Page 124 of Something Rad
“The fact is, most of you have probably never noticed me in the corner taking pictures. But I’ve noticed all of you. I know what Bay View’s student body is and what it can be.” I feel my cheeks flush as a smile spreads across my face. “I wanna tell our story. And I want to play a part in writing it during my final year here.” I shake my head, feeling my throat threatening to close up. “The thing is, I’veneverhad a path set. And because of that, I’ve had to make my own. That’s what I’m trying to do now. I hope you’ll give me the opportunity.” I pause for a moment, pushing my tongue out to wet my dry lips. “Thank you.”
I step back from the podium.
Nothing.
I count to three in my mind.
Still nothing.
My head suddenly starts to feel very heavy, and I force myself to turn away, embarrassment flooding me.
I immediately make eye contact with Jesse off the side of the stage, and find him with a look of what I can only call disgust on his face. Just as I think I’m about to melt onto the floor right there, the entire gym explodes.
My back straightens in surprise at the sudden sound. I slowly spin back forwards and find nearly everyone in the bleachers on their feet, clapping and cheering with everything in them. My eyes scan the crowd, finding support from every range of group in the student body, and my lips involuntarily part.
My gaze finds Robbie, and I see he’s on his feet with everyone else, his head shaking at me in something like awe. I mouth to him,Holy shit.
The biggest grin spreads across his face as he continues to shake his head. Then, he mouths back,Holy shit, Cooper.
twenty-six
ROBBIE
I make my way up into the stands after I spot Billy Montgomery in the crowd, cheers sounding all around me as our football team makes their way back onto the field. As I get closer to him, I see some more of my teammates sitting behind and around him, including Paul and Brad. I try not to make too much of a show of looking, but I know I definitely don’t see Jesse.
“Summers, how’s it goin’ man?” Billy says as I plop down next to him, holding out his box of popcorn to me.
I gladly grab a small handful, tossing it into my mouth. “Good, man, thanks. How about you?” I glance at the scoreboard, seeing we’re currently ahead by seven. I’m not totally sure why, but I took my time getting here. The first quarter is nearly over already.
“I’m all gravy, man,” Billy replies to me, grinning. “Hey, where’s your girl at?”
“Ah, she has to work tonight.”
“OnHomecoming?” Billy questions.
“Unfortunately,” I reply. “She'll be out in time for the dance though.”
“Damn,” Billy says, shaking his head. “Well that’s good at least. You couldn’t pay me enough to work tonight.”
I turn to look at him. I know he didn’t mean anything by that, but I can’t help but think about the fact that he would neverneedto be paid to work. His dad is the mayor of Bay View and his mom’s a lawyer. Cooper doesn’t have that luxury. Billy’s really a nice guy though, so I decide to let it go.
I suddenly feel two sets of hands clap me on the shoulders and startle, turning to find Brad and Michael.
“Jesus, hey guys,” I say.
“Hey, man,” Michael says, shaking my hand. “Where’s your lady?”
I had a feeling this was going to be a recurring question tonight.
“Working. But I’m picking her up for the dance.”
“Work? Tonight? Are you kidding?” Brad asks, his brows pulled together.
“Nope,” I say, not offering any other explanation.
“Well, I just have to say,” Michael pauses, whistling, “Sara murdered that speech yesterday.”
I find a smirk coming to my face. “Yeah, she did. Didn’t she?”
