Page 37 of Pucked Together

"I know."

"Rina's not going to like this."

"I wouldn't worry about Rina," he insists.

"Oh, you wouldn't?" I sneer. "Well, she's my boss, Ryker. So, of course, you wouldn't have to worry about her, but I do."

"No, what I mean is," he sighs and shakes his head. "Never mind, we need to figure out what to do from here."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, Izzy. I'm very serious. Murray wants us to disclose our relationship to management."

"What relationship, Ryker? There is no relationship. No, you and me. Except for this messed up situation that you've got us into, and for what?"

He throws his hands up, exasperated. "I don't know, Izzy. I was trying to protect you."

"Protect me?" I'm basically shouting at this point. If someone were to walk by, they might think we're up to something in here.

He puts his hands out and moves them up and down, signaling me to lower my voice.

"Jeezus, what is it with you fucking men?" I whisper. "I don't need protection, okay? I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

I need to get out of this. I need to find Keelan, thank him for everything he's done for me, and get the hell out of the hockey bad-boy halfway house before I lose my sanity or murder someone.

Or both.

"Izzy," my name comes out like a breath. I look up at him. "I'm sorry for getting you into this. I don't know why I thought I could help, but I'll fix this."

Well, shit. Now, I feel bad for blowing up on him. He did take care of me, after all. He had the best intentions. It's really Trevor who I should be upset about.

I hear a voice coming down the hall and quickly shut off the light.

"What are you—"

"Shhh," I put my hand over Ryker's face to shut him up.

"No, baby. I swear there's nothing going on with her. I told you that you don't have to worry about that."

"Is that—"

"Shhhhhhhh," I whisper again to Ryker. We both have our ears to the door.

"Tricia...baby, no, that was just a fan...Trish."

I let out an audible groan.

"What is it?" Ryker whispers beside me.

"He's talking to my old roommate. They must still be seeing each other. God, I freakin hate him."

The tears are getting ready to spring forth again. I can feel them just on the edge.

He doesn't deserve my feelings. He doesn't deserve my pain. The mantra Aunt Ginny helped me remember repeats in my head.

My chest is rising and falling faster, and I can't control the emotions bubbling up. I shouldn't have to feel this anymore.

He doesn't deserve my tears. I need to move on from him.