Page 28 of The Quarterback Sneak

“Yeah, he dragged me away from study hall and tried to convince me that you weren’t interested in me.”

“Did he tell you about the bet?”

“No, of course not. He wants his money, I’m guessing. He tried to pull at my heartstrings, but I’m not stupid enough to believe him. Not anymore, at least.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her that she’s not the first girl I’ve seen him with, but I choose not to because what is the point? She already knows about one time he cheated on her; the only thing telling her about other girls would do is hurt her more. “I know he’s been with other girls. Olivia had mentioned it to me before, and stupidly, I didn’t mind. I figured he wanted some experience before settling down with me because we were young. My mom always made me feel like I wasn’t good enough for his attention, and I’d need to work harder to get it. So, I went with it.”

“Jamie’s an idiot and is only starting to realize how much he misses you.”

“You think?”

“I know. He doesn’t like to share, and sharing with the scholarship kid eats him up inside.”

“You’re more than that, you know?” It’s barely a whisper, and usually, I’d think a girl like her was being obnoxious, but after everything she’s been through in the last week, I think she’s actually trying to be sincere.

“You’re more than Jamie’s super-rich ex too.” She breathes out the smallest of laughs, and it makes me smile. “Besides, we’re more than what a few rich people think of us anyway. We’ve only got a few more months at South Point Prep before we’re out.”

“You might be out, but I’m stuck in the rich bubble for life.”

“Aw, Cute Cakes. You’re acting like it’s real tough being the hottest, richest girl in school. Jamie will regret this, trust me, and once we’re through, your status as Queen Bee will be returned.”

“Sounds awesome,” she says sarcastically. “By the way, I told Olivia about us. Figured she had a right to know since Mike does, and I didn’t want to get into the middle of their relationship.”

“Good move. We might need some backup stories every now and again. They should be able to help feed the lie.”

“Mm-hm.” Her voice slows, and again, she’s silent. “I have another question.” The hesitation lacing her tone makes it clear she’s going to ask me something I won’t want to answer.

“Shoot.”

“Is there, uh, something going on in your home life that I should know about?”

“Home life? Like what?”

“Umm, I don’t know. It’s just that Mike told me to cut you some slack over not being around but didn’t elaborate. Kind of sounded like you’ve got some serious stuff going on.” Trusty Mike. Still not giving away my secrets, even though they might help his friend.

“Nothing that would affect our deal and agreement.” I leave it at that because the more I explain, the more questions she’llhave. “At school, I’ll be at your beck and call, and you’ll be at my games until the end of the season.”

“Yeah.” She sighs.

“Are you sure you’re still okay with this agreement?” I thought this phone call would help ease her mind, but it’s made it worse. I feel like I’ve made her even more unsure of me, but I need to keep her on my side for Ella’s and Tiffany’s sake.

“Yeah…” Her voice lifts like she’s ready to say something else, and I’m ready to soothe her.

Ella’s shrill cry startles me.

“What was that?” she asks.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Just something on TV. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got to go make dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow at school, Short Stack.”

“Can’t wait.” She groans, clearly annoyed at another nickname, but I don’t stay on the call long enough to hear her complain. I hang up and race to the little cutie next door who needs my help.

Chapter Ten

Honey

The little bell on top of the door rings as we walk into the Mexican restaurant. I stop at the entrance but feel Olivia’s palms on my back pushing me forward. Glancing over my shoulder, she smiles, gesturing for me to keep moving. Never have I felt so out of place more than right now. The floor is a little sticky, and the smell of warm cheese will cling to me. My bloodhound of a mother will no doubt smell the grease on my clothes.

“Tell me again why I’m here.”

---