Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 75

KATY’S POV

It takes me more than an hour to get ready for my classes today, not because I’m trying to look cute or anything but my brain is just moving at the speed of a snail.

I kept sitting down, staring at nothing, then remembering I actually have places to be. The only thing that finally got me out was the reminder that midterm grades come out today… and that I still need to make progress on my Blackrock research.

So here I am, forcing myself to be a functioning student.

I’m practically dragging my feet across campus as I head toward BrewLab Café, the only place on campus that serves coffee strong enough to wake the dead. My body needs caffeine the way toddlers need iPads.

The moment I step inside, I sigh. It’s packed.

Like, shouldn’t everyone be in class? Why are there this many people here at 10 a.m.? What are they doing, holding a secret meeting?

Still, nothing is stopping me from getting caffeine, so I slip into the tiny line and start mentally debating my options: a double-shot Americano or a black eye, both guaranteed to smack my soul awake.

“Shit! Our midterm grades just came in!” someone gasps from the back of the café.

The entire place shifts. Chairs scrape, people freeze and a few heads pop up like prairie dogs. I turn toward the voice, and just as I expected, everyone around her is already scrambling for their phones, fingers shaking, and faces tightening with that very specific academic dread.

I dig my phone out of my purse and yep, a notification is sitting right there. I stare at it for a second, not opening it, and not even tempted.

And I know this sounds obnoxious, but when you’re a straight-A student, you earn the right to breathe a little. People always tell you not to brag, and to stay humble. Meanwhile, rich people brag about everything from their tap water to their dogs’ diets. So, honestly… let me have this one thing.

Besides, my grades aren’t the ones giving me anxiety right now.

It’s Braydon’s.

His midterms feel like a life-or-death situation, at least for him. And if I’m being honest… a little for me too.

I’m just sliding my phone back into my bag when it starts buzzing with a call. I check and see it’s Braydon calling and my pulse jumps immediately.

He’s definitely calling about his grade…I know that much. But is it good news… or the kind. that sends both of us into a meltdown?

I take a deep breath and swipe to answer, pressing it to my ear. My hand is slightly shaking- don’t ask me why, I’m not usually like this.

“Don’t tell me you’re wheezing like an old man because of me,” he says the second I pick up and instantly, my whole body knows. It’s good news.

“Please tell me we’re gonna celebrate,” I whisper, inching closer to the counter.

“You can get balloons on your way, Princess,” he laughs. “It’s a fucking yes!!!”

“Braydon!” I can’t help it and I exclaim, loud enough that a few heads glance my way. “I’m so happy. Yes!”

His voice turns smug. “Get over here so I can smother you with love.”

I can’t stop the giggle escaping me and my cheeks are on fire. “Fine, if you insist.”

“I’ll be waiting,” he replies. “Then I’ll give you the full breakdown. Pretty sure you might fall in love with me after hearing how genius I’ve become.”

“You wish,” I mutter, rolling my eyes even though my stomach feels like it’s doing somersaults. I’m standing in a café, blushing like a fool because of a boy. Somebody helpit.

He’s still rambling when I hang up and chuckle. I slip my phone into my purse, and glance around, half-smiling.

I’m canceling all my plans today. Everything else can wait. Today is for celebrating Braydon’s grades.

I get to the counter and order a double-shot Americano. Just as I turn to leave, someone bumps into me.

“Fuck, sorry.” The girl’s eyes widen as she quickly steps back, pushing a dyed pink strand of hair behind her ear. “I really need to stop being clumsy.”

“It’s fine,” I say, forcing an awkward chuckle. “I mean, nothing got spilled on either of us.”

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