Page 65 of Calling the Shots

“Okay.” He lightly presses his lips to mine, then hustles away to find the bathroom.

Thirsty after dancing, I spin back around to the refreshment table in search of more water. Coach Carter’s gone and so are all the mini water bottles.

All that’s left at the table is Jamie freaking Ware.

FML.

CHAPTER21

GRACELYN

Shit.

It’s too late. Jamie spots me before I can abort the hydration mission.

“Gracelyn! Fancy meeting you here.” She drawls the phrase in her best Southern accent. “Didn’t know you were hitting the high school dating pool now.”

“Gross, Jamie. I’m not.” I square my shoulders, standing as straight and tall as physically possible in these heels. I still qualify for shorty status next to Jamie and her mile-long model legs, though.

Of course, she’s beyond stunning in a slinky emerald green dress cut high above the knee and baring her toned arms. The color’s great on her, too, a nice contrast to her deep red hair.

Bitch.

“You came to the Hoco dance alone then? Are you on staff now? The hairstylist thing not working out?” She waves her French-manicured nails around my face, motioning at my hair.

“No. And not that I owe you any explanation, but I’m here with Mack. My boyfriend. Remember?”

“Oh, right. How could I forget? I thought y’all were such an odd couple, I assumed you’d broken up by now.”

Rude.

“We didn’t.”

“It’s just—he’s so good-looking…” Her voice trails off, and she leaves the rest of the statement unsaid, hanging in the air between us.

Sizzling anger bubbles in my gut, my chest tight. I should turn around and walk away, leave her standing there open-mouthed like a dying guppy.

But it’s me, so of course I can’t do that.

“And?” I fold my arms over my chest, baiting her. Daring her to finish that statement.

“Come on, Gracelyn. You know and I know Mack’s way out of your league. He’s like a ten and you’re…I don’t know. Maybe a six, on a good day?”

Ouch.

Jamie’s always been a bitch, but this is low, even for her.

Tears stinging my eyes, I jut out my chin. “I’m a seven and a half with personality.”

“Fine. I’ll give you a bump for being a good sidekick. But really, what does a guy like Mack see in little ole’ you?”

“Oh-kay. We’re done here. Great to see you, Jamie. Not.” I spit out the words and pivot, running straight into Mack’s steely chest.

“Hey, I was looking for you. You’re hidden by the line dancers.” Mack rubs my bare arm and I blink fast and hard, trying to fight back tears. “You okay?”

“Not really,” I whisper, cocking my head in Jamie’s direction.

“That bitch is still bothering you?” His voice is hard as he stares over my shoulder at Jamie.

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