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Dear God, what is wrong with me?
It feels like my life is spiraling, and things that haven’t bothered me in years are suddenly rearing their ugly heads again. I’m concocting stories about the women around me, making them villains when they’re just here having a good time with their friends.
I’m losing my shit.
It was one thing to think I could pretend once or twice, but the reality is, I’m no good at it, which spells trouble. If I throw myself all in as the girlfriend. If I allow him to let me in piece by piece under falsities, and he ever finds out the truth…
“Hey, Cassidy. How’s it going?” I hardly register that Aiden’s friend, Hudson, has spoken. He bends down, waving a hand in front of me. “You alive down there?”
“Give her a break, man. This is new to her. Hell, some jerk of a reporter bombarded us on our way out of dinner.”
His eyes widen. “Shit. That sucks,” he says, running a hand back through his hair. “This is why I don’t do relationships.”
“That’s why?” Aiden asks, snickering.
“Well…one of the many.” Hudson smirks. “It’s frustrating as hell. I bet you were ready to throw down.”
“Now you know why I choose not to go out.”
“I hate being here as much as you do. Not my scene.” This time, it’s Dane who speaks as he steps up to where we’re gathered. He looks out at the throngs of people and frowns. There’s something sad in his stare, and I wonder what his story is.
“Why don’t you get your girl a drink?” Hudson says.
“I’ll go with you,” Dane offers before glancing at Aiden. “She’ll be fine here. It’s roped off.”
Aiden holds my stare, waiting for me to give the okay. “Lord knows I want one.”
He smiles. “Sure. I’ll grab them with you. What do you want?” Aiden asks me.
I go right for the strong stuff. “Tito’s on the rocks with some lime juice.”
“Got it. I’ll be back.” He and Dane step away, and I’m left standing with Hudson and feeling awkward.
Hopefully, he doesn’t try to make small talk before I’ve gotten my drink.
“I still can’t believe you’re dating my boy.”
Great. So much for that. I escape one inquisition, only to be left to fend off another.
I straighten my back and prepare to be barraged with questions. “What’s there to believe? He’s a great guy.”
He steps around so that we’re face-to-face. He’s handsome, in a boy-next-door sort of way. But he looks like he should have been an all-American football star as opposed to a hockey player, with his dirty blond hair and translucent blue eyes.
“That he is.” He pulls one side of his mouth up. “He tells me everything, and this was a surprise.”
“Turns out, I’m his best-kept secret.” The irony of those words isn’t lost on me.
It was his talent that got him here, but I wonder if anyone knows it was a girl from the trailer parks who rounded up the money to get him seen?
No chance he’s shared that with anyone.
“I guess he doesn’t tell you everything,” I jest, lifting my brow, and he chuckles.
“So it would seem.”
“Ah, there she is. The lady of the hour.” Another player walks up, and this one, I can’t remember for sure, but I think his name is Mason.
“Apparently, I’m the novelty act. Can’t say I love the attention,” I say, glancing at a group of girls who are currently staring daggers at me for no reason other than where I’m standing.
