“Wait, his name is Grey?”
“Grey Worthington. He’s a senior.”
“You definitely need to check out the validity of this guy. That name alone makes him sound like he’s a secretduke, or a type of tea or something. You’ve googled him, right?”
I probably should have, just to make sure he was who he said he was. But Coach Shanks backed him up. And he’d have no reason to lie to me, or to be twisted into helping Jake pull one over on me. So, I fib to Addie. But it’s only a small lie, because I’m going to google Grey the second we hang up. “Yes. He’s legit.”
Addie can probably see right through me, just like she can read a pick-and-roll. I hear the whoosh of nighttime air as she exits Windsor Prep and enters the parking lot. “So, I’m guessing you have practice tomorrow?”
“Two-a-days. First one’s at 7:00AM. Guess it’s a trial by fire to see what it’s all about.”
“And Jake will be there.” There’s a smile in her delivery. She’s totally thinking of the revenge possibilities. “But you’re on the team no matter what, right?”
“As far as I know. The quarterbacks coach already signed off on it.”
“That’s insane.”
“Possibly. But I really think it’ll work. Coach Kitt wants to see teamwork. What better way to show that than by being the only girl on a boys’ team that includes her ex?”
“I can’t think of one,” Addie admits.
“Right?I’ve still got to get Dad to sign a waiver, but I can do a pretty mean Eddy Rodinsky John Hancock.”
She snorts. “You said ‘cock.’”
I roll my eyes. “Public school is already ruining me. I’m a social misfit.”
“Admit it, you miss me.”
“I do.” I sigh. I really, really do. I wish Addie were going to be with me at practice tomorrow. “You sure you can’t just show up to Northland to jog laps tomorrow at precisely seven to see this all go down? I need a wingwoman, even if you’re a hundred yards away.”
“I’ll have to clear my schedule, but maybe.”
“I’d love you forever.”
“You already do.”
“True.”
I can hear her car dinging and know she’s about to drive away. I know we need to hang up.
“Okay, lady,” I say. “Drive home. Eat dinner. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
I’m about to hang up when she catches me. “Hey, Rodinsky?”
“Yeah?”
“Be careful. Please. With Jake. With getting hit. With all of it. You know what I mean.”
“Don’t worry, McAndry. You know I can take care of myself.”
“I know. That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t need to bail you out for assault.”
I smile back. “Don’t worry, Cop Dad will do the deed if necessary.”
“Or leave you in there to rot.”
“Or that. Love you.” I hang up the phone, more optimistic than I’ve been since May.
