Unbroken Rules (Rules 3)

“Invited him to the party tonight.” She winces.

“You did what?!”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry, but he was just standing there looking like a sad puppy dog watching you and Matt and I just… I felt bad for him. I always liked him, you know that.”

“I don’t care if you like him. He’s my ex. Do you have any idea how many friendship rules you just broke?” I scold her.

“Chill. It’s not like you’re going to have to talk to him. I told him to bring a friend. Plus, have you seen the gigantic boat? I’m sure you won’t even run into him.”

I know, with my luck, it’s impossible that I won’t run into the one guy I don’t want to see. That would go up against the universe’s oath to ruin my life.

Halfheartedly, I let go of my irritation. There’s nothing I can do about it.

Allie already invited him.

And I’ll be seeing Haze tonight.

Standing on a boat that’s immobilized and standing on a boat that’s in motion are apparently two very different things. As soon as the guests arrived, we departed, and consequently, my stomach decided to flip upside down. Allie suggested that I drink a few shots to take the edge off. It helped a bit, but I still can’t see myself going anywhere near the water without throwing up. With a rum and Coke in my right hand and my heart in the other, I chase off the mental images of Haze getting drunk somewhere in this crowd.

Kendrick’s having the time of his life with—you’ll never guess it—Alex, Will, and Kass. Allie had them flown to town without telling us. We were thrilled to see them hop aboard with gifts for Kendrick.

“Where have you been?” Allie comes close to tripping on her way over to me. She’s getting there, all right. “What are you doing all alone in a corner?”

“Trying not to puke.” I take a long sip of my drink.

“You won’t. You’ll be fine, come on.” She drags me to the guys, and as soon as I reach the middle of their circle, what I feared would happen, happens. I don’t feel well—like at all—but I breathe through the nausea. As long as I don’t see the water, I should be good.

“Canada!” Will opens his arms for a hug.

“How have you guys been?” I ask Alex and Will to update me on their lives when we pull away. I’ve missed so much. Alex tells me about his relationship with Morgan. Kass tells me she’s doing well in school, and I’m so incredibly proud of her.

“Hey, Canada, I saw your ex earlier. What’s he doing here? Didn’t you two break up like ten years ago?” Will mocks.

“Yes, we did.” I glare at Allie, and she emits a shy giggle. “Someone invited him.”

“I’m telling you, you’ll never find something like this again. If anything, you should be thanking me.” She glances at Kendrick, requesting his support. I snort in anticipation of his disapproval and take a sip of my drink.

“She’s right, you know,” Kendrick says.

I choke on my rum and Coke.

“E-excuse me?” I say through a few coughs.

Am I hallucinating?

“The guy’s not perfect—like, far from it—but he loves you. You heard what he said yesterday. It’s been a year, and he’d still do anything for you.”

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” I lift the back of my hand to his forehead to check his temperature. He slaps my fingers away. “Since when do you support me dating Haze?”

“Since I haven’t seen you smile the way you did when you were with him in a year.”

I wince.

If my heart could speak, it’d be cussing Kendrick off right now.

What the hell is everyone’s deal? Why is every person on the planet dying to push me into the arms of the one guy I spent a year trying to forget? Thankfully, the conversation drifts to lighter topics, but I’m interrupted by yet another rush of nausea on subject number one. I tell them I’ll be back and tumble inside the cabin. I push the bathroom door open and stare at my reflection in the mirror.

You know that moment at a party when you only realize how fucked-up you are when you’re alone in the bathroom?