“Coach Anders, that’s not really fair,” Milo says in a low voice as he fidgets with the frame of his glasses. “Jamie has been working hard this week. I didn’t tell Ash or Christie we were busy, either.”
“Milo, it’s not really the same when you’re a grade-A student,” Coach replies. “But I appreciate you sticking up for Jamie.”
I grin eagerly. “So I can go to practice tomorrow?”
Coach smiles and shakes his head. “No, not tomorrow. We’ll re-evaluate it next week. You need to keep focusing on classes right now.”
I look up at the ceiling and groan.
Aunt Maddy slings an arm around me. “Toughen up, baby. You know he’s right.”
Milo waves, walking backwards. “Okay, text me where to meet up tomorrow.”
“Bye Milo,” Maddy says with a wave.
I huff and nod at him. “Yeah, okay. Bye.”
Christie and Ash leave the booth as Milo heads for the door. Ash waves, following Milo out, but Christie walks toward us.
“Excuse me, Miss West,” Christie says, joining us.
“Yes,” Maddy replies eagerly. “Please call me Maddy.”
Christie blushes. “Okay then. I just wanted to say, my mom is meeting with some society ladies about upcoming functions. I was wondering if you’d have a card I could pass along.”
Maddy’s eyes widen, and she hastily digs inside her apron pocket. “Yes, yes!” She plucks out a card and pen and scribbles on the back. “That’s my cell on the back. Please get them to call that literally anytime day or night.”
Christie giggles. “I’ll pass on how eager you are.”
Maddy bounces in place. “Please do.”
“Aunty,” I whisper out the side of my mouth. “Cool it.”
Christie swats a hand. “It’s totally cute.” She tucks Maddy’s card into her pocket. “Thanks so much for today. The milkshakes were beyond amazing. See you at school, Jamie.”
A weird squeak comes out instead of a proper goodbye, but I cover with an enthusiastic wave.
Christie leaves the cafe and I help Maddy clear the booth.
“Whoa,” Maddy murmurs, swiping a wad of cash. “That’s a monster tip.”
“Geez.” I gasp. “We need Milo to bring Ashworth in here more often.”
Maddy hands me the cash. “Keep this. You might need it while I’m away.”
“Are you sure? We usually split tips.”
“Christie took my card with her, so I’m on cloud nine right now.”
I pocket the cash. “Okay, if you say so.”
The afternoon went slowly, with a dwindling number of customers. Coach left with one more lecture about studying over socializing. I gave him my best eye roll. I haven’t been to the skatepark since Sunday, so I think that speaks volumes about my lack of socializing.
Kai texted back an hour after Christie and Ash left.“What! You’re hanging out with Ash? Without me!! How did this happen?”
I took way longer than usual to reply. He needed to be taught a lesson. Just because he’s with his girlfriend doesn’t mean he should forget about his phone or the existence of his best friend. If he’d read the text right away, maybe he could’ve joined us for milkshakes. He should think twice about ignoring me.
It was a relief when we finally closed. The feeling didn’t last long when I found out David would meet us at home. Like, come on, they’ll spend a week away together. Won’t they see each other enough?
