Page 140 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“It’s complicated.”

“Isn’t it always?” He lifted his beer toward me and we clinked bottle necks.

“The pool table is free,” Cole said. “Ready for me to kick your ass?”

“You might be QB1 now but I’m still the pool master.”

“Yeah, yeah, Bennet. We’ll see.” He chuckled as we made our way over to the table.

“I can’t believe you’re making me go to Homecoming Friday.”

“If I’ve got to survive it, so do you.”

“Although, it’ll be worth it.” He smirked at me. “Watching you try to pacify Zara while keeping one eye on Poppy and the swim team.”

A low growl vibrated in my chest. “Are you trying to piss me off?”

“Just trying to get you to pull your head out of your ass and realize what a giant fucking mistake you’re making.”

“How do you figure?”

“You only get one Homecoming, Aaron.” He pinned me with a hard look. “Are you seriously telling me you want to spend it with Zara and not Poppy?

“So much for beer and pool with the guys,” I murmured to Ezra as we watched Ashleigh and the girls file into Bell’s.

“Don’t look at me.” He shrugged, tracking her every move. “I didn’t invite them.”

“So funny story,” Sofia said when they reached us. “We were going to Sprinkles for ice cream and my car got a flat tire.”

“So call Dad,” I said.

“But you were right around the corner, so I figured you could probably change out the tire and then we’ll be on our merry way.”

“I’ll do it,” Ezra said.

“I knew you would.” Ashleigh threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, giving zero fucks that they were surrounded by the rest of us.

Cole cleared his throat and said, “I’ll help.”

“Great, here you go.” Sofia handed Cole the keys. “We might as well get a drink while we wait. What do you say?” She glanced at Poppy, and Leigh who had finally managed to tear herself away from Ezra’s lips.

“Actually, I need to use the bathroom.” Poppy gave me a weak smile as she slipped away.

“Is she okay?” I asked my sister.

“Who Poppy? Probably a little embarrassed that we had to come here.”

“What? Why?”

“Because it’s weird. You’re with Zara—”

“Sofe, I’m not with Zara. You know that, right?”

“That’s not how it looked at school today and every other day this week.”

“I’m just trying—”

“To keep the peace.” She tapped my cheek. “Tell it to someone who cares, Brother.”

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