Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Minerva

I threw another shirt into my bag and zipped it halfway, my hands shaking. The apartment felt too quiet after everything at Liam’s place. Vivian’s smirk and her claim that he planned to propose kept replaying.

My phone buzzed but I ignored it. Packing to crash at my mom’s with my little brother was the only plan that made sense. Get out of the city and forget the mess.

The door flew open, banging against the wall. Sophia burst in, breathing hard. She dropped her bag and pulled me into a tight hug. “Minerva, what the hell happened? Talk to me right now.”

I hugged her back briefly then pulled away, still packing. My voice wavered. “I caught him cheating, Soph. Walked right in on it. With Vivian my stepsister. The same one whose mom took my dad, and now she’s trying to take everything that’s mine.”

Sophia’s eyes widened. She sat on the bed and yanked the bag away. “Vivian? That bitch? Tell me exactly what you saw. I need to punch someone.”

I sank beside her. The words spilled out. “I went to surprise him for his birthday. Heard moans, waited in the parlor. They came out laughing. He said she moans cuter than his girlfriend me. She laughed too. I wanted to slap her, but Liam stopped me. Said they fell in love because I was too busy with school and she was there for him.”

Sophia paced, hands waving. “Too busy? You cooked, did laundry, cheered at every game. You paused three years of med school for his hockey dream. He never deserved you.”

I laughed bitterly. “Apparently he thinks Vivian is better. She told me to move on he’s proposing soon.”

Sophia pointed at me. “You deserve more than that loser. He wasn’t even good in bed, right? Lasted two minutes tops.”

I laughed, surprised. “Soph, stop. Maybe, but don’t make me think about it.”

She grinned and hugged me. “Screw him. If you get horny, I’ll help you satisfy yourself. Toys are better they don’t cheat with stepsisters.”

We cracked up. It felt good despite the pain. She eyed my bag. “Where are you going? Mom’s?”

“Yeah. Lick my wounds, figure things out. The internship was great but now…”

Sophia snatched the shirt. “No way. You’re going to the hockey dorm. You got the sports medicine internship with the New York Pros.”

I stared. “The training takes a year. Away games mean staying in the mansion dorm with the team. Liam will be there daily. Vivian too. How do I handle that?”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s every girl’s dream free stay, travel, fancy setup. I’ve struggled to reach these hockey guys and you got handed this. Don’t let him ruin it.”

I sighed, exhausted. “I need three days to heal. Cry, eat ice cream. Same dorm sounds like torture. What if she says I wasn’t there enough?”

Sophia leaned in urgently. “Show them you’re better. Head high, do your job. You specialized in athletes because of him now it’s your turn. The Pros chose you anyway. Mansion has space to avoid him. I’ll visit and we’ll annoy him.”

“But my mom and brother need me.”

“Your mom will understand. This is your shot. You supported him on the field while he complained behind your back. Don’t let them win.”

“Soph, I don’t know. Part of me wants to hide at home. The other knows you’re right, but it hurts.”

She hugged me tighter. “Emotions are messy. Give it three days. Cry, then show up strong. You’re stronger than this.”

I stared at the bag, head spinning. I still didn’t know what I’d do. Part wanted to run. Part wondered if the Pros would finally put me first.

Sophia grinned. “If you go, I’ll sneak in and raid it with you. Don’t let her think she won.”

I managed a small smile, everything still heavy. “Yeah… maybe. I just don’t know yet.”

**********

I made up my …. I was going to get it.

Finally it was the day for me to leave.

I hugged Sophia tightly at the door. She cried into my shoulder, and my throat felt tight too. “Soph, it’s okay. I’m just in the next quarter. We can still meet all the time.”

She held my hands and shook her head. “Yeah, but we won’t live together anymore. Who will steal my snacks and listen to my design rants at midnight? Text me every day or I’ll show up.”

I laughed even with wet eyes. “I promise. Come visit my dorm after I settle in. Don’t cry or I’ll start again.” We hugged one last time. She waved as I grabbed my bags and left.

The drive to the New York Pros facility felt very long. I kept thinking about the internship and the fresh pain from Liam and Vivian.

When I arrived, Coach Reynolds met me with a big smile. He shook my hand firmly and checked my file. “Minerva Brooks? Welcome. Your internship form stood out. You’ve supported athletes hands-on for a while. That dedication is good. We need it here.”

I nodded, feeling proud. “Yes, I’ve learned a lot from it, even when it got messy.” He talked nicely about the program and how I would fit with the team. It felt good to hear I was smart after feeling like a fool lately.

A staff member showed me to my room in the big dorm. I unpacked quickly, put clothes in drawers, and set my notes on the desk. Then I went out for extra supplies I forgot.

That’s when I bumped into Liam around the corner.

He stopped and stared. “What the hell are you doing here, Minerva? This is my place. I know I messed up, but didn’t you break up with me? Why are you here?”

I crossed my arms and glared. “Lower your ego, Liam. I’m not here for you. I got this internship on my own. I’m here to work. Don’t act like we know each other. You’ve hurt me enough.”

He tried to step closer. “Come on, Min. I messed up, but you can’t pretend we have no history. Vivian and I, it just happened…”

I cut him off. “History? The kind where I supported you for years and you cheated with my stepsister? Stay away from me.”

I smiled at Liam. “You’re pathetic. Enjoy your proposal plans. I have work to do.”

I turned the corner. As soon as he couldn’t see me, tears ran down my face. I wiped them angrily.

Suddenly a guy handed me a tissue. I took it and wiped my eyes. He had tattoos and nice hair. Before I could thank him, he said coldly, “Get a hold of yourself. I don’t care who you are, but don’t bring your toxic ex drama here. This is a professional place, not a soap opera.”

I got angry. “Who do you think you are…” But he turned and left.

I went back to my room, crashed on the bed, and slept. The day had drained me.

The next day, we interns gathered on the practice floor. The players looked strong and focused on the ice. The coaches assigned us. Each intern got two players.

One was the tattooed guy from yesterday Kendrick Dola, the captain. My stomach twisted. The other was Reyes, a strong player I didn’t know.

During a break, Kendrick skated over. “You’re on my rotation now. Keep the drama out and do your job.” His voice was flat but sharp.

I answered, “Got it. I’m here for work only.”

Reyes came up smiling. “Hey, new intern? Glad to have fresh eyes. My shoulder has been acting up. Maybe check that later.”

We talked about his routines. I felt a bit better. Kendrick watched from nearby with crossed arms. He clearly wasn’t happy.

I took notes during practice and ignored Liam. Sophia’s text about Vivian made me nervous, but I focused on work. Kendrick was intense on the ice barking orders but very skilled.

At the end of the day, I walked down the hall, tired but determined. Then I saw them: Vivian and Liam kissing against the wall. Her hands were all over him. My heart broke again. I couldn’t breathe.

I turned and ran. I pushed open the first door I saw and slammed it shut, tears falling fast.

When I turned around, Kendrick stood there completely naked, water dripping from his body like he just got out of the shower. He looked shocked for a second, then annoyed. “What the fuck? Get out right now.”

I froze, eyes wide and cheeks burning.