Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
I noticed other things too, like how self-conscious he seemed within his football group. Sometimes when they laughed about who knew what—I could normally pick up a lewd comment or two—his smile wouldn’t meet his eyes. I didn’t know what it meant, but it certainly intrigued me. Which sucked because it would be better if I didn’t know him at all. No, I take that back. I was glad to have known him back then, but as adults I couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
“Here you go,” Emil said, handing me a package of footless tights. Mine had gotten snagged, creating a hole way too close to my crotch, and I’d forgotten to bring my other pair. I was standing just inside his dorm room, trying not to be envious that he got to live on campus and take advantage of the facilities way more than me. He was even in the marching band, so definitely more talented than I’d ever be.
“Thanks, I promise to return the favor.”
Though I didn’t even know how I could. I only owned two pairs of ballet shoes and two belts—which was the dance equivalent of a jock strap to keep our junk in place. Emil wasn’t judgmental, though, which was why I accepted his offering.
“No need. I have plenty.”
I bit my tongue because he’d said it out of obliviousness, not realizing I didn’t have that luxury. But what did I expect from Roosevelt College? I was one of a handful of scholarship students, and I’d even heard whispers that students like us had gotten accepted to meet some quota instead of on merit. So in the end, I was still trying to prove myself and would probably be doing so my whole life.
Right then his roommate walked through the door. He was on the football team with Henry and went by the nickname Bones, which didn’t make a ton of sense, unless it had to do with how huge he was, but whatever.
Emil rolled his eyes and followed me to the door. “Gotta get to class, Bones. See you later.”
“Wait,” Bones said, plopping down on his bed. “You’re the guy who knows Henners.”
I froze, unable to move. Was I supposed to acknowledge that fact or not? I tried to remember our hallway conversation. I’d told him I’d keep his secret.
“And?” Emil asked in my stead.
“Nothing. I was only pointing it out. How do you know him again?”
“Why don’t you ask him?” I replied, finally getting my lips unstuck.
“I did, but I don’t remember the answer.” What a dope. “Oh, wait, maybe I do. Middle school or something?”
“Is there a purpose to this conversation?” Emil asked, and I nearly hugged him. “C’mon, we’re gonna be late.”
I breathed out as soon as I got in the hall.
“Sorry I jumped in like that,” Emil said on the way over to the Performing Arts building. “I just didn’t like where the questions were headed.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just his general attitude, I guess. Like you were obligated to explain how you could possibly know Henners, Mr. Football Quarterback. Gag. My family might be wealthy, but they would never treat anyone like that.”
Warmth filled my stomach. “Been that way my whole life, so thanks for that.”
“No problem. Remember, I’m not only a ballet dancer, but a band geek too. We’ve got to stick together.”
The weekend couldn’t come soon enough. My Saturday morning consisted of lying around and catching up on sleep. Despite having plenty of homework, I was glad to have some breathing room too.
Plus, I hadn’t seen much of my family or Pete. But at least we’d caught up over lunch that afternoon before Mom’s next shift at the restaurant.
“Maybe today will be better,” she said, slipping her work shirt over her tank top. “Last night my tips were abysmal. It didn’t help that this snooty group of kids came in, ordered a bunch of food, then stiffed me.”
My stomach cramped. I wished her job wasn’t so dependent on tips, which were lousy more often than not. Class differences had never been more evident than after my stepdad left and Mom struggled to make ends meet.
“Here’s hoping,” I said as she went out the door.
Star climbed into my lap and clung to my neck, using her best puppy dog eyes. “Can we go for a walk?”
Star loved to stroll the paths in the woods behind our trailer park. One footpath led to swings and a slide, and just beyond that, the lake. Another trail led to the junkyard, which she was equally captivated with. Especially the cars that had been flattened by the compactor. She thought they looked funny.
“Of course.” I tickled her a little because I loved the sound of her laugh, then helped her tie her sneakers so we could head out the door.
“Hey, how’s it going?” Pete asked as he caught up to me and Star. “Haven’t seen much of you lately.”