Her lips thin and she lets her arms fall to her sides. “Nico’s gone. Hasn’t been back since you made a scene. You dance, you’re dancing with Alex.”
I laugh lightly. “Funny, you think you’re still in control.” I set my bag down, pulling my hoodie over my head. “I need this on my college applications, and you want to stay out of jail, so you can keep shaking your ass for rappers.”
“Watch it, little girl.”
I roll my eyes, adjusting the top of my gym pants. “Let’s not pretend we like each other, but be professional and get the job done well.”
I walk past her, slipping right back into the center.
Trent eyes me, both of us aware we can’t dance together.
Thompson suddenly slides in behind me, whispering in my ear, “I got you, girl. Let’s get it.”
I give him a grateful smile, then face forward and wait.
It takes Miranda a second, but slowly she spins around and walks back to the speaker. She gives a tight clap, avoiding my eyes.
“From the top.”
I can hardly hold in my smirk.I ditched, figured I’d be cool when game time came, focused enough on playin’ hard that my mind wouldn’t fuck with me, but the second I pull in, I realize how wrong I was.
It’s formal, the night where, every year, the school recognizes the seniors on varsity, and of fucking course this year we’re to be escorted by the dance team.
I’m not walking. I don’t give a fuck, I’ll wait on the sidelines with the few juniors on the team.
Not that it matters, I heard Demi never went back, like she said she wouldn’t, which only proves further what a dick I am. I came in and fucked up her little world.
Dance was one of the only things she did for herself and now she can’t even look at her coach.
I climb from my truck and grab my bag from the back, slinging it over my shoulder.
At least I won’t have to stand there and watch her with anyone else.
The moment I think it, I’m reminded of how nothing in my life ever plays out the way I want it to.
I step between the buildings in time to spot the dance team, all wrapped in their silk coverings to hide their costumes, and the football team gathered together as the guys start handing over their jackets.
My feet lock in place when Trent moves toward Demi, who gives him nothing but a tight smile and nod as she walks off.
Something has Trent’s head turning this way, and he spots me.
He tips his chin, so I tip mine back, but decide to cut left, going the long way around to avoid everyone.
I’m dressed out and ready to go before the rest of the guys even filter into the locker room.
I tap on Coach’s door, sticking my head in. “I’m feelin’ tight, cool if I head out there early, start warming up?”
He eyes me, not believing a word I’ve said. He might not speak much when it’s not football related, but he pays attention. “We’re walking with the girls, Sykes.”
“Can’t, Coach.” I don’t say anything else, but after a few seconds, he nods his permission, so I avoid eye contact with everyone I pass and head straight to the field.
I don’t warm up, but join the JV team on the sideline, watching along as their game comes to an end.
I glance back, finding the stands filling up more and more by the minute, everyone eager to see the show.
Macy catches my eye, Carley and Krista right beside her, already in their cheer gear for when we begin, but I swiftly look away.
Quicker than I’m ready for the game is over, the field cleared, and the announcer comes back on the speaker.
The crowd settles, all to pep back up and louder than before when the guys emerge from the inflatable tunnel and keep forward across the field. In one, solid, straight line, they stand, dressed and ready to play. The only thing they’re missing are their helmets.
The crowd dies down, and again grows louder as the girls file out, completely in sync with the speed of each step and the space between them all, the letterman’s jackets draped over their left arms, game socks up to their knees and little referee outfits to match.
Demi is in the middle, no jacket across her forearm but her fists on her hips, Thompson right behind her.
I reach up, gripping my gear below my neck, moving from one foot to the next to keep myself calm.
The music starts, but it’s a simple hit of a drum, and the girls take one step forward. Another, and they take one step out.
Everyone starts to cheer as our coaching staff slips through the middle and make their way over, the announcer introducing them over the loudspeaker.