Page 107 of Hate Game

“If it’ll give you peace and make you happy.”

I think long and hard and decide I’ll have to speak with Riley and Isaac first. I let Malice know I appreciate his thoughtfulness.

“How did you get so wise about the absence thing?” I cradle his face with my hand and stare deep into his eyes.

“From a girl who showed me how blessed I am to have great friends and family and wealth that isn’t what’s in my bank account.”

He’s right. “Then I’m equally blessed.” I’m not a loser.

I won in this game called life. With time, high school will be a distant memory. I plan on making more memories when Malice, me, and our friends live it up at Dumas University next fall. We’ll deepen our friendships and make more friends who will be our friends for life. We’ll laugh, live, and love.

I press my mouth to his. “Play your love games, Malice. We know who will come out on top.”

He smirks. “You, Rue.”

“Or you, big guy. I love you.”

“I love you too.”