Page 143 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Poppy

“Yes, yes, yes.”Sofia fist punched the air, grinning uncontrollably as she took in my dress for Homecoming. “It’s perfect. Aaron is going to die.”

“I’m sure he won’t even notice.” I ran my hands down the fit and flare emerald-green dress. It wasn’t particularly sexy or even risqué, but the soft material hugged every inch of my gymnast’s body like a second skin.

“Oh, he’ll notice. And I hope it hurts every bit as much as he hurt you.”

“Sofia…” I let out a heavy sigh.

“I know, I know. But the whole thing just makes me so stabby. Zara is—”

“A bitch?”

But she’d still be the girl on Aaron’s arm tonight.

“Okay, we need to leave soon. Here.” She handed me a paper bag.

“What is this?”

“You’ll see.” The corner of her mouth kicked up.

I pulled out the Rixon Raiders jersey and frowned. “I already have a— oh.” It wasn’t just any jersey. It was a jersey with Aaron’s number on it.

“This is a huge night for him, and regardless of everything that has happened between the two of you, I know he’d want you to wear this tonight. You’re his good luck charm, Pops. You always have been.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Wear it. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Fine.” I changed out of my dress and hung it up ready for later. We planned on watching the game then coming back here to change for the dance.

Yanking on my jeans, I added a long sleeved t-shirt under the jersey and held out my arms. “Well?”

“Perfect.” Sofia grinned. She was in her Raiders hoodie. “We’re meeting Gav and Penny there. I think Leigh is riding with her parents along with Xander and Peyton.”

“She is.” I checked my cell phone. “They’re just leaving.”

“It’s a shame Lily and Kaiden couldn’t make it.”

“Yeah, but Kaiden is playing out of state tomorrow. They fly out first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Kaiden called Aaron earlier to wish him luck.”

“That’s sweet.”

“Yeah, Aaron got all tongue-tied, it was cute.”

I smiled. I would have paid to see that.

After our talk at Bell’s the other night, I’d barely seen Aaron. He’d been with my dad every available second, going over old game tape, strategy, plays. Dad wanted him to be as prepared as possible for tonight.

And I loved him for it. I loved how much he cared about Aaron’s future.

“Did you text him?” Sofia asked coyly.

“What do you think?” I rolled my eyes.

Of course I’d texted him to wish him luck. Just because things were weird between us didn’t mean I didn’t want only good things for him.

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