Page 29 of Exes That Puck (The Honey Badger Puckers #4)

I can’t believe he’s telling me to go screw Josh like it’s something easy for me to do. Has he not gotten the hint that I love him? That I can’t just go out and hook up with someone else like he apparently can?

I reach the end of the street and have to choose—right or left.

Instead, I turn around, not sure what I’m expecting.

But Zeke’s still standing where I left him, watching me.

My heart squeezes painfully. I turn left because at least he’ll see me for another hundred feet before I disappear completely.

I pull out my phone to call an Uber, then put it away. I need to walk this off, to stop feeling this heavy and disgusted with everything. The image of him and Brianne behind that locked door won’t leave my head, nor will the awkward looks when they realized I’d caught them.

So I walk. Block after block until I run out of residential streets and hit the main road. Only then do I call for a ride.

“Long night?” the driver asks as I climb in. It’s embarrassing that it’s the same guy who’s picked me up from this area before. He probably thinks I’m a disaster.

I snicker, wiping at the makeup that’s probably streaked down my cheeks. “Yeah. Thanks for all the rides.”

He shrugs. “You tip well.”

I sigh. If only he knew it was because I don’t want to be slaughtered by my Uber driver.

Back in my empty dorm room, I flop onto my bed and put on a mindless movie, something with explosions and no romance whatsoever.

I only leave to grab dinner in the dining hall, where I spot Annie sitting alone. I slide into the seat across from her.

“Hey,” she says, looking up.

I nod, trying not to cry.

“You’re going to be okay,” she says without preamble, like she can read the misery on my face.

I nod, forcing a smile. “Thanks.”

“I went through a brutal breakup last year,” she continues, picking at her salad. “Thought my world was ending. But you know what I realized? Sometimes the worst thing that happens to you turns out to be the best thing. It forced me to figure out who I was without him.”

Her words stick with me as I walk back to my room. Maybe she’s right. Maybe this is my chance to prove to Zeke—and to myself—that I can move on. That I don’t need him.

I pull out my phone and scroll to Josh’s number.

Kara: Dinner and a movie sounds great.

I hit send before I can change my mind.

The next morning, Payton stumbles through the door around ten, hair messy and wearing yesterday’s clothes.

“Walk of shame?” I ask from my bed.

She grins, collapsing onto her mattress. “Walk of glory, more like.”

“Let me guess—Wolf Boy?”

“Wolf boy,” she smiles brightly. God, I miss those days. The early days of being in love is unlike anything. “Rocky. And he’s actually really sweet when he’s not surrounded by his hockey bros.”

I snort. “Being alone with someone just means they can control the narrative.”

Payton sits up, frowning. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. Just that people act different one-on-one than they do in groups.”

She makes a disgusted face at me. “You’re being weird and cynical.”

I make the same face back. “I’m being realistic. Wait until you see him at the next party. He’ll probably pretend you don’t exist again. Remember when he completely ignored you and then walked away?”

“God, what is wrong with you?” Payton stands, hands on her hips. “You’re being such a bitch.”

I shake my head, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m just saying—”

“You’re being jealous and sour because screwing your ex isn’t working out.” Her words hit like a slap. “I get that you’re upset about Zeke, but don’t take it out on me and what I have going on.”

“Rocky’s going to break your heart,” I say flatly. I don’t care that she’s getting all emotional right now. I have no bandwidth for it.

Payton laughs. “You are such a hypocrite! You’ve been telling me for weeks that I should give people chances, that Wolf Boy might be different than I think. But the second I actually connect with someone, you tear him down.”

“That’s not—”

“I’m done, Kara. I’m done being your best friend and your roommate and your emotional punching bag. I’m requesting a room transfer!”

The words knock the breath out of me. “Fine! I was planning to move out anyway!”

We both grab our bags and storm out, slamming the door so hard the walls shake.

In the hallway, tears blur my vision. I feel so lost, so angry that Zeke was ready to sleep with Brianne the second things got complicated. I need alcohol and I need it now.

I text Lola.

Kara: Emergency drinks.

Lola: On my way.

The bar is dark and mostly empty at 2 PM, which is perfect for my current mood. Lola finds me at the bar nursing my second vodka tonic.

“Don’t ask,” I say to her, feeling drunk already.

“I’m not asking questions,” she says, sliding onto the stool next to me.

She orders a drink while I chug mine and get another.

I’m patting the bar when I say, “When did my life turn to this, Lola?”

She shrugs.

“I just need… I don’t know anymore…”

Two more drinks, and the whole messy situation spills out. Josh’s text, Zeke’s jealousy, finding him locked in a room with Brianne, our screaming match, the fight with Payton. By the time I’m done, I’ve had four drinks and Lola looks concerned.

“Maybe we should get you some food—”

“I’m fine.” I signal the bartender for another. “You know what? I’m better than fine. I’m free. Free to do whatever I want with whoever I want.”

“Kara—”

“Josh wants to take me to dinner. Maybe I’ll let him do more than that. Show Zeke exactly how ‘free’ I can be.”

Lola grabs my arm. “That’s not going to make you feel better.”

“Won’t it?” I pull out my phone, scrolling to Zeke’s number. “Let’s find out.”

“Don’t call him,” Lola pleads.

But I’m already hitting dial, and the phone is already ringing.

“Kara?” His voice sounds rough, tired. How long have we been at this bar?

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound casual despite the alcohol slurring my words slightly. “Just wanted you to know I’m having a great time without you.”

Silence on the other end.

“I’m at the bar, and there are so many guys here who actually want to talk to me. Who don’t run off to lock themselves in bedrooms with their exes.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Maybe. Does it matter? We’re broken up, right? I can do whatever I want.”

“Kara, where are you?”

I spit, “Don’t you dare. I don’t need you to rescue me. I have Josh for that now.”

I hang up before he can respond, feeling vindicated and hollow at the same time.

Lola is staring at me with a mixture of concern and disappointment. “Feel better now?”

I drain my drink and tap the bar. “Can I sleep over your place tonight?”

She nods. “Of course.”

“Thank you. You’re such a great friend. Let’s get out of here because Zeke shows up.”

She nods, so I follow her out.