The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“Hmm, sure.” Hailee looked to me and I nodded.

“Go, I’ll be fine.” Glancing around the Hassons’ yard, I spotted Asher and Cameron with their parents. The rest of the players were standing with their families.

But not Jason.

He was sat in a chair on the edge of the gathering, drinking a be

er. Jenna Jarvis sat proudly on his lap, like the Queen Bitch she was. A potent mix of anger and jealousy skittered up my spine when her eyes lifted to mine and glittered with victory.

“Flick, what’s... Oh.” Hailee reappeared. “What the hell is he playing at? She isn’t even supposed to be here, it’s a closed event,” she mumbled beneath her breath.

“It’s fine,” I steeled myself, ignoring the ache in my chest. “Let’s go get our seats.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m here now, aren’t I?” And it wasn’t like seeing Jenna all over Jason was new to me. I’d been there and done that enough times, I didn’t just own the t-shirt, I had that crap trademarked.

I trailed after Hailee, keeping my eyes ahead. If Jason noticed me, he didn’t let it be known. Asher on the other hand, beamed at me as we approached the long table. They had been arranged in a giant U shape with the lectern at the front surrounded by Hailee’s portraits behind in a sweeping arc, and rows behind for the rest of the guests.

“Fee, baby, this is a surprise,” Asher said quietly, his gaze moving past me, probably to Jason.

“Hailee invited me as her plus one.”

“Screw that, you can be my plus one. Come on.” He patted the seat beside him.

“Isn’t someone sitting there?”

“You.” He smiled and some of my nerves subsided.

“Hey, Felicity,” Cameron added once I was seated. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Sorry for gate-crashing.” I gave him a tight smile.

“Never. You’re Hailee’s best friend which makes you one of us. Besides I think Mrs. Hasson got carried away with all the food. The more the merrier.”

“Thanks.” Before I could stop myself, I’d lifted my gaze over to where Jason and Jenna sat. He looked indifferent, barely touching her, but she was wrapped around him, hands splayed on his chest, her body turned into him slightly, sending a clear signal to everyone—to me—that tonight, Jason belonged to her.

“He’s pissed we lost,” Cameron said.

“Nah, he’s pissed his head wasn’t in it and that’s why we lost.”

“Ash,” Cam warned.

“He needs to figure his shit out before the play-offs or we can kiss State goodbye.”

“What?” I asked, the three of them staring at me.

“You should talk to him.” That was Asher.

“She’s going to, right, Flick?” Hailee added. “After the presentation.”

“I, uh, I guess.” My eyes found him again only this time he was staring back. His eyes narrowed and dark. Anger rippled off him, palpable even from our position all the way across the yard.

“Ignore her.” Asher leaned in.

“Easy for you to say.” I tried to give him an easy smile, but I knew it probably looked strained.

“He doesn’t want her. She’s just convenient. Or a bad habit. Yeah, she’s a bad habit.” His lip kicked up.