Page 82 of The Facade

I knew I should probably change into my dance clothes so I could practice my audition piece, but since I needed to make sure Mack and I were on the same page regarding my brothers, I sent him another text

Me:In the meantime, if you hear from Nash or Carter and they ask what you did last night, whatever you do, do not mention me.

Mack:You don’t want me to tell your brothers that I did you?

Me:Ah! That is not what I meant.

Mack:Too bad…

Me:Har har. Also, it sounds so much more scandalous when you word it like that.

Mack:Being scandalous is fun.

Me:This is serious.

Mack:Okay.

Me:So what are you going to do if my brothers ask you about me?

Mack:Deny. Deny. Deny.

Me:Good.

I tossed my phone to the side, needing to breathe for a moment.

I could do this.

I could totally sneak around behind my brothers’ backs with their best friend.

Piece of cake.

26

Mack

“When will CoachJames announce who made the team?” Cambrielle asked me after school Monday afternoon as we walked down the sidewalk from the gym toward the student parking lot.

I’d had basketball tryouts right after school and she’d finished her study session with Scarlett, Ava, and Elyse just before tryouts had ended, so it gave us a few minutes to see each other. It was the first time we’d been alone since I’d left her at the side of her house early Sunday morning, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was slightly nervous to be with her again after all the things that had happened.

Nervous because I hadn’t exactly made it to Monday morning with a girl before, so I wasn’t quite sure how this was supposed to work.

Like, were we just two people who liked each other and sometimes kissed?

Or were we secretly boyfriend and girlfriend now?

Something else?

“I think Coach said he’d have the roster posted by tomorrow after school.” I adjusted the strap of my gym bag on my shoulder. “But I’m pretty sure Carter, Hunter, and I will all make it.”

Tryouts had snuck up on me with everything that was going on, but I had played enough during the off season at the Hastings’ basketball court that I’d been able to keep up on most of my skills.

“It would be crazy if you didn’t make it,” Cambrielle said, her usual encouraging self. “Crazy if you all weren’t the starting line-up.”

“I guess we’ll see.” I shrugged. And then, since potential boyfriends were supposed to be interested in their potential girlfriends and not just talk about themselves, I asked, “What about you? Are you ready for your audition in a couple weeks?”

“I think so.” She let out a long breath, a hint of anxiety in her eyes. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ll make it since most people are auditioning for speaking roles, but you never know.”

“Are you nervous about going on stage again?” I asked.

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