Stung (Now Published)

Chapter 09

"Do you want home or away?" Bailey asked, holding up two green jerseys to her chest when we were alone in my room.

They were both Central University jerseys, the home one predominantly black with green accents while the away one was white with green accents. Whenever we went to a game, Bailey and I would wear them. The universities didn't sell individual player jerseys like they did in the pros, so we bought regular team jerseys and improvised.

We sewed Corey's last name on the back of each, along with his jersey number, 17.

"Home," I said, grabbing the black one.

"Speaking of home, next time you come home, I need you to try this cupcake recipe I came up with. It'll melt in your mouth," she gushed.

"Okay. But what about an actual store front? When do I get to help you decorate that?" I asked as I went to my closet. I threw on a pair of fleece lined leggings and a long sleeve shirt. Over the long sleeve shirt, I slipped on Corey's jersey as Bailey changed into similar attire.

She sighed. "Corey went with me to some properties that were for sale last time he was home and holy moly, Brooke, talk about unrealistic. I can't even imagine affording that so it looks like I'll just be working out of my brother's house right now. Living the dream and all that. I can't find my hat," she said, digging through her bag.

"I have a bunch in the top dresser drawer, will you grab me one?" I asked, since she was closer.

Bailey pulled all of my Central beanies out, dumping them on my floor. The ice rinks weren't exactly the warmest and I wasn't about to wear a jacket to cover up Corey's name and number so instead, I invested in scarves and knit beanies that would match.

She held up a gray one and I nodded before she tossed it to me.

"You'll have your own store. Everything you bake is amazing and cute," I said confidently.

She made a face. "Eventually...maybe. Right now I'm just working on enough recipes to have a menu on social media. That might get things going. Hopefully."

"I'll order ten of everything to eat while I bingewatch shows and avoid responsibility," I said, checking my appearance in the mirror to make sure I didn't look like a troll.

"I appreciate it. Ready?" she asked.

I nodded and glanced at my phone as we walked out. I had a text from Mason, who had an SUV to fit all of us in, saying he was on his way.

Nate and Matthew were both ready, dressed in Central shirts and playing Xbox.

"Mason's five minutes away. Die so we can leave," I told the guys.

Five minutes later, I was sitting in the back seat of Mason's car between Matthew and Nate. Mason blasted rap music from at least ten years ago through the speakers. Somehow, Bailey and Mason were able to chat to each other without missing a beat, despite the loud music. His choice of music was always random and I stopped trying to predict it.

"No one listens to this song anymore. Did you get this off Limewire?" Matthew yelled, grabbing the back of Mason's headrest to pull himself closer to the front so he could be heard.

Mason tapped the brakes harder than necessary, causing us all to jerk forward.

"'Whatever You Like' is a classic. Apologize," Mason ordered while T.I. rapped about a girl's body.

I didn't miss the glare Mason sent Matthew in the rearview mirror. Matthew settled back into his seat again.

I glanced at Nate and saw him watching the two in the front for a moment before his gaze fell onto me. I didn't know what to say. Partially because even this close, I'd have to shout and I didn't want everyone to hear me stutter pick-up lines to him. He smiled at me and I turned away before I had the urge to open my mouth.