Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“I’ll miss you so much,” I tell him as we part, my eyes filling up.
“I know, me too,” he replies as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his car keys.
Adam gives Jude another hug, then makes his way to his car.
“I love you,” I tell him as I kiss him one more time.
“Love you, too,” he replies before getting in his car and starting the engine. “Call me when you’re settled, yeah?”
“Yes, of course,” I tell him. Then he signals, checks his mirrors, and drives off, giving a small wave out of the window as he goes. It’s not quite the tearful goodbye I imagined, but I guess it’s only a three-hour drive. We’re not on opposite sides of the world, so I’ll take it.
I’m putting away some of my things in the kitchen when I hear the door open and laughter wafting through the hall. Jude walks in with two other guys, who I assume are my new roommates. Both are tall, one with tanned skin, brown hair, and dark brown eyes, and the other with dark blond hair and light hazel eyes.
“Thea, these are two of your roomies. Nolan,” Jude says, pointing toward the blond, “and Devon,” he says, nodding toward the other.
“Nolan, Dev, this is Thea, my sister. No looking, no touching, no lewd comments, and most of all, no dirty underwear left in the hall, got it?”
There’s a moment of silence before we all burst out laughing. I know Jude is joking because, hell, I hung out with his friends a lot when we were kids, and he’s never said anything like this before. It’s not as if I’m the type to hook up with one of them. I have a boyfriend, after all.
“It’s good to meet you, Thea,” Devon says after we recover. “Jude’s told us a lot about you.”
“Yeah,” Nolan continues. “Like how he used to really look forward to all your tea parties when you were little and how you used to practice your beauty routine on him!”
We laugh again as Jude pretends to look shocked before adding, “Hey, guyliner was a thing!”
I’m grateful Nolan and Devon have instantly put me at ease since we will all be living together. They seem like good, fun guys so I’m not surprised they are good friends with Jude.
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” I tell them. “I can’t promise to give beauty tutorials, but I do make a mean lasagna. If you’re up for good home-cooked meals every now and then, hit me up.”
“Oh. My. God. Did . . . did she say . . . Lasagna?” Nolan gasps. “Marry me already! Jude, where have you been hiding this princess all my life, and why haven’t I met her sooner?”
“Because I knew you’d react just like this, and I wanted to savor the moment!”
“He’s not kidding, Thea,” Devon tells me in his deep-timbered voice, “we’ve been living off pizza for so long, I think we’ll turn into a deep dish, stuffed crust soon. Home-cooked meals sound amazing. Thank you.”
We talk some more, with the boys asking me about Silver Lake and my reasons for moving. I tell them the truth—I needed a change. They are so welcoming and friendly, and I feel reassured I’ll fit in well with them, despite being the only female in the house.
“Hey,” Nolan asks as he moves toward the stairs to his room. “Have you heard from Ky?”
“Not yet,” Jude replies before turning to me. “Kyler is our other roommate. He’s hardly ever here though, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see him. He likes to keep to himself, so we just leave him to it.”
“Yeah,” Devon continues, “he can be a moody sonofabitch sometimes, but don’t worry, it’s unlikely to be directed at you. He’ll be polite enough, but just likes his own space.”
“Duly noted,” I reply, my interest already piqued at who this mysterious Kyler is. Maybe I’ll find out soon enough.
two
Kyler
“Last call,” I holler out and prepare for the rush of people coming to the bar. It’s Thursday night, and for the most part, quiet. I know a few kids from school who are hanging out, but the rest of the crowd are summer stragglers, determined to extend their vacation by a couple more nights. I can’t say I blame them. The idea of starting classes next week is daunting, and I’m not looking forward to the Monday through Friday hassle of having to study, sit through lectures, and prepare for the upcoming hockey season.
People start to leave. The regulars tell me goodbye, and some wish me good luck. I’ve spent countless hours talking to them about school and hockey. They’ll come to the games when they start, and most will show up when our Blue Line Club has some event where fans can come meet the players. Some forget I’ll be working up until hockey season starts, and then my days will vary. Even though I’m on a scholarship, I still have to work. The “full-ride” offer schools give is pretty much a joke. Granted, they pay for my schooling, on-campus food, and books, but that’s it. If I need clothes, a damn snack, or gas for my car—it’s all on me. Most of the guys on the team still get an allowance from their parents. No such luck when it comes to my parents. Actually, just a parent. My dad bailed when I was two, leaving my mom to raise my sister and me on a very limited income. To say I grew up on the struggle bus would be an understatement, and I’m only where I am because of sponsors. There’s no way in hell my mom would’ve been able to afford to keep me in the hockey programs without programs aimed at helping underprivileged kids.