my corner if I need moral support tonight.

After twisting myself into a pretzel, I finally manage to zip my jumpsuit. I ordered it online, and it fits like a glove. I tug on the boots—they are perfection—and fluff my hair in the mirror. I make a decent Captain Marvel, if I do say so myself.

I don’t want to mess with parking and driving home later, so I walk the few blocks from my dorm to Hockey Hall.

It’s ten days before Halloween, but I guess one of Hunter’s teammates is obsessed with the holiday. He has a big party every year, and their schedule conflicts later in the month. So he opted for an early party, and Jasmine invited me.

I’ve been out with her and their group a few times already. The hockey guys are fun, even if I suspect Hunter told them all they are only allowed to have platonic feelings about me. Which is fine, of course, because I don’t want to date a hockey player. But there will be lots of people at this party who don’t play sports. So if I meet a cute guy tonight who could show me a good time, I’d consider going home with him. If I can sneak him past Hunter.

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