Page 34 of Tutoring the Bad Boy
Kaleb leans back in his chair and folds his hands behind his neck. “I command you to go and take your supplements, Imogene Gray.”
Laughing, I say, “Now you’re the one who sounds like my mom.”
I bolt out of the library and run across campus to the gym. Considering that I’m two hours early, I’m the only one in the dark locker room. I open my locker and take out my jersey and knee pads, then I sit on the bench, close my eyes, and meditate.
It’s been my pre-game ritual throughout high school. I focus on victory, making all the right hits, and reaching new heights. I try to concentrate as much as I can, but my mind wanders. In the silence of the locker room, all I can think of is Kaleb. Part of me doesn’t even care if I nail this game or not. What I really want is to just be happy. Will going to Gilroy University on scholarship make me happy? Will becoming a star volleyball player make me happy? How about being valedictorian?
I open my eyes, breathe deeply, and shake my head. I don’t know if any of that sounds appealing. What do I really want? As lame as it sounds, I want to know whether or not Kaleb has real feelings for me like I have for him. Right now, Kaleb Quinn feels like my whole universe.
Chapter Sixteen
Kaleb
I lookdown at my black jeans and black t-shirt emblazoned with “Crazy Train” that I lifted from my dad’s closet, making sure my bad-boy vibe is on point. The Vans skater shoes add to the effect.
Pulling my hair back from in front of my face, I knock on Ginny’s front door and grin to myself. I don’t plan on making this easy for anyone, especially Principal Gray. Sure, she’s helping me out, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little bit of fun.
Principal Gray opens the door wearing her standard two-piece pantsuit, and the look on her face is priceless. “Kaleb?”
“Good evening, Principal Gray.” I have to admit that I love giving adults an unsettled feeling.
“What are you doing here?” The question rushes out.
I clear my throat and play dumb. “Um…I was invited.”
Her eyebrows knit together. “You were?”
“Yes. During my tutoring session today, Ginny invited me over for dinner. Is that a problem?”
Principal Gray looks behind her with fear in her eyes. She steps outside and closes the door. Her voice is hushed. “Didn’t Ginny tell you who’s here?”
“I don’t think so.” Oh man, this is fun.
Principal Gray narrows her eyes. She knows I’m not stupid, and I know she isn’t stupid either. It’s a standoff.
She crosses her arms in front of her chest, leaning back. Whatever fear or uncertainty she felt a few seconds ago is gone. “Sure. She probably forgot to mention it.”
I shrug, staring her down, all the while holding the cheesiest grin I’ve ever mustered. “Yes, she must’ve forgotten.”
Principal Gray sighs to herself in frustration. “Let me tell you something.” She steps in close and points her finger at me. “I want you to behave yourself in there.”
My eyes go wide. Why would she ever distrust me? Innocent old me? “Scout’s honor.” I place a hand over my heart for emphasis.
Principal Gray rolls her eyes and opens the door. Inside, I’m hit with the smell of steamed greens. Don’t ask me how I know because I never touch the stuff. She leads me into the dining room where the table is immaculately set with a little beach-themed centerpiece.
My eyes go straight to Ginny like a moth to a flame. She looks absolutely amazing. Her hair is still in a braid from the volleyball game, and her cheeks have a gentle flush. Her little blue strappy dress is so appealing that, for just a second, I forget all about why I’m here.
“Kaleb.” Ginny gets up from her seat ceremoniously. It’s the same greeting this time as the one in the library. What she didn’t realize was that I’d spied on her through the aisle and watched her a moment. When I finally made my presence known, she jumped out of the seat, excited to see me. Can’t say I’ve had that sort of reaction from anyone in a while, and for it to come from her makes my skin warm.
“Congratulations,” I say, seeing as she completely crushed the volleyball game. There’s no reason why Ginny shouldn’t be on a scholarship to the best school in Texas.
Ginny looks down bashfully. “Thanks.”
“She was amazing.” That’s when I notice the woman wearing a Nike pullover on the other side of the table.
“Kaleb, this is Coach Williams,” Ginny says.
Coach Williams stands and extends her hand. She looks like a beast, standing six feet tall. Her grey bob cut gives away her age. “Are you Imogene’s friend?” she asks, shaking my hand.
