Page 90 of Exes That Puck
“Let me guess—Wolf Boy?”
“Wolf boy,” she smiles brightly. God, I miss those days. The early days of being in love is unlike anything. “Rocky. And he’s actually really sweet when he’s not surrounded by his hockey bros.”
I snort. “Being alone with someone just means they can control the narrative.”
Payton sits up, frowning. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Just that people act different one-on-one than they do in groups.”
She makes a disgusted face at me. “You’re being weird and cynical.”
I make the same face back. “I’m being realistic. Wait until you see him at the next party. He’ll probably pretend you don’t exist again. Remember when he completely ignored you and then walked away?”
“God, what is wrong with you?” Payton stands, hands on her hips. “You’re being such a bitch.”
I shake my head, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m just saying—”
“You’re being jealous and sour because screwing your ex isn’t working out.” Her words hit like a slap. “I get that you’re upset about Zeke, but don’t take it out on me and what I have going on.”
“Rocky’s going to break your heart,” I say flatly. I don’t care that she’s getting all emotional right now. I have no bandwidth for it.
Payton laughs. “You are such a hypocrite! You’ve been telling me for weeks that I should give people chances, that Wolf Boy might be different than I think. But the second I actually connect with someone, you tear him down.”
“That’s not—”
“I’m done, Kara. I’m done being your best friend and your roommate and your emotional punching bag. I’m requesting a room transfer!”
The words knock the breath out of me. “Fine! I was planning to move out anyway!”
We both grab our bags and storm out, slamming the door so hard the walls shake.
In the hallway, tears blur my vision. I feel so lost, so angry that Zeke was ready to sleep with Brianne the second things got complicated. I need alcohol and I need it now.
I text Lola.
Kara: Emergency drinks.
Lola: On my way.
The bar is dark and mostly empty at 2 PM, which is perfect for my current mood. Lola finds me at the bar nursing my second vodka tonic.
“Don’t ask,” I say to her, feeling drunk already.
“I’m not asking questions,” she says, sliding onto the stool next to me.
She orders a drink while I chug mine and get another.
I’m patting the bar when I say, “When did my life turn to this, Lola?”
She shrugs.
“I just need… I don’t know anymore…”
Two more drinks, and the whole messy situation spills out. Josh’s text, Zeke’s jealousy, finding him locked in a room with Brianne, our screaming match, the fight with Payton. By the time I’m done, I’ve had four drinks and Lola looks concerned.
“Maybe we should get you some food—”
“I’m fine.” I signal the bartender for another. “You know what? I’m better than fine. I’m free. Free to do whatever I want with whoever I want.”
