Page 36 of That Pucking New Girl

“You don’t have to do anything fancy,” Ciaran says, already appearing bored with the conversation.

“It would also fulfill your sports credit,” the only adult in the room says. I fucking hate him so much. “You’ll be much too busy for anything else. The guys, however, will still need to figure out their attendance.”

Dividing and conquering is part of the Art of War for a reason. It’s effective, can cause jealousy in certain instances, and also make you even more hated. Principal Kerr has definitely managed to do that with one sentence.

I obviously have no other choice but to accept.

“I’ll do it,” I say with a sigh. “If I overheat because of whatever costume I’m wearing, I’ll pass out. I’m sure that’s not going to be helpful.”

“The costume’s head has a fan,” Draven says helpfully. “You’ll just wear pants with devil hoove slippers while you’re at the rink with a shirt.”

“Part of your responsibilities as our mascot is to get to know the hockey players,” Principal Kerr says, nodding happily. “No one should know who you are, so you’re to stay in costume the entire time.”

“Understood,” I murmur.

The anonymity will give me some safety. Hopefully. I fucking hate being a team player.

CHAPTER

NINE

NOOR

“You’re making some scary noises with that milkshake, so I’m worried about how today went,” Jared murmurs.

My lips twitch as I take a hard sip on the straw Calvin gave me with my milkshake. It’s a peanut butter banana one with some of the protein powder Ignacio mentioned. He picked some up today after that long meeting with the principal.

It tastes delicious, and since I’m starving because I missed lunch, I probably am making some pretty terrifying noises as I think about today.

Picking up a magnetic tile, I help Addie and Ari make a castle while we sit on the floor before replying to Jared.

“I used to ice skate professionally when I was a kid,” I tell him. “I was really good, but I couldn’t keep up with it. The principal blindsided me after his school assembly, insisting that everyone attend the different sports games after school.”

“Okay,” Rachelle says, pushing off the wall where she just walked in. She had an emergency call with someone after we got home, so I came into the living room to play with the girls and have a snack. “I bet that Keer is trying to get more people involved so chatter about the players will flow through social media. There’s a lot at stake for some of them. They need to get scholarships for university.”

“Hmm,” I say noncommittally as I finish my drink. “Right after his lovely speech, he called me down to speak with him, Alastair, Draven, and Ciaran about the extracurricular activity I need to complete.”

“Fuck. I hate that rule,” Rachelle mutters, sinking down the front of the couch in front of Theo. “Unfortunately, educators and I agree it’s important to be well rounded. Now, I’m starting to regret that.”

“You’re looking at the new mascot for the Devils, exclusively for the hockey team,” I grumble. “It was decided that due to there being so many sporting events, it would be best to have multiple mascots to share the load.”

“Assholes,” Liliana mutters, leaning forward to take my glass from me. I’m so full, I think this may be my dinner too. “Did he give you any other option, or did he lead with that?”

“Of course he didn’t,” Theo grumbles. “He’s not an idiot. The more I find out about this guy, the less I like.”

“Principal Keer suggested that I either choose to run track and field, or become the hockey mascot,” I sigh. “The captain of the track and field girls’ team is a psychopath. I ran into Kate in the hallway, and she suggested I sit with her and her friends. I don’t trust anyone at the school. I politely told her I needed to choose a seat closer to the front due to all the stairs. Do you know what she said to me?”

“What?” Ignacio asks, smirking.

“She asked if it was leg day!” I exclaim.

The guys smother their laughs while I shake my head.

“Diabolical, kiddo,” Liliana says with a straight face before she chuckles. “Kate also doesn’t sound like a great fit for you as a captain.”

“Running and I are not friends,” I agree.

“Speaking of physical activity, I got the school to waive your physical activity requirement for two weeks,” Rachelle says. “I tried to shoot for three, but the nurse side eyed me. She said since nothing is broken, she doesn’t see why you can’t exercise in the pool.”