staring at each other, the frigid air almost crackling with tension between us.
It never used to be like this between us. He used to be my best friend. But that was then. This is now and he doesn’t get to drag me around like I’m a fucking kid and dictate my life for me.
2
Ruby
“You really should just go home and get it over with,” Harley says, following me to the bathroom in Aces on Monday afternoon.
I know Harley’s right, but just the thought of going home and seeing him makes me want to puke.
Stephen and Ashton flew in this afternoon, by now he should be making himself at home in the room next to mine once more. Only this time, it’s not for a short stay.
He’s moving in.
My mouth waters and my stomach twists. Turning away from Harley, I race into a stall and drop to my knees, dry heaving in the toilet. I haven’t eaten a damn thing, so I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised when nothing comes up. The only substantial thing that’s passed my lips since that phone call has been alcohol. I can’t stomach anything else.
“Rubes,” Harley sighs, dropping down beside me and rubbing my back. “You need to go home and get this over with.”
Dropping to my ass, I bring my knees up to my chest and rest my forehead on them.
“I can’t, Har. I can’t see him again.” My heart shatters in my chest and my hands begin to shake.
“I know, but... you’re kinda going to have to.”
“I hate him. I hate him so fucking much.”
“So tell him.”
“He’s just lost his mom.” Pain for what he’s just been through lances through me, but it doesn’t stop me hating him.
“Don’t make excuses for him. He was a class-A prick. If you want to lay into him when you see him, go for it, he deserves it.”
I glance up at her in time to see her wince at her own words. “You know I can’t do that.”
“I know,” she whispers, dropping down beside me and holding my hand. “I just... we need you in top form, Rubes. Nationals are only a few weeks away. We can’t do it without our best flyer.” She winks at me.
I nod. The nationals have been my dream for... forever. To get to attend this year as varsity. It means everything to me. But I fear he’s about to fuck everything up without even knowing it.
The door to the bathroom opens and Chelsea, our pregnant captain, walks in. She does a double take when she spots us on the floor in one of the stalls.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, looking between the two of us.
Harley looks at me, her brows pulling together. I’m not sure if she’s begging me to sort my shit out or to be honest with Chelsea. I go with the former because the thought of having to explain to someone else about Ashton fills me with dread.
“Yeah, we’re good. I just got a bit queasy. I’m fine now.”
Releasing Harley’s hand, I push to my feet but as I walk toward Chelsea, she doesn’t move.
Her eyes drop down the length of my body. “Are you eating right? I know I’m putting you through a lot right now, you need to be looking after yourself.”
“Y-yeah, I am,” I lie.
“Regionals were tough, but it’s only going to get harder for nationals.” She glances from me to Harley and back again. “I need all of the squad focused and prepared.” Her words are all business, but I see a softness in her eyes that never used to be there.
“I’ve got this, Chelsea. You don’t need to worry about me.”
She stares at me for a beat, as if she doesn’t quite believe what I’m saying. But after a second, she nods.
“Okay, that’s good. But if you need me, either of you.” She looks between us once more. “You know where I am, yeah?”
“Yeah. Thanks, Chels.”
“Anytime. Now, I really need to pee.” She races toward the stall and I can’t help but laugh at her.
Our stone-cold queen bee really has softened somewhat recently.
“Want some more advice?” she calls out.
“Sure.” I start washing my hands, waiting for her words of wisdom.
“Unless you want to pee every thirty seconds, keep the team away from your vag.”
We both snort a laugh. “Sure thing, Chels.”
My heart is in my throat as I pull my car to a stop in the driveway beside Stephen’s and stare up at the house. My head spins and my hands tremble.