Page 45 of The Ruckup
“Want me to open that?” Hazel motions toward the alcohol I’m still carrying.
“Sure. I brought it to share.” I pass it off, standing awkwardly around the island with everyone else.
These women have clearly known each other for a while, and they chat easily. Talking about work and parents and the holidays. I opt to just listen, because any conversation I could bring to the table—island—is a little heavier than what they’re all dishing up.
It’s only a couple minutes before the curvy brunette wiggles in at my side, handing me a wine glass. “I just realized no one ever introduced themselves.” She lifts the bottle in her hand, along with her eyebrows. When I nod, she tips a healthy pour into my glass. “I’m Lola.” Once my wine is poured, she sets the bottle down and motions to the redhead. “The loud one is Isla and the tall one is Wren.”
I commit the names to memory as she moves on to Hazel—whose name I already knew thanks to Leo.
“And of course you already know Alexis.” She hands me a set of chopsticks. “Dig in. We aren’t fancy here. We come to eat, drink, and complain.”
I take a sip of my wine, eyes moving around the group of beautiful women as I quietly ask, “What kind of stuff do you normally complain about?”
“Nothing as exciting as crazypants ex-husbands getting their ass beat by our hot rugby boyfriends.” Lola bumps me with her hip, offering up a sly smile. “It had to be pretty fucking amazing to see that ass get a little of what he deserves.”
“I definitely enjoy when he gets what he has coming.” I take another drink of my wine. “But I feel terrible that Leo’s mixed up in it. I’m afraid it’s going to hurt his career and ruin his relationship with his parents.”
I don’t know why I’m already spilling my guts. I can’t blame it on the alcohol, I’m only a couple sips of wine in. Lola is just so friendly and warm and kind.
And I’m so desperate to purge all the feelings I’m struggling with.
Lola glances to where Alexis sits in a barstool on the other side of the island. Lowering her voice, she says, “You’re not the issue between Leo and his parents. Trust me.”
I peek Alexis’s way, wondering if I’m not the only one who accidentally tells Lola all their deepest darkest.
“And it probably only helps Leo’s reputation that he’s using his giant muscles to put abusive men in their place.” Lola shrugs. “As long as he doesn’t end up with charges pressed against him, it might be a good thing.”
“They’re not pressing charges against Leo. Thankfully the cameras outside my office caught everything, so they could see that my ex was the aggressor.” But what if the cameras hadn’t been there? It would have just been Leo’s word against Drake’s. Granted, Drake’s word doesn’t count for much, but still.
If Leo’s career is damaged because of me, I don’t know that I could forgive myself. I would imagine his parents wouldn’t forgive me either. Or Alexis.
My eyes are on Leo's sister when Isla edges in at her side, peeking over her shoulder. “What are you doing?”
Alexis quickly shoves her phone into the pocket of her jeans before reaching for another piece of sushi. “Nothing.”
“That smile on your face doesnotsay nothing.” Isla waggles her brows. “That smile says you just got a text from a certain long-haired rugby player.”
Uhhh.
What?
There’s a very specific long-haired rugby player who knows Alexis well. He also knows Leo well.
They’re freaking best friends.
Isla continues on, oblivious to the mess she’s making. “You went home with Gavin last night, didn’t you?” She leans closer, her voice slightly quieter, but still loud enough for me to hear. “Did you have to leave because he nutted on your dress again?”
Maybe these women wouldn’t be super shocked by the stories I have to share after all, because that story sounds pretty wild.
“I…” Alexis’s eyes snap my way, widening in panic as the room gets quiet.
Isla finally seems to realize she’s dropped the beans all over the floor. “Oh fuck.” She looks from Alexis to me, then back to Alexis again. “I sorta forgot we had a new addition here.”
The silence drags out until finally someone breaks it.
And that someone is me.
“I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t hear a single word you said then.” I give Alexis a small smile. “But if I did, the only thing I would have to say is good for you.”
