Page 58 of Don't Let Go

Paolo shook from anger and barked at anyone nearby, a cheerleader jumping too much or a fellow player not running fast enough.

I licked my lips and prayed I didn’t need to get a ride from him tonight. Win or lose, he’d be annoying and horny.

Tyler stole the ball as the other team was about to make another run for the hoop. He made it across the court and scored some well-needed points. The game was back and forth for the first half; by halftime, everyone in the crowd was breathless from screaming. The teams went to the locker rooms for a break, andpeople exited to stretch their legs or buy popcorn from the guy with the cart outside in the parking lot.

Everyone returned when the last minute counted down, starting the second half. I spotted my friends returning with huge smiles. I eyed Chloe, and she mouthed, “It got exciting.”

The game continued with as much fire as it started. There was hardly a moment to spare; the band played when there were timeouts called and only for a few notes.

It seemed the entire room buzzed and cheered. The cheerleaders dripped with sweat from all the dancing. I’d never seen them with such spirit, not even at football games. Back and forth the game went, tying, and then one team went up by a few points only to be matched.

At last, the final minute of the game was on the clock and slipping away fast. We were down by two points. No one made a sound. All we heard were the players’ heavy breathing, the squeaks of their sneakers, and the basketball bouncing on the hardwood floor.

The other team was about to score again, which would be the last nail in our coffin. Losing this game meant we were out of the finals and at risk of losing a lot of money for the entire school. That might not affect me too much, but my sisters still needed this place, and many of my classmates were in the same boat. We didn’t want to see our high school crumble and become a footnote in the city’s history.

Tyler stole the ball and ran like Michael Myers was about to kill him. He shot the ball into the hoop scoring three points as the last few seconds ticked away.

We won the game!

Kids stomped the bleachers to the point where you couldn’t hear anything else. Confetti should’ve rained down on us. We weren’t done yet, and we had hope now, thanks to Tyler.

All the boys high-fived each other—even Paolo, though he avoided Tyler and went to the locker room with Bryce as they talked.

I grabbed my stuff and made it down to catch Tyler walking to the locker room.

“Nice save there,” I said, nodding toward the court.

He winked, flashing me a bright smile. “Thanks! I missed playing the game. More than I thought I did.”

“You played amazingly.” I put my stand down and resisted pushing a curl of his hair off his sweaty forehead. “This is your high school now, too. We need to take care of it.”

Tyler leaned in closer. His mouth was to my ear as if he needed to share a secret with me. “I think you’re my lucky charm.”

James came by and smacked Tyler on the back. “Damn, I love you, man. I knew having you on the team was a great idea. We need to celebrate!” James looked over at me. “You don’t mind us taking your boyfriend away, do you?”

Boyfriend? Tyler?

I was tongued-tied. “You know—”

James placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll have Paolo make it up to you.” He nudged me and hit Ty again. “Come on, man.”

Oh, Paolo. Right.

“No worries.” I locked eyes with Ty. He grinned, and for some reason, I grinned, too. I had this strange feeling like I wanted to kiss him right here and now. Maybe it was all the excitement; it had me in this weird mood. After all, Ty did call me his lucky charm.

I couldn’t stop staring at his lips.

Chloe whacked me. “Hey, loser, we won!”

Maria squinted at Chloe. “That makes no sense.”

Chloe waved Maria off. “Whatevas. We need to go party.”

Guess I had my ride after all. I ditched my stand in the band room and changed my clothes in the bathroom again. Unfortunately, I had to drag my trombone to the car with me.

“Put that thing in the trunk. I don’t want it taking up my legroom,” Gabs said, eyeing my huge case.

“Of course.” I shoved it in the back and added my backpack, too.

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