Page 23 of Arrogant Puck

Everything else in life is rat shit.

I rack the bar, exhale slow. There’s sweat sliding down my back and blood from a ripped callus on my palm. I don’t wipe either off.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Riley.

Clipboard in hand. Glaring at me, but he doesn’t say a word. Just keeps walking.

I grab my towel and follow.

I pass the med office on the way to the locker room. Riley’s voice leaks into the hallway through a cracked door.

“She said he wouldn’t even hear her out. Just shut it down.”

Sage. Talking about me.

I don’t move. Just stand there like a goddamn idiot, listening to what else she had to say.

Riley keeps going. “He’s compensating. You can see it in his stride. That right hip’s worse than he’s letting on.”

He’s not wrong. He’s just late to the party.

“Sage suggested we bench him until he complies.”

“Can’t do that, Rile,” Coach mocks him.

Fucking bitch.

Like I’m just another name on a chart.

I leave before I can listen to more.

In the locker room, I sit alone.

My phone buzzes.

Dean: drinks at seven. ur coming. no excuses

Slater: Can’t. Next time.

Lie. There won’t be a next time.

The hip aches like it wants to grind bone against bone. I should ice it. Should rest.

Instead, I shower. Water cold enough to leave my skin red.

Lexi shows up around eight.

Tight dress, too much perfume, bag of KFC in one hand. She drops it on the counter and strips off her jacket without waiting for me to offer a hello.

“You look like shit,” she says, smiling. “But still hot. So, silver lining.”

I don’t answer.

She steps between my legs where I’m leaning against the counter, runs a hand up my stomach.

She kisses me. Deep and fast. Trying to pull something from me.

I let her try.

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