Page 9 of Deking
“Is it because of that douchebag? I will go beat him up right now. Say the word. Want him dead? I’ve lived enough life. I can spend the rest of it in prison.”
I roll my eyes at him. “You are such a drama queen. No, I don’t want him dead. It’s just…” I trail off.
“Let it all out. You know this is a no-judgment zone.”
He’s right. He always is.
I sigh. “When Kyle broke up with me, so did all my friends. I thought they would have my back, but instead they flocked to him. Ashley actually told me that the group was for WAGs only and I was no longer one. So I don’t have anyone to go with.”
He nods. “Okay, so you go get dressed. Look like the gorgeous woman you are, and you go to that party. Then you find at least one person to make conversation with. It doesn’t have to be something mind-blowing, but it is a small step. You can’t let that man ruin your senior year. Go enjoy the party, and if you hate it after thirty minutes, then come home. If you need a ride, call me, and I will load Dad up, and we will come get you.”
I think over his words. He isn’t wrong. Why can’t I go to the party? Sure, my supposed friends were shitty, but I could always make new ones. Besides, a drink with some music does sound good.
With my mind made up, I stand up from the couch. “Thank you, Will. You really are my rock.”
He laughs. “That’s a scary thought. Leave the Oreos.”
I hand him the package before taking my glass of milk to the sink to rinse out.
Then I set out to getting ready for the party.
Standing outside the hockey house, I am second-guessing myself. I could wait out the thirty minutes then go back home and lie to Will. I don’t want to do that, though.
Standing up straighter, I make my way up the porch. I don’t bother knocking. The music is pumping so loud, no one would hear anyway. As I make my way inside, I am relieved no one seems to be looking at me weird.
You can do this, Lyla. Make conversation.
I go to the kitchen first.
“You want a beer?” a younger guy asks.
He’s cute. He has a baby face, dark hair, and a nice smile.
“Only if it’s not opened,” I tell him.
He nods. “Of course. Here you go.”
He pulls out a can of beer and hands it to me.
“Thank you.” I open it, standing awkwardly next to the guy. “This is some party, huh?”
“Yeah. It’s my first one. It’s different than I imagined. I think it’s because Kellan and Wyatt keep a tight control on what happens here.”
I turn to him. “My name is Lyla.”
“Jason.”
“So you are on the hockey team?” I ask.
“Yes. Goalie. I won’t start this year with Wyatt still here, but I am lucky he decided to take me under his wing. I am a shoo-in for his starting position next year. Shit, sorry. Wyatt says I shouldn’t say that because nothing is guaranteed.”
I smile at how shy the kid looks. “Yeah, but it’s okay to acknowledge good things too.”
He laughs. “Yeah, Wyatt is good about giving advice. He says the egotistical ones always fall the hardest, so I am trying to stay humble. I’m not blind to the risks of playing hockey.”
“Oh? Are there many of those?”
He nods. “Did you hear about Brett Woods? He was medically redshirted two years ago for an injury. I wasn’t here for it, but Coach still talks about it. It scares me if I’m being honest.”
