Amelia’s face darkened. I’d struck a nerve by bringing Perfect Paul into the argument. In her eyes, he could do no wrong. Probably because he was second in line for the throne after King Luke. Plus, Paul taking himself out by mistake was more than a little embarrassing.

“Totally different,” she snapped. “Everyone knows Carter’s cheap.”

As Amelia finished her sentence, Siobhan approached, holding a cardboard tray containing our drinks.

She bristled, glaring at Amelia. “What’s your problem?”

“What’s yours?” Jillian butted in, putting a hand on her hip.

Shiv raised a sculpted eyebrow, wielding a disdainful you’re beneath me look that would rattle even the most confident person. Being knockout gorgeous like she was helped with the intimidation factor too.

“Chase is my friend. And hockey is a contact sport,” she said, like they were the dumbest people on earth. “Put on your big girl panties and get over it.”

A bark of laughter erupted from me before I could stop it. Jillian opened her mouth to respond, but quickly closed it again. Amelia squinted, her eyes darting back and forth like she was trying to formulate a retort. A beat passed, and background chatter from people milling around filled the silence between us.

“Well, this has been unpleasant,” I said cheerily. “See you later.” I wasn’t interested in the digs aimed at Chase they would eventually come back with.

Shiv and I turned and weaved through the crowded concourse. She handed me a hot chocolate from the tray and removed the other one before tossing the tray into the blue recycling bin we passed.

“Sorry for butting in,” she said with a slight frown. “Who was that, anyway?”

“Um, no one important. Just my roommates.” They’d be no one soon enough. Practically counting down the days until they were.

“No wonder you want to move out,” Shiv muttered beneath her breath. Then she spun to face me, her turquoise eyes wide. “Oh my god. Wait, did I make life miserable for you? Holy shit, I have such a big mouth.”

“Nah. You didn’t make it any worse than it already was.” If anything, putting them in their place lately had helped keep them in check. A few months ago, I would have let them run me over, and I would have cried over it every night. “Let’s hope we find a place soon, or we’ll both be living with the guys.”

* * *

Halfway through the third period, it looked like things might improve. Chase got a shorthanded goal, assisted by Dallas. The energy in the arena shifted…until the line changed. Then the defense completely fell apart and they immediately let in another goal for the Bulldogs.

From over on the bench, Chase shook his head, clearly frustrated.