Five Fucking Minutes

Ricky loves attention. No—he is attention.

There’s something about him. An aura that pulls people in without effort. Everywhere he goes, people notice him. He’s the complete opposite of me.

Bright. Dirty blond hair. Always laughing. Always surrounded by people—especially girls. He feeds off it. Lives for it. He walks into a room and somehow… everyone just loves him.

“What’s for dinner?” he asks casually.

“Whoa—whoa.” I stop him before he steps into the house, still trying to process everything. “You’re joking, right?”

“And why would I do that, River?”

The look on his face makes something in me sink. Ricky jokes—a lot. But this? This isn’t a joke. And that’s the problem. Why the hell didn’t Mom say anything?

I blink, then step aside, letting him pass. I follow him in, stopping just a few inches behind him.

He inhales deeply, like he’s taking the whole place in. “I’ve fucking missed this house.” He turns. He walks straight to Cortney, wrapping an arm around her neck. “Do you remember that time Aunty left us alone? Uncle was away filming, and we were stuck with that strict nanny?”

He glances at me, looking me up and down, then laughs.

“River was such a scaredy-cat. He was terrified we’d throw a party and mess something up.” He shakes his head, amused. “You’ve grown, man. Time really passed. You used to be gentle. Shy. Now, you are more popular around girls?” His smile fades slightly. “What happened to you?”

“He got his heart broken,” Cortney says.

“I did not,” I snap.

“He did, Rick,” she insists. “He wouldn’t even tell me who she was. And I’m a girl—I know when a girl is involved. She really broke him. He was miserable. Lost a game. Dad was furious. The whole house felt it.”

“Really?” Ricky lets out a laugh. “You got your heart broken? I wish I was here to watch it.”

“I did not!” I glare at both of them. “And besides, why my school? What happened to yours?”

“Well…” He shrugs. “Mom’s traveling to stay with her new rich boyfriend. I’m an only child. No dad. So… what do you think?”

“And Grandma?”

He pauses for a second, then shakes his head. “Nah. I missed my favorite cousins.” He spins slightly, looking around. “And this house? The city? Way better for my hockey career.”

My stomach tightens. “W–what did you just say?”

He grins. “I transferred to your school. Which means…” He taps my chest lightly. “I’m on your team.”

“What?”

He pats my shoulder. “Relax. You’re the captain—I heard. I was captain at my old school too. We were not just popular like yours, but I am very good, River. We could help each other out.”

I immediately shrug his hand off my shoulder. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Calm down.” He raises his hands slightly. “I’m just saying… imagine how proud your father would be. His son and nephew leading the team?” He smirks. “I could even be your alternate captain.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I scoff. “My best friend is the alternate captain—and he’s doing just fine.”

“Just a suggestion.” He shrugs. “I heard you’ve been slacking. Got a lot on your mind, huh?”

“It’s about a girl,” Cortney cuts in.

I shoot her a death glare. “Will you stop saying that?” My eyes return to Ricky. “And where did you—”

“I have ears,” he says simply. Then his tone drops slightly. “Trust me… you don’t want to disappoint your father. Uncle can be ruthless.”

Dinner is quiet. I barely taste the food. All I can think about is Ricky. Living here. Going to my school. Being on my team.

Ricky was shown to the rooms upstairs. Of course, he picked the one right next to mine. When I tried to argue, he just grinned. “Where’s the brotherly love, River? The old you would’ve been glad I’m here.” He tilted his head, studying me. “You’ve gone dark. Not a good look. Might start affecting your brain.”

I didn’t even bother responding. He got the room he wanted anyway. Of course he did. Ricky has always had it easy. He walks into anything and people like him instantly. If hockey doesn’t work out for him, he has options.

I don’t.

For me, hockey isn’t just a choice. It’s the only thing I have. Hockey is everything to me. It is my life. And the worst part? I already know what’s going to happen the moment he steps into that school—

Everyone is going to love him.

Before I take a shower, I call Mom.

The first thing she says is, “Has Ricky gotten there yet, darling?”

I go still.

“You didn’t tell us he’d be coming. I mean—living with us?”

“Oh, sorry, honey. It slipped my mind.”

“Mom—”

“Can I call you back?”

“Mom—”

“Take care of yourself, darling. I have to go.”

Beep.

I slowly pull the phone away from my ear and drop it onto the bed. She always does this. Always busy. Always rushing off. Always promising to call back, and never actually doing it.

I groan and drag a hand down my face before heading to the bathroom.

~~~

I’ve barely stepped out of the shower when I hear a knock. I open the door to find Ricky standing there. “Is there a problem?” I ask, brow raised.

“I just want to clear something up.” He leans against the doorframe. “I’m not here to take your place.”

My brows furrow. “You can’t take my place. I’m River Dawson.”

He nods slowly. “Yeah. You are.” A small smile tugs at his lips. “And I’m Ricky Norman. I wouldn’t even try. Nobody knows who my father is. I don’t even know who my father is.”

I kind of feel sorry for him saying that word.

“I’m just glad we get to spend our senior year together,” he adds. “Goodnight, cousin. I can’t wait for tomorrow—when I get introduced to the team.”

Right.

“Goodnight.” I shut the door and lock it.

Take my place? I scoff. Why would he even think that? I’m River Dawson. I get what I want. And no Ricky Norman is coming in here to take that from me.

After getting dressed, I slide under the covers, but sleep doesn’t come easy. My mind won’t shut up. Hazel’s father. My future. My career. And now… Ricky.

He’s in my house. He’ll be in my school. On my team. Everything is changing. And I’m losing control. I hate losing control.

The next morning, I’m called down for breakfast. Voices and laughter fill the dining room when I walk in.

“What are you two talking about?” I ask, taking my seat.

“Nothing much,” Cortney says casually.

“Hmm.” I grab a slice of bread, spread jam over it, and take a bite.

Cortney continues, “Okay, I was just telling Ricky about my best friend—”

I choke. Coughing, I hit my chest and reach for water.

“I do want to meet her,” Ricky says, completely unfazed, mouth full of waffles.

I glare at him. “W–why? Why would you—”

“Cortney says she’s quiet,” he shrugs, “but also knows how to have fun. I’m intrigued.”

“I can tell for a fact that Chancé and Ricky will get along just fine,” Cortney adds. “He’s a nice guy.”

I let out a short laugh. They both look at me. “You know Chan,” I say, leaning back slightly. “I doubt she’ll like him. She’s… plain. Quiet. Too quiet, actually. It’s irritating. And Ricky is loud!”

“Sounds like you know her pretty well,” Ricky says.

“Of course not. I’m just observant.”

Cortney rolls her eyes. “Well, River, she’s my best friend. And I know the kind of guys she likes. She deserves someone good. If Ricky ends up liking her, I’ll be the first to give my blessing.”

I scoff under my breath. Who the hell is Cortney to decide that? Chan can choose whoever she wants. And it’s definitely not going to be Ricky. Anyone but him.

The doorbell rings, and Cortney immediately pushes back her chair. “That’s for me! I’ll be right back.” She rushes out of the room, way too excited.

I frown slightly. She’s happier than usual… which is suspicious. Did she order something? Something about it makes me uneasy.

“How do I look in my new uniform?” Ricky stands, spreading his arms like he’s on display. I roll my eyes. “You’re no fun,” he mutters.

Then his gaze shifts past me, and toward the doorway.

I don’t need to turn to know. I feel it. Her. Chan is here. I keep my eyes on my plate, pretending not to notice.

“Oh,” Ricky says, his tone instantly changing. “With the way you carry yourself, you must be Chancé.”

“I am. Hello. And you must be Ricky. Cortney said so much just outside.”

“Nice to meet you, Chancé.”

My jaw tightens.

I’ve known Ricky my whole life. I know that tone. That’s the tone he uses when he’s interested.

“Careful, Ricky,” I say dryly, finally looking up.

Three pairs of eyes turn to me.

“He tends to flirt with anything that breathes.” My gaze flickers to her. The look on her face tells me everything. She’s still mad. She should be.

Cortney rolls her eyes, breaking whatever that moment was. “Coming from you? That’s rich.”

Ricky lets out a laugh. “Jealous already?”

I scoff. “As if.”

Chan’s brows pull together slightly at my tone. Then she looks away.

She walks over to Ricky, shakes his hand properly this time, and takes the seat beside him.

Just like that. Like I’m not even here.

Ricky says something—I don’t even catch what—and she laughs. A real laugh. Not the quiet, polite one she gives everyone else.

This one is different. Easy. Free. She isn’t shy with him. She talks like they’ve known each other for years. And they just met. They’ve known each other for approximately five minutes.

Five fucking minutes.

I’ve known her for four years. I’ve never heard her laugh like that with me.

For the first time since Ricky walked into this house, I feel it. Like things can be taken from me. Like I can be replaced. Like I’m nothing.

And I hate it. Because it takes me back to four years ago. To that feeling I swore I’d never experience again.

I can’t lose control. I won’t lose control.