Page 3 of It's in the Contract
“Hurry up, I’m starving!”
I shut my locker and sling my book bag over my shoulders. Suzy gives me a pleading look, her hands clasped together in front of her.
“Please. I think I might die.” Suzy lowers her hands. “Oh, and how was your last week of summer, by the way?”
Suzy’s straight black hair is pulled back in a long tail tied with a blue ribbon, and I love her choice of back-to-school outfit. She’s wearing super cute dark high-waist jeans with a blue and white striped top tucked in only in front. Suzy’s whole vibe is like a tuxedo cake—ebony and cream, elegant and sophisticated.
“It was good. Yours?”
Suzy falls into step beside me, and we walk down the school hallway, with its chipped green lockers and scuffed tile floors. Groups of girls linger by their lockers, talking and smiling, andpeople fight to get through the crowded hallway. “It sucked. If I never see a tennis ball again, it will be too soon.”
“C’mon, you love it.”
“Nope. I am done.”
I hide my small smile. “What about the tournament in a month?”
Suzy shakes her head. “Coach has pushed me too hard one too many times.”
“It’s only because you’re so good at it.” I navigate through the press of students. Though I’m smiling and putting on a good face, my insides are twisted with worry. I haven’t seen Noah at all yet. But my worries are probably unfounded. We’ll see him in the cafeteria, relaxing at the lunch table like it’s his throne. He’ll give me a nod and his signature half-smile and pull me in for a kiss. My stomach flutters with anticipation.
Really, I’m worrying for nothing. We’re perfect for each other.
People in the hallway smile and wave whenever they see Suzy and me, girls clamoring for our attention and boys hoping that we’ll look their way.
“Callie! How was your summer?”
“It’s so good to see you, Callie and Suze!”
“Callie, can your dad get me a part in the next Marvel movie?”
I wave back as we push our way through the halls. “Hello! Good to see you. Trina, I love your outfit.”
Trina Rogers from my English class beams.
“How about that movie part, Callie?” Tom Sheppard calls from across the hallway. One of his friends elbows him in the stomach, but he only grins lazily, his messy blond hair getting in his eyes and making him look somewhat like a shaggy dog.
“I’ll put in a good word for you, Tom.”
“Score!” He pumps his fist in the air and then turns to follow his friends down the hallway.
My school morning, so far, has gone exactly as planned. I look perfect; I’ve said hi to everyone and remember almost everyone’s names. And I’m showing off the designer book bag this chic company sent me for free in exchange for using the bag and dropping their brand name on social media every so often. And speaking of that.
“Take a picture with me. Please?”
Suzy glares. “No.”
“It will be quick.” I hold up the phone, and Suzy rolls her eyes and steps into the shot. I snap a pic with the gorgeous pink and tan bookbag clearly visible. I post the pic to my 50k followers on Instagram and tag the brand.
Suzy and I pick up the pace down the hallway, and a banner catches my eye from where it’s hung from the ceiling. It’s hand-painted with big block letters announcing that “Homecoming is on the way!”
I turn to Suzy. “Do you think Noah’s going to ask me to Homecoming today?”
Suzy keeps her eyes forward, only focused on getting to food. “Why today?”
“I haven’t talked to him all week. Maybe he’s planning a surprise,” I add hopefully.
Suzy looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
