Breaking the Bro Code (Breakin' in the 80s, Book 1)

Hayden watched Molly run away, shock rooting him to the floor. Her words made no sense. What did she think he had done?

Did she think he was the one who hurt Trevor? That was crazy. But she had sounded crazy.

He should chase her and figure out why she was so upset, but he knew he was too late. She’d already be at her car, leaving the lot by the time he could get there.

Instead, he entered Trevor’s room. He’d bet anything Trevor was the one to blame for Molly’s behavior. Shoving the door with both hands, he opened it and stepped inside.

Trevor laid on the bed, a giant smile on his face. He sat propped up on pillows with his hands behind his head. He turned and laughed when Hayden closed the door.

“Hey, Hayden. What’s up?” Trevor greeted him like they were still ten, getting ready to ride bikes or play ball.

Hayden’s stomach dropped. “What did you say to Molly?”

He knew he should ask about Trevor’s health, but he didn’t care.

Trevor’s smile changed to a smirk. “Oh, that? Nothing much.

I heard her yelling at you.” He winced and shook his head. “Sorry, I bet that hurt.”

Hayden clenched his teeth. “What the hell did you say, Trevor?”

“I told her how you were spreading nasty rumors about fucking her, Hayden. Tsk, tsk. That’s not very gentlemanly of you.

What would your mother say?” He narrowed his eyes. “Molly believed me since I defended her, and this is where I ended up. Poor Tim. My dad called in a few favors and now Tim’s doing a little stint in juvie. Guess the team will need a new forward.”

Hayden took a few steps toward Trevor and stopped, afraid to get too close and give himself the opportunity to add to the injuries. “What happened to you? My dad said you got into a fight with Tim, but I know it wasn’t because of Molly.”

Trevor chuckled. “No, apparently, Tim is protective of his little sister. Too bad for him she’s a slut. We hooked up a couple weeks ago, and now she won’t leave me alone. She told Tim I used her, and he got pissed.” Trevor smiled. “He should learn to control his temper.”

Hayden glared at Trevor. “Bastard. You couldn’t just let Molly go. Why do you even care?”

Trevor glared. “Because, you always get what you want.

Ever since we were kids, you always won. You always got the best position on the team, always got the praise for the win. Why do you think I asked Molly out in the first place? I could tell you wanted her. You would have won her too, but not this time. This time I get to see you lose.” He sighed, his smile returning, stretching his stitches until a small drop of blood appeared at the corner. “And do you know what? I like it.”

Hayden’s hands shook with the force of his anger and hate.

He backed toward the door, shaking his head. “There’s something wrong with you.” He had to get to Molly. He couldn’t lose her because of Trevor’s lies.

Trevor guessed his thoughts. He smiled. “She won’t talk to you, Hayden. Not after she thinks you played her. I’ve covered my tracks. Tim is the only one who knows the truth and who is he going to tell?”

“He’ll tell me. And I’ll tell Molly.”

Trevor laughed. It reminded Hayden of jokes they’d shared, good times in the past. How could Trevor change so much? Hayden felt a hollow pit in his stomach at the loss of his friend. But it didn’t compare to the crater caused by losing Molly.

“Right, good luck with that. Let me know how things turn out.” Trevor pushed the button on his pain pump and placed his hands back behind his head. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to take a nap. Like Molly said, I need to rest so she and I can be friends again.

She’s coming to visit me tomorrow and I need to be ready.”

Trevor scooted deeper into the bed, assuming a fragile, pained look. Tears pooled in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Hayden.” His lip quivered, and he wiped his eye, wincing from ‘pain’. Then he laughed. “Not.”

Hayden fought the urge to hit him. He turned and stormed out of the room ignoring Trevor’s laughter. Once he fixed things with Molly, Hayden would call the academy and recommend Trevor for the best actor award. He’d earned it.