Page 2 of Easy Out

Sydney had other ideas. She wanted a friend and wormed her way into my heart in such a way that I didn’t know it was happening until it was too late.

I don’t know what I would do without her. It might be our last year living together, and I don’t like this emptiness I feel thinking about it.

As much as part of me is ready for what’s next. I also want to hold on to Sydney for as long as I can.

Even though I love her, I plan on avoiding Sydney. I need to stay focused and remember why I’m here. Winning. The grand prize tonight is five thousand dollars.

With so many dance crews from ASU, Huntingdon, and Newhouse, Carter thought it would be best to split our crew up. That means I’m dancing on my own, and so is Killer.

I wasn’t nervous when Carter first told me I was going solo.

Knowing Sydney is here.

Knowing Nash is here with his friends.

Knowing someone from campus might recognize me tomorrow.

I’m freaking out a little.

The Warehouse is starting to reach the point of capacity where you sweat standing still. Personal space is a precious commodity I will have to throw elbows for soon.

I move around the outer edge of the room, fighting my way between groups of people, all while keeping an eye out for Sydney and the guys.

“Can I get a glass of water, please?” I ask the bartender after I push my way through the crowd of bodies.

Maybe hydrating will help me release some of this nervous tension. One can hope.

“You ready?” A deep voice asks from behind my back. I nod. “You know what needs to be done, Lo?”

“I know, Carter.”

“Good.” He’s quietly stewing behind me. His warm breath hits my neck by my ear. “Just because you are back on campus doesn’t mean you’re out of everything.”

“I know, Carter. I’m not leaving them. You already know that. I’ve never let them down and won’t do it now. I need this as much as they do.” I’ve already proven myself to Carter over the years. It makes me angry that he still questions my loyalty.

“I’m here. Okay?”

“Okay.” Carter gives my hand a quick squeeze.

“Sorry, I know tonight is different for you since Newhouse is here. If you’re good, I’m good.” He doesn’t wait for my response. He leaves, melting back into the crowd.

Blowing out a steadying breath, I move my feet to find another corner to wait out the start of the competition. Carter’s words, although infuriating, are also a reminder of why I’m here to begin with. People are counting on me.

Carter is right, though. Tonight is different. There is something in the air. It isn’t the addition of all the college crews. I have a new energy, a hunger I haven’t felt before.

There is no way I’m letting anyone take a single step on that dance floor, thinking they have a shot at taking money from my crew. My family.

A lot of people are here for the accolades. They want the title. The college crews want to prove they are better than their rivals. Not me. I’m here for the coin. The dough. The Franklins. The paper. Call it whatever you want. I want to get paid.

I’m here to put food on the table. Help keep the kids in my neighborhood from doing something they shouldn’t just to have a full belly at night.

I moved across the country to Alabama before the ink could dry on my high school diploma. Once my scholarship came through for Newhouse, I felt hope. I almost didn’t recognize the feeling. It was so foreign to me.

I rented a two-bedroom trailer at Royal Oaks. It was nicer than my last place, and it was all mine until I moved into the dorms at Newhouse.

During the first few months, I kept a watchful eye on everyone who lived in the trailer park. Little kids were left alone while their parents went to work. Older ones snuck out at night to do lord knows what.

I may not know exactly what they were doing, but I know how it ends. I’ve been in their position. I’ve felt their desperation.

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