Page 25 of What are the Risks
I tossed the sock to him before turning back to my suitcase. “I don’tnotlike it, it’s just not my favourite place.”
I located a knitted turtleneck in my suitcase that I’d forgotten I’d packed. I could probably make this outfit work if Tori had a pair of boots I could borrow.
“What about you?” I asked, holding the knit against my chest. “I can’t believe this is your final ever college home game.”
“Tell me about it. It’s like I blinked and college was over.”
“Slow your roll, Wheels. You still have four months left.”
“Of school. Not of football.”
While the regular season was coming to a close, Ryker still had the post-season after Christmas break. But I understood what he was getting at. A big part of his life was ending, and with that came an even bigger chapter next year – one he rarely spoke about because he was too humble to acknowledge he was about to join the same league as the best of the best.
“I’m assuming you’re not drinking at dinner tonight,” I said.
“I’m never drinking again. Period. I had the hangover from hell Thursday.”
My jaw dropped in disbelief. “Drinking on a Wednesday, Wheels? You finally loosened the reins and gave yourself a night off? Good for you!”
“I drink,” he argued defensively.
Ryker knew how to party and have fun, but he was a sucker for a two-day hangover. So during football season, his drunken nights were few and far between.
“Did the guys force you to go out?”
“No. I went to Lastlings with the hockey captain.”
“That Holloway guy? I thought you hated him.”
“I do. I mean, I did. It’s a long story. We were both kind of into the same girl for a while there.”
Forgetting my outfit, I climbed onto the bed beside Ryker and gave him my full attention. “Give me the long story, Wheels. Is this the same girl from Halloween?”
Ryker readied his arm, but the sock fell short. “If I tell you, you have to promise you won’t judge me.”
“Why would I judge you?”
“Because Holloway and I made a bet... and she was the wager.”
“Ryker.”
He grimaced at the disappointment in my tone. “I know it wasn’t my finest moment, Rubz. It was arrogant and disrespectful. I wish I hadn’t suggested it.”
I could see the regret on Ryker’s face, so I decided to let it drop. For now.
Man, guys could be assholes. I was so glad I wasn’t single. If two guys secretly made a bet about me, I’d castrate them – especially someone like Ryker.
I loved my best friend, but he could be so naïve to what life was like for us average people – those who weren’t blessed with popularity, talent on the football field and near-perfect looks.
Next year he’d sign a contract, one that meant he’d never need to worry about money again. Not to mention he’d be idolised for the rest of his life. I appreciated different pressures would come with that, but he’d automatically skip so many life challenges and hurdles that everyday people had to deal with.
“And now you’re hung up on this girl,” I surmised, scrunching up the sock and aiming for the ceiling fan.
It momentarily settled on a blade before rolling off and falling against Ryker’s stomach.
“I’m not hung up onher. I’m hung up on theideaof her.”
“What do you mean?”
