Page 138 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“Sounds good. I could do with taking my mind off everything.”

Mainly Poppy.

We hadn’t really spoken since the weekend. And I missed her. I missed her so fucking much, but I didn’t know how to fix it. I figured it was one of the things that would heal with time.

But fuck if I didn’t want to call her and tell her the good news.

“Hey, you okay?” Cole asked me, handing me my Raiders hoodie. I nodded.

“I’m fine. Come on, we should get to class.”

“You know, there’s still time to tell Zara you’re not going with her Friday.”

“We both know it’s not that simple.”

“Cole is right,” Ezra said. “You’re playing with fire with that one.”

“She’s all bark.”

“And you’re a fucking idiot.” He flashed me a knowing smirk.

I wanted to argue. To deny I was an idiot.

But he had a point.

They both did.

I was just too far in to do anything about it at this point, and with potentially the biggest game of my life Friday, I needed as little drama as possible.

“Here he is, future Hawkeye in the making,” Dylan said, slamming his hand down on the table.

“This is… unexpected,” I said, scanning the bar. So much for a quiet drink with Ezra, Cole, and McKay.

Ezra intercepted me and slung his arm over my shoulder, directing me to the bar. “They overheard us, asked to tag along, and well, we didn’t have the heart to tell them no.”

“It’s fine.”

“What’s up, boys?”

“Hi, Pete. Two beers, please.”

“Do me a favor and keep them in line, huh.” He glanced over to where Dylan and Quinn were goofing around with the pool cues.

“You got it.”

“And kick some Falcon ass Friday night. We’re all rooting for you.”

I gave him a small nod, perching on a stool.

“What did Ashleigh say about you hanging out with us tonight?”

He clicked his tongue. “She’s not my keeper. She’s hanging out with the girls, and I’m hanging out with you, Hawkeye.” He shoulder checked me, grinning.

“It isn’t written in stone yet.”

“No, but I want it for you, bro. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” I held out my fist and he bumped it.

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