Page 48 of The Play

“But he’sstarving,” Tree says in accusation.

Jesse just gives them the finger before continuing to wash his hair. He’s even whistling.

Although…he’s shampooing rather fast… In fact, I barely have time to blink before he’s shutting off the water and darting through the doorway.

Conor grins at Jesse’s retreating backside. “Dude. I think they’re actually starting to believe it’s a real pig.”

“Right?” But I can’t deny that Pablo has developed a life of his own. Even I can’t be certain he’s an egg anymore. I think he might be a real boy.

“Anyway,” I say as I rinse off. “I need advice.”

“Hit me,” Conor replies, because that’s a normal response froma normal person. I don’t understand why Hollis—annnnd there’s no point trying to figure out Hollis. It’s like trying to understand the wind.

Toweling off, I quickly outline the situation. Unlike Hollis, Condoeshesitate. He thinks it over for several beats before providing an answer.

“I’d tell her.”

“Yeah? Even though she might punch me in the face?”

“Well, sure, the messenger always risks getting shot, but is it better to leave her in the dark? What if you run into her and the boyfriend? What do you do, pretend everything is cool and that you don’t know he’s a total douchebag?”

“I’m with Con,” Foster pipes up from my other side. He’s been listening in this entire time. “You gotta tell her, man. And hey, if it turns out you’re wrong? You sayI’m sorry, I was trying to be a good friend and look out for you, and I made a mistake.”

Which is precisely what this boils down to—me wanting to be a good friend. I hate the idea of Demi being played for a fool. Nico seemed like a good guy the first time I met him, but he was emitting some real slime vibes at the party. On the other hand, I hardly know the dude. Maybe he’s just a bit slimy. Doesn’t make him a cheater.

I poll a few other teammates in the locker room, and the consensus seems to be to tell Demi the truth. But it isn’t until Jesse texts his girlfriend for her opinion that I’m fully swayed to the side of morality. In all caps, Katie texts back a resounding:

TELL HER RIGHT EFFING NOW, YOU HEARTLESS MONSTER!!!!!!

I guess I have my answer.

13

DEMI

THERE’S A TEXT MESSAGE FROMHUNTER WHENISTEP OUT OFBiology class late in the afternoon. He’s supposed to come by tonight for a fake therapy session, but apparently now he’s cancelling.

HUNTER: Need to cancel tonight. Last-minute thing in Boston.

ME: Didn’t we LITERALLY just talk in class earlier and confirm?

HIM: Yes, and then I LITERALLY just got a text from a friend and now I have to cancel.

ME: I demand to know why.

HIM: Bruins game.

ME: Is there really a game or are you just lying to get out of studying? Cuz you were acting super strange this morning. Even TJ noticed.

HIM: I wasn’t acting strange and there really is a game. Google it.

ME: I will choose to believe you. How are you getting there?

HIM: Teleporting, obviously.

ME: Jackass. Are you driving?

HIM: Ya. Why?

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