Page 81 of The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“Nope.” My head snapped over to Mya. “You promised. No talking about him.”

“I know, but—”

“No buts, Mya, please.”

“Okay.” She held up her hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset, I’m just...”

What was I? Hurt? That was a given. Embarrassed? Dreadfully so. But most of all, I was annoyed at myself. At how easily I’d given in to Jason’s charms, when all along I knew it was a game. A game that, once upon a time, I had no intention of playing.

Gah. I was so stupid. Jason had played me hook, line, and sinker. Letting me believe I had the upper hand, that I was calling the shots, only to rip the ground out from beneath me.

“She’s still calling,” Mya’s concern perforated my bubble. “Maybe you should take it?” She handed me my cell.

“Hey, Hails,” I tried my best at sounding sober.

“Thank God,” my best friend sounded fraught. “I’ve been trying to call you for the last five minutes.”

“Sorry, I was just... downstairs getting a drink.” It was almost true.

Mya shot me a bemused look. “What?” I mouthed, shrugging.

She rolled her eyes and went back to whatever—or whoever—had her attention on her cell.

“The portraits...” It was only then I realized she sounded upset.

“What happened?” I bolted upright, dread creeping up my spine.

“Thatcher, he... he completely trashed the studio.”

“He didn’t?” I gasped, my eyes growing to saucers. Hailee had slaved for hours over the Seniors Night project. “How bad is it?”

“Pretty bad.” She sniffled and I knew she was probably putting on a brave front. “The guys helped me tidy up most of the mess but at least two portraits are ruined.”

“Oh God, Hails, I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, it sucks. Mr. Jalin thinks we can still pull something off in time for tomorrow, but I’m not so sure.”

“How’s Ja—” His name stuck in my throat.

“He’s acting surprisingly cool. But I know he’s already plotting revenge. He just has this look, you know?”

Her words sent chills through me.

“Yeah,” I whispered.

“Anyway, we’re all heading over to Bell’s. I think they want to cheer me up.”

“That’s nice.”

“So, you’ll meet us there?”

“I...” Mya must have overheard Hailee because she was shaking her head mouthing, “No,” at me.

“Sure. Why not. I’m with Mya so it’ll be the two of us.”

“Okay,” Hailee said. “I need a drink. Something strong.”