Chapter 33: SLOANE

Chapter 33

SLOANE

“Go Eagles!”

“Go Eagles!”

“Go Eagles!”

The crowds cheered for Jasper’s team, waving from their seats, some had Jasper’s face on their shirts, and others waved their confetti. It was a sight. Jasper and his team skate through the ice, passing the puck.

I should be excited. He was winning. Their team was winning but I have seen this play every season, every year, every game. I want to scream at the top of my lungs like these girls but nothing is exciting anymore. I watched most of the practice. I watched the games of pro hockey players with Jasper at home. I have been to almost all his games, there is nothing new to see.

I wish that were all the reason behind my gloomy mood. But the truth is, I hate the way things ended between Xaden and me last night. Mostly because of the way he looked at me, the pain that was so visible in his eyes as he held back whatever he was hiding from me.

Suddenly Isaac’s words kept playing in my head. He made a lot of assumptions about Xaden's mental health and all and maybe he was right. I knew for a fact that Xaden never wanted to inherit his father's company but today he is running the company perfectly.

What happened? What changed? How did he manage to get that company that was on the verge of bankruptcy to rise on its feet in less than three years? The scar I saw on his back the other day, where did he get it from?

“Sloane! Did you see the final pass I made? The scoring toss! It was epic!” Jasper's rave yanked me out of my thoughts. The game ended with Jasper's team, the Eagles, as the Victor.

And as usual, every girl is flooding the team, wanting to take pictures and eat dinner with them.

“Sloane!” One of Jasper's friends on the team, took my hands as I was being hurled behind by the crowd, “Come on, let’s take the back door.” He guarded me while Jasper and the other guys followed us, leading us to Simon’s girlfriend's bar. Their regular spot.

“Hey, Sloane.” She waved at me as I walked in. I waved back.

The boys began talking about the games chugging down beers after beer while I sat there, watching them as always, sipping orange juice because Jasper believed it’s not right for a woman to drink outside as she might lose herself and embarrass herself in the process.

“Hey man, it’s crazy how you only let her drink juice. Sloane is an adult, she should be able to drink.” Simon scolded.

I know right? I could really use a drink right now.

“I never asked her not to drink. Sloane doesn’t like alcohol. She’d only take wine and she only does at home.” Jasper answered for me.

I want to refute. I want to tell him that I’d like a bottle of beer. And that wine is not exactly my thing. I only drink wine because he hates it whenever I drink beer.

But I just forced a smile and sat still.

The night is ending.

I want to sleep.

I want to go home.

“Sloane, I think you should go home, the boys and I are going to drink some more. I won’t go home tonight, so don’t wait up. You can also tell Mum on my behalf. I already called you a cab, be safe and text me when you get home.”

I nodded with a smile, said my goodbyes, and left the bar.

There was a cab waiting for me when I stepped outside. I got in and he drove me home.

I stepped out of the car and the person I had been thinking about all day was standing, resting on his car, arms wrapped around his chest. Brows lifted as he took me in. I could tell he is dying to ask where I have been.

He sighed and opened his car, he rummaged through and yanked out a bag. Confused, I stood as I watched him hand over the bag to me.

“What’s this?” I frowned.

He frowned, “It’s a Saturday. I promised to take you out, so go change into what’s in the bag and come downstairs.” He ordered.

“What—what are you talking about?”

He frowned again, “Are you not interested in partying anymore?” His eyes settled me for a moment.

I gasped, “I am!” I answered faster than I should. I knew he promised but after what happened, I thought he changed his mind but I guess not. I want to smile… I want to hug and tell him he is the best but I held it in.

“Then go upstairs and change… I’ll be waiting.” he said and I ran inside like a kid. I ran through the stairs faster than I should but I didn't care. Not even a bit.