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The three of them snickered. Mac grinned. “She definitely gives Brixton some stiff competition—if you know what I mean.”
“Shut the hell up! She’s not your business.” I corralled my arms around the three of them, moving them away from Grace and her mom. “So, why’d you guys come?”
Nick grinned. “Your dad wanted us to deliver his surprise to you.”
“Surprise?” I looked around the lawn, like there might be a new car parked close by.
Mac slapped me on the back—harder than he needed to. “You get to come back to Brixton, ole’ boy! You’re free and clear!”
I knew what he meant but wondered how much it cost my dad to get me off the hook for what we'd done. I’d taken the fall for it all because the headmaster interviewed the three of them first, and nobody ‘fessed up. By the time I was questioned, I knew they’d left it to me to take the hit because—after all—I was a Walton, and we all figured the headmaster would go easy on me. We were wrong.
“Does that mean my dad bought another Brixton building?” I asked, nodding toward my parents on the other side of the tent. They laughed. “A big one, too!” Sam said then stared behind me.
Grace tapped me on the shoulder. “Hey.”
I flinched and instantly felt bad for it but didn’t want her anywhere near these losers.
“Hey,” I said quickly and turned back around to the boys, hoping she'd get the hint.
Then, Mac opened his fat mouth. “We’re Henry’s soccer team from Brixton. I’m sure Henry’s told you all about us!” He laughed.
Grace looked at me, confused. “You play soccer?”
I shrugged. “Yeah, a little—” "A little?” Sam interrupted. “Henry’s been dominating since we were kids.”
“Oh,” Grace nodded. “I'm not surprised. He’s good at everything he does.” She smiled, but I could tell she was bummed I hadn’t shared something that was so important to me with her.
“He’s good every...thing? Is that right, Henry?” Nick nudged my shoulder.
“Knock it off.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “I mean, Henry used to dominate, until—well, I’m sure you heard all about what happened?”
Again, Grace looked confused. “What happened at Brixton?”
"Seriously, just stop, Nick.” I shoved him, and he stumbled backward.
Mac moved closer to Grace and put his arm around her. She instantly threw it off and took a step away. “I’m good.”
I stepped between them. “What the hell are you doing, Mac? Leave Grace alone.”
“Oh, so this is Grace? The famous tutor your dad told us about on the ride in? At least this one has a name.” Mac eyed her up and down. “I could use a tutor.” He snickered.
“You’re about to get your ass kicked,” I warned, stepping up to him.
Mac leaned back and put his hands up in front of him like a shield. “Easy there, big guy. It does seem like your tutor should know why you transferred after school had already started, since she’s had to help clean up the mess with your grades and all.”
"What’s he talking about, Henry?” Grace whispered, glaring at me.
“Nothing. Let it go.” I threw my hand up to wave her off, knowing I was being a jerk but also knowing if she heard what happened, she’d hate me.”
She scoffed. “Fine. And you can let go of meeting my mom.”
“Just give me a second!” I regretted the words as soon as I heard them. My tone of voice sucked. This was gonna be tough to get out of.
“Gladly. Have all the seconds you need, Mr. Walton.” Grace walked away quickly and joined the cluster of Riverview moms talking with hers.
My stomach was in knots—punishment for being such an ass. Grace glanced back at me, teary-eyed. I wanted to punch my friends in the face for showing up like this, but there was no way I could do that in front of Grace or her mom.
