Milo shrugs a response.
Kai laughs as he drives the car through the exit and onto the road toward the center of town. “It’s because he can’t.”
I face the front, sliding down the seat. Whatever. I don’t care about these bickering brothers right now. I’m headed toward an afternoon of studying, after a day of struggling through my classes. The migraine is already building.
After the drive into Main Street and finding a parking spot at the back of the cafe, the three of us walk inside and find Maddy clearing a booth.
“Aunt Maddy, do I really have to study right now?” My protest comes out in a lethargic tone as I sit my backpack on the front counter. “It’s been a really crappy day.”
Maddy carries a stack of dirty plates behind the counter and into the kitchen. She walks back out and scrutinizes my face. “What’s got you in such a crabby mood?”
I shrug. “Coach benched me.”
Maddy almost trips as she nears the counter. “Come again? I don’t think I heard you right.”
“You heard. But as if you didn’t know. You talked to Coach Anders on your way out of the parking lot this morning.”
Aunt Maddy shakes her head, dumbfounded. “I told him about the letter we got from the school and how serious it was, but I never mentioned you not playing soccer. Baby, I’d never do that to you.”
I lean against the counter, crossing my arms. “Well, it happened.”
“Her coach is crazy,” Kai interjects. “He can’t afford to lose Jamie.”
I click my tongue, looking up at the ceiling. “He thinks I can’t focus on classes and play in games at the same time.”
“Okay,” Maddy says with a solid hand clap, gaining my attention. “This is just more incentive. Studying makes you want to rip your hair out, but I know you love soccer. You gotta earn your place.”
“I already earned it at try-outs and being the best on the team. I shouldn’t have to quit soccer just to focus on schoolwork.”
Aunt Maddy gives me a knowing look. “If you could focus on classes as much as you do soccer, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”
I roll my eyes as Kai coughs, “Burn.”
“Kai, you’ve gotta go,” Maddy tells him.
“Excuse me?” Kai asks, placing a hand on his chest. “You’re kicking me out?”
“Yes,” Maddy replies. “You’re a major distraction and Jamie needs her focus.”
Kai scoffs, turning on his heels.
I look at Milo and then back at Kai, mumbling, “She’s got a point.”
Maddy hands me my bag and pushes me toward Milo. She signals for him to move to a vacant booth.
“Remember, Milo,” Aunt Maddy warns, “don’t let her talk you into doing the work for her.”
Milo slides into the booth. “She’s not the first person I’ve tutored. I can handle this.”
I plonk myself down on the opposite side of the booth before Maddy shoves me there.
“Okay, play nice,” Aunt Maddy says, tapping my shoulder and giving me an unconvinced look.
“Whatever,” I mutter, shimming my backpack closer. “We’ll be fine.”
“Okay, Maddy, I’m heading out,” Laura says, tugging at her apron ties.
Maddy gives her a grateful smile. “Okay, see you tomorrow. And thanks again for opening up this morning. Seriously, you and Jake are lifesavers.”
