Page 28 of Pucking Bad Boys

“How come?”

She rolls her eyes. “Last year there was a mixup with grades in two of my classes. Probably a glitch in the system. I got a letterfrom the Dean’s office informing me of this. So all the students who took this class last semester have to retake it.”

“That sounds like a PITA.” I commiserate. “It’s surprising there was still room if everyone who took it last semester had to sign up again.”

“No, they got Cantucci to run an extra class. That’s why there was room in the ones with the worst times. I chose these times because they were the only ones that didn’t conflict with my schedule. Having to take two extra classes my senior year wasn’t definitely something I was planning on.”

Gen bends over to get a takeout box out of her bag.

“By the way, at least Cantucci has a nice T.A.. If you need anything, your best bet is to ask Victor. He’s way more helpful than our professor.”

She opens the box, and a waft of fishy smell hits my nostrils. “Want a piece of sushi?”

I lift the cup with my protein shake. “Thanks, I’m covered.”

“Just a protein shake can’t possibly be enough for breakfast.” Gen argues. “I know how hard Coach Harrison is on the team. You need some healthy protein and carbs. This is made with whole grain rice.”

I shake my head. “No, thanks. I can’t do raw fish in the morning.”

“You sound just like your brother.” For a second, Gen’s lips flatten into a hard line.

Silence descends on the almost empty classroom as she pops a piece of sushi into her mouth.

I watch her chew her food for a few seconds, then I catch myself and look away.

Gen was my first kiss. I was fourteen, and she had come to our house looking for Mack. When she didn’t find him home, she stayed to watch a movie with me. Fourteen-year-old me couldn’tbelieve his luck when our hot childhood friend cozied up to me on the couch and we ended up making out.

That was before she and Mack started dating. I heard my parents talking about how cool would it be if Gen and Mack ended up together a few weeks later. When I realized they were going on a date, my heart broke.

Now, in retrospect, I guess I was crazy to think that Gen could have wanted to date me. I knew I looked older at six feet tall, so I believed she was attracted to me. After all, she was only two and half years older than me.

I had built up this entire relationship in my head, and I had even thought about dropping out of my Hockey Development Program and enrolling in Mack and Gen’s same high school so we could be together.

But of course, the second my brother paid her a shred of attention, she forgot that I even existed. It’s the story of my life.

At that point, going back to Canada after spring break was a godsend.

At least I didn’t have to see them together. They dated for so long that I was convinced they’d end up getting married one day. I honestly don’t get why my brother dumped her.

“Becks,” Gen closes the half-empty sushi box. “Are you coming to the Zeta party on Friday night?”

“No?” It comes out more like a question than an answer.

Gen’s eyes widen as she emits a little surprised gasp. “What? You have to come! It’s the first big bash of the year and the first party I’m throwing as Zeta president. You have to be there.”

I rub the back of my neck. “I don’t know. I did the whole party thing last year, and it was a little exhausting. I was actually thinking about going downtown for a drink.”

“That’s nonsense.” She objects. “You’re new on campus, and the entire team will be at the party. You need to get to know yournew teammates. And since you don’t live in the Gamma house, there’s no better way than to go to the same parties they’re at.”

Gen isn’t wrong.

The truth is that I have very little interest in hanging out with the team. They worship my brother like I’m pretty sure the rest of campus does. Mack doesn’t need another member to join his fan-club. Besides, I was hoping to see Talia again if she was working on Friday night. “I don’t know, Gen. I’m a little over the party scene.”

“Come on, Becks,” Gen insists. “Say yes. Please? Your brother is going to be there, and I’ve spent the entire summer watching him rub my nose in his hookups. I need someone on my side. Be my date on Friday. I promise I’ll introduce you to all my pretty, single sisters.”

That isn’t the perk Gen thinks it is. I know it’s crazy, but since I saw her a couple of nights ago, Talia is all I can think about. I know she goes here, so I hope to bump into her sooner rather than later. If not, I’ll stalk Joe’s as many times as it takes to catch her on shift.

“Becks.” Gen snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Where did you just go? Come on, be a sweetheart and do me a solid. I really need you at that party. And that will give us the chance to have a proper catch up. We haven’t seen each other in forever.” She pouts, giving me major puppy eyes.