Page 57 of Puck Me Secretly

“That’s okay.”

“What did I miss?”

“The Wolves just came in.”

“Ooh, where?” she twisted around, craning her neck.

I ducked my head. “Be subtle. I’d prefer if they didn’t notice me.”

Her eyes went wide. “So, we’re spying?”

“Let’s just say we’re doing an anthropological study of a group of red blooded, testosterone-filled males.”

“I love it.”

We ordered more drinks and talked about old friends. Ola was a connector. She knew everyone and their business. She was also the vault and could keep a secret better than anyone I knew, but anything that was public knowledge, she was happy to share.

Max laughed at something someone said.

I worked to listen to Ola, but I didn’t hear a word she said.

Two women approached the group of men. Max took a sip of his beer and glanced up at them. Both of the women had killer bodies, clad in skin tight dresses and stiletto heels. Puck bunnies, whose main goal was to secure themselves a hockey player.

I gritted my teeth. And smiled back at Ola.

She was still talking. I worked to concentrate on her words.

Geez. Max now held one of the women’s hand and stared up at her.

Jealousy licked my soul. I forced myself to nod at Ola.

The puck bunny sat down next to Max and stared up at him.

I could feel sadness settle over me.

I blinked unseeing at Ola, while I tried to cool my reaction, but my stomach was so hard it hurt.

Ola, unaware that I wasn’t listening, continued with her story.

My eyes averted to Max.He smiled at the floor, listening while Blondie whispered something in his ear.

This was my future. I needed to accept this. Max didn’t want me. He wanted his player lifestyle.

“You’d think they’d be kicking his ass to the curb but they’re still fighting over him,” Ola finished with a flourish.

I stared at Ola as I worked to get all my erratic emotions under control.

“Are you okay?” she asked, amused. “You have that same look on your face that you did when Ruby stole your science project idea in grade 7.”

“Sorry.” I tried to focus. I needed a moment alone to think, so Ididn’t blurt out my secret about Max. “I need to use the washroom. Do you know where they are?”

She pointed to the corner. To get there, I would have to walk past the Wolves.

No! I could not walk past him.

I debated suggesting to Ola that we leave, but pride wouldn’t let me. I stood up and took a deep breath. I knew I looked good with my mile-high heels and wrap around navy dress. Yet, I felt petrified.

I survived a plane crash. I can walk to the washroom.

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