JAY HAS BEEN keeping her distance from me all week, although, she’s not flat-out ignoring me. She still says “hi” when we run into each other at our lockers or in class, but only if I say it first, and she doesn’t make any other attempts to talk to me. When she comes into the dining room to get lunch, she’ll stop at our table briefly, to talk with the guys and Lexi before she goes to the performing arts building to eat with her new friends. Sometimes Lexi eats with her. Pisses Evan off. I’ve given her space all week but after today, I’m done. We need to talk, or have it out. Whatever she chooses. But, either way, it’s happening.
The first pep rally of the year usually starts out with Principal Avery making a few announcements before introducing the football players. Then the band performs, along with the dance team, while the cheerleaders get everyone pumped up for the upcoming game. It’s been the same every year for a long as I can remember.
Apparently, the pep rally is taking place in the new building. The main area is set up like our old auditorium, but nicer. Much nicer.
“Well, this is different,” Brad says, rocking back in the plush leather seat.
“Do you know what they have planned?” I ask, looking over at Cole.
Cole scowls. “How the hell should I know?” Someone’s bitchy today.
“You gonna be able to play tonight, Mackenzie?” Brad asks.
Cole’s brows pinch in confusion. “Yeah, why?”
“Because it sounds like you got your meriod.”
“My what?”
“Your man-period,” Brad explains. I grin as Cole flips him off.
Principal Avery walks out on stage holding a microphone. “Good afternoon, students and faculty of Heritage Bay Academy. On behalf of the Mayhem Foundation, welcome to our new performing arts building.
“This year, we’re going to do things a little differently. As you know, we have a group of new and extremely talented individuals who have come to us through the Mayhem Foundation called Project Mayhem. These individuals have worked hard all week to perform for you, so I’m not going to stand up here and waste any more of their time. Please welcome the students of Project Mayhem, the Hurricanes cheer team, dance team, and marching band.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see this.” Brad chuckles.
Principal Avery walks off stage and that all too familiar chant of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” begins. The curtain opens and the cheer team is on one side of the stage, the dance team is on the other, and Project Mayhem students are in the middle wearing jeans and school spirit T-shirts. Stomp-stomp-clap… stomp-stomp-clap. A skinny dude with spiky dark hair steps forward with a microphone in hand and starts singing the opening verse. Cherry moves to the front and sings along as the song rolls into Queen’s “We Are The Champions.”
“You know,” Brad says, leaning closer to my ear. “I think Cherry might be my new favorite flavor.”
Cole and I burst out laughing. “Dude, that was fuckin’ awesome.” Cole reaches over me and pounds his fist against Brad’s.
As the song slows, the beat changes and Jay moves to the front of the stage, wearing a football jersey custom-made in her size with a number one on the front and “Mackenzie” across the back. She moves across the stage like a natural, bouncing around, commanding everyone’s attention and singing about “crying to your mama” as the group behind her claps and sings along in the background. It’s obvious she was born for this shit. I quickly glance over at Cole and see him watching her with a proud smile on his face.
From behind us I hear “Damn, that girl is fine. Those long legs wrapped around my head, those juicy lips wrapped around my—”
I turn in my seat, ready to rip the little shits a new one, but Cole beats me to it, pinning them with a death stare. “Say one more word about her and I’ll put your asses on the permanently injured list before you can say the word varsity,” he growls through gritted teeth. “You feel me?”
“Sorry,” they all say at once. One of them continues, “Didn’t know she was your girl.”
“She’s mine,” someone growls and I freeze in my seat when I realize that someone is me. What the hell?
Turning back around, I direct my attention to the stage as Brad snickers beside me. Evan reaches over Brad and punches me in the thigh. Cole leans closer to my ear. “It’s about time you manned-up,” he says before leaning to look past me, pointing at Justin. “You owe me twenty bucks.”
Assholes.
THE LAST BELL of the day rings and I slip my notebook into my backpack. Alex tells us all we did a great job and to have a nice weekend. I flash a quick wave to Alex on my way out.
“You going to the game tonight?” Cherry asks, falling in step beside me.
“Yeah. Are you?”
She shrugs. “Maybe, if I can get a ride. My mom has to work tonight and she needs the car.”
“I can give you ride.”
“Or I can,” Olivia offers. “I live closer to you and Carter invited me to his party after the game tonight.”
“Thanks,” she says with a smile. “I’ll call you and let you know for sure.”
“Okay. See you guys later,” I say before heading toward the student parking lot.
As I cut across the courtyard, passing the guys’ locker room, someone calls my name followed by a few wolf whistles. I laugh and wave to the half-dressed football players leaning against the wall outside the locker room. Tonight, the Hurricanes play their first football game of the season against the East Coast High Eagles.
“Jay,” Zach says, falling in step beside me. “Hey.”
“Hey,” I reply, looking forward.
“You were pretty awesome up there today and the other night at Mac’s, too. I had no idea you could sing like that.”
“Thanks.” I stop beside my driver’s door and dig through my bag for my keys.
“Do you have any plans this weekend?”
“Just the game tonight. Why?”
“We still need to talk. You’ve been ignoring me all week, Jay. I’m sorry about Monday night. I know you don’t believe me, but I didn’t blow you off to hang out with Reagan. She’s my ex for a reason.”
“I believe you,” I tell him and he grins.
“Maybe I can take you out tomorrow night,” he suggests.
“Like on a date?” I ask, quirking a brow. “Do high school kids even go on dates?”
Zach shrugs. “Sure. Why not?”
“Okay.”
“Really?” He rubs the back of his neck and I laugh to myself. It’s Zach’s tell when he’s nervous or uncomfortable. He’s been doing it for as long as I can remember.
“Yeah. But if you blow me off or pull that shit again, I’m done. I’m not getting in the middle of all your girl drama.”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “I don’t have girl drama. What are you doing after the game tonight?”
“I don’t know. What does everyone normally do after the games?”
“We usually head over to Mac’s for food, then go wherever the party is. There’s always a party somewhere. Tonight, it’s at Carter’s house. Do you think your mom will let you go?”
I shrug. “I don’t see why not. Does he live on the island?”
“Yeah. He lives in my neighborhood.”
“Jay!” I look over to see Lexi running over to us. “Hey, Zach,” she says breathlessly before turning to me. “I’m so glad you’re still here. Can I catch a ride with you? I rode with Ashton this morning, but she has to stay for the game and Evan didn’t drive today.”
“I’ll see you girls later.” Zach kisses me on the cheek and jogs back over the locker room.
“Good luck tonight,” I call out. He turns around, jogging backwards, and winks.
“It’s about time,” Lexi murmurs as she makes her way to the passenger side.
“What are you babbling about over there?” I ask, tossing my bag in the backseat before hopping into the driver’s seat.