The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“Oh shoot, did you say Friday? I think I’m washing my hair.”

“I think I’m washing my hair,” he muttered beneath his breath, rolling his eyes. “If you don’t come, you can’t come party with us afterwards.”

“Whatever will we do?” Mya clutched my hands, feigning disappointment.

“We could always hang out at The Alley?” I suggested. “Or maybe get drunk down by the river again, that was fun. Oh, I know, we could—”

“Okay, okay, you both made your point. But let’s face it, whatever you do, wherever you hang out, it’s not going to be half as much fun as being with me.” Asher’s amused gaze lingered on Mya until he winked and walked off, not bothering to wait for Cameron.

“You really shouldn’t encourage him,” he remarked.

“He can handle it,” Mya scoffed, her eyes tracking Asher’s retreating form. She could play down the chemistry between the two of them, but she wasn’t fooling anyone.

Jealousy stirred in my chest, which was crazy. Because I didn’t want Asher like that. But I couldn’t deny his attention softened the blow of Jason’s rejection somewhat. Not to mention the part of me that worried if Mya and Asher hooked up, I’d lose my two closest friends to Raiders.

“Hey, are you okay?” Mya nudged me again and I flashed her a weak smile.

“Me? I’m good.”

“Everything’s going to work out, Flick. I can feel it in my bones.”

“Speaking of bones,” Cam cleared his throat, “I’d better go before Coach breaks some of mine for being tardy. I’ll see you tonight?” he asked Hailee.

“Of course. Bye.”

He pulled her in for one last kiss and disappeared after Asher.

“What?” she said, noticing us both glaring at her.

“You two are so cute it’s disgusting.” Mya grinned.

“So disgusting,” I added around a smirk despite the sinking feeling in my stomach.

I wanted that.

Wanted someone to look at me the way Cameron looked at her.

But I would never get it so long as I was stuck on Jason.

“Felicity, sweetheart, is that you?” Mom’s voice filtered down the hall as I kicked off my shoes and dropped my keys on the sideboard.

“Hey, Mom.” I entered the kitchen.

“How was book club?”

“Good, thanks. No Dad?”

“He needed to stay late at the office.”

“Again? He’s always working.”

“Sure is. You know how it is, got to keep that roof over our heads. Well, you will soon enough.” She chuckled.

“So I’ve been thinking,” I said, sliding onto one of the stools. “Since its senior year and all, that I might like to do some volunteering.”

“What a wonderful idea.” Mom came over to the breakfast island to join me. “I’m sure me or your father can arrange some work experience with—”

“Actually, Mom, I was thinking I might do something else.”