Page 24 of On the Breakaway

“Don’t undersell it,” she says, stepping closer and tugging lightly at the sleeve of my jacket like she’s inspecting it. “If I looked like that, I’d be insufferable.”

“You are insufferable,” I point out.

“Yeah, but not for that reason.”

Becca and I are pretty similar, and while we’re not the closest, we’re two of the only single women in our team friend group, so we tend to go out together when we have the time.

Which is why I was not surprised in the slightest when she wanted her birthday party at the Blue Line. It’s her favorite bar and the preferred bar for most of the hockey team. Since meeting them a couple of months ago, she’s grown close with most of the guys.

As we push through the front doors, the scent of stale beer washes over us. It’s oddly comforting.

“You look good too, birthday girl, in case you were fishing.”

“I’m always fishing,” she says easily, smoothing a hand down her dress before glancing at me in the mirror behind the bar. “So… are you here to be social or to break hearts?”

“Neither,” I say. “I’m here because it’s your birthday, and I’m a great friend.”

“Right,” she nods, making a face. “So breaking hearts, then.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m not doing anything tonight.”

“That’s what you said last time,” she reminds me, crossing her arms as she leans back against the bar. “And then you spent half the night making out with that midfielder from Tennessee.”

I point at her. “First of all, he kissed me.”

“And you let him.”

“He was hot.” I shrug.

Becca’s smile turns sharp. “Exactly.”

I exhale, but there’s a grin tugging at my mouth. “Okay, but that was a one-time thing.”

“They’re always one-time things with you,” she says, tilting her head. “Do you ever think about changing that strategy?”

“Nope.”

“Not even a little?”

I shake my head. “Why would I? It works.” I get the bartender’s attention and order us two drinks.

Considering she only joined the team over the summer, she doesn’t know I was in a serious relationship not that long ago, and I’d like to keep it that way. I don’t need more people knowing about that mistake.

Besides, it’s irrelevant now. I’ve sworn off relationships and love. Nothing good comes from any of it.

“No plans to settle down?” She presses, taking a sip of her drink and sighing dramatically.

“Ha. Never going to happen.” I swirl my straw to mix my drink more thoroughly. “You?”

“I like having fun, but I wouldn’t mind if I met someone serious. It could be nice.”

I meet her eyes over the rim of my glass. “Sure,” I say dryly, “and hell could freeze over.”

“Really no relationships ever? No falling in love, no big dramatic moments, no running through airports?”

“Absolutely not. I don’t run for men. I barely jog.”

Becca snorts. “You’re unbelievable.”