Page 5 of Buckin' Around

A chuckle comes from behind me.

Knox.

“Someone peaked way too early.”

I roll my eyes at him. Honestly, we have come to expect that sort of shit talk from Knox.

If he wasn’t so good at what he does, I’d say he’s compensating for something. But between Hadley and Knox, the podium only ever meant second or third for the rest of us. It’s anyone’s guess who’ll challenge Knox now that Hadley’s out.

It doesn’t bother me one bit. I had my glory days five years ago.

Right now, I’m going to celebrate my comeback to the circuit the only way I know how.

Buckle bunny time.

Chapter 2

Riley

“Iam so sorry, Miss O’Malley. Unless you can cover the next month’s accommodation fees, we will have to rescind your contract.” The head of accommodations looks at me with the last piece of sympathy I’m sure she has by this time of the day.

I glance at the clock.

5:57

It’s already dark outside.

It was a long shot, anyway.

“Thanks a million, anyways.” I stand, pulling my satchel onto my shoulder.

She nods, setting aside the forms for the student grants that apparently don’t apply to international students, and tidies her desk.

Feeling utterly dismissed, I push through her office door and out onto campus grounds. My plan was solid: undergrad in Ireland, my home, and then a postgrad diploma from Canada to set me apart from the rest of the veterinary grads.

Like the damn eejit I am, I didn’t think far enough ahead. I’m almost down to my last few quid, and now I’m about to be homeless. The girl who has been kind enough to share her unithere on campus with me will be up for the full payments now. God, I have fecked this up somethin’ grand.

What a laugh. A business student—no, anMBA studentwho can’t track her own personal financials. Why on earth did I ever think I could run my own veterinary practice?

On paper it’s a great idea, I swear. Veterinary school, then a one-year MBA from a high-end college. Now, I can’t even manage my own finances.

I’d planned on getting a part-time job, but the workload?—

“Riley!” Stacey calls, crossing the grassed area, hand waving in the air, the smile that is forever plastered over her face for me still there.

“Oh, hey.”

“How did you go? All sorted?”

“Yes, I?—”

“God, I couldn’t imagine life on campus here without you now.” She wraps her arm around my shoulders. “Come on, let’s get a coffee and head for the library. You’re free tonight, right?”

“Yeah.” I dip my head, pushing my face into the bulky scarf keeping me warm, and walk in step with Stacey to the campus cafeteria. Inside is bustling and warm, most of the round tables full. Perfect.

We join the line for the food, and Stacey is all but hugging me as she says, “By the way, tonight is family dinner at the Lockwood house. You’re my plus-one.”

“Your what?” I raise an eyebrow.