Page 6 of The Player Penalty
Julian’s high-pitched voice is a decent imitation of my own. I burst out laughing. It’s impossible not to feel better when he’s around.
“General strike unless they double my wages,” I joke.
“There you go. Seriously, don’t do this. Make them find someone else.”
“I promised Sarah.”
“She quit.”
“Yes, but-”
“Lily.” His use of my name stops any further protest on my part. “If you don’t want to be here, why are you?”
My father believes this is a favor, and I don’t want to hurt him. “You want to know a secret? I’ll tell you if you promise not to share. No one else knows.”
Julian pretends to zip his mouth and toss any contents over his shoulder. “Spill it. Every secret.”
My secret plans suddenly feel a little less exciting. “You know how I’m going to school?”
“Everyone knows that. I was hoping to hear where you buried the bodies.”
That’s amusing, but I ignore it. “I applied for another internship. It’s only two days a week, so I can graduate at the end of the year. If I get it, then I quit here.”
“Wow. That’s awesome.” For awesome news, Julian doesn’t sound particularly excited for me. “Does this mean Pete doesn’t know?”
“There’s no point telling him if I don’t get it.”
“Wait, hold up. You gave me blackmail material.” He rubs his hands together. “I’m using this.”
“I’m not reading your stupid military fantasy. It’s boring.”
“Not that. Let me think. We’ll do another trade. I’ll get you out of this stupid project.”
“You can’t do that. Sarah was relieved when I volunteered. You didn’t see her.”
“Yes, but she quit. We just talked about this.”
I hadn’t forgotten. “Maddie says she appreciates my effort.”
“Could that be any more vague? Important question incoming. Does anyone talk to you besides me?”
It’s like school all over again. Unfortunately, homeschooling isn’t an option, and Julian is my only friend. “They’re busy.”
“I’ll get you out of this.” He gestures at the room’s contents. “In exchange, come to some races next season. Experience it up close.”
I’ve been to plenty, even if it was a long time ago. There’s also the rest of the playoffs and an extended break to get through first. If my plans work out, this job won’t be mine either.
“It’s a deal.”
Julian grabs my hand before I can stop him, and we shake. My phone alarm goes off, so I use that as an excuse to release him.
He hurt me the first time we met; now, he’s almost a friend. If I’m not careful, he’ll be a good one.
“Lily, your phone alarm went off,” he says.
My spell breaks. “I forgot. That’s my school alarm. It’s time to go.”
3-Julian
