Page 197 of The Sidekick

“Max,” Trevor warns as I gag dramatically.

“What? I’m fighting fire with fire.”

“Please stop,” I whine.

“I thought you were on the same team?” Trevor leans back. His grip on my hand pulls me forward in my chair. He hasn’t let go. I wonder if he realizes it.

“Somebody isn’t pulling her weight,” he gives me a fake disappointed look.

“I’m tired from bearing all the weight of the team,” I inform him primly.

“That’s it.” Max rushes me, and I squeal as I try to get out of my seat. I end up falling on my knees and trying to crawl away as he laughs.

He easily picks me up and cradles me to his chest. For a second, it’s nice and comforting. And then he starts tickling me without mercy.

I laugh helplessly and struggle. My legs kick out on reflex, and I knock something over on the desk.

“Three.”

I curl into a defensive ball, and Max’s fingers pause in his assault.

“Thank you,” I try to get my breath back.

“Her computer is right there. Take her farther out to tickle her.”

I gape at Trevor’s malicious grin.

“You’re both traitors!” I protest as Max starts laughing again. He acts like my weight is nothing as he backs away from the desk.

“I thought we were a perfect couple,” Max taunts me.

“You are! You’re both mean!” I whine and struggle to get away.

My phone starts playing one of Shade’s favorite songs, and I push at Max’s chest.

“I need to get that. It’s Shade.”

“Emo music?” Max asks in surprise. His smile turns wicked as he carries me back to the desk. Instead of handing me the phone, he swipes to accept and puts it on speaker.

Dead silence greets me.

“Shade?” I call out in concern.

“Am I interrupting something?” He asks in a bitter tone filled with anger.

“Yeah, me getting tickled. Thank you.” I blush with embarrassment. Max lets me down with a frown.

Shade gets quiet again, and I pick up to take it off speaker.

“What’s wrong?” I settle on the edge of the chair. Max drops down onto the couch with a huff and pouts.

“I got what I wanted,” Shade snarls back.

I go quiet so he’ll continue. I’m rewarded with the gulping sound of him drinking water. He’s already trying to calm himself down.

“I’m proud of you,” I say with a smile. He did it on his own without my prompting.

He ignores me to keep going. “I got my transfer. In town, just like I asked.”

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