Page 168 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

I know enough about Jack to know he’s lost more than I can imagine. Two kids. I also know it’s a subject his daughter hasn’t opened up to me, which only makes me realize I need to work harder to earn her trust. It’s going to be even harder to earn her father’s.

Lucas catches me looking. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“You're doing that thing.”

“What thing?”

“Thinking. Stop, it hurts me seeing you struggle.” He jokes.

“Fuck you.” I elbow him.

He laughs, and we look back toward the field as Jade drops into position and the ball comes flying toward the goal. A Dryden player in front of her swings and rails the ball.

Jade moves like a fucking warrior, protecting that goal.

I throw my hands in the air and yell, “That’s my…” I pause because pretty girl may put a target on her back, the opposing team may think she’s soft. So, I go with, “Ross!”

31

GUTTER TWAT

Jade

The final whistle blows, and for a second, I just stand there, my hand still wrapped around my stick, staring at the last bitch who nailed my cousin, my best friend, when she was already hurt.

“You bitch,” I snarl at Carla, who smirks.

I don't remember deciding to move or dropping my stick. One second I'm standing in front of the goal, and the next I'm heading straight for her, every muscle in my body wound so tight it feels like I'm going to come apart. My heart is hammering, my hands are already curling into fists, and all I can think about is getting close enough to make that smug look disappear.

Becca catches me before I get there.

“Jade.”

I jerk against her grip. “Let go.”

“No.”

“Becca, let me go.”

She steps in front of me, both hands on my arms. “You are not touching her.”

“She hurt Tessa.”

“I know.”

“She fucking hurt Tessa when she was already hurting! That’s not human!”

“I know.”

I try to get around her. Becca moves with me.

“She knew Tessa was hurt,” I say, my voice shaking now. “She knew.”

“I know.”

“I swear to God, Becca, I will⁠—”