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“But I do. I should never have advised Spencer the way I did. He told me that their families are good friends and at one point they had been, too. All Spencer really wanted was for things to go back the way they once were: to be friends with the hope of something more. He wanted a chance to let Callie know how much he liked her. Spencer is such a great kid.” Lowering her voice, she added, “I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but I can’t help it with Spencer. Yes, he’s smart, but he works hard. Not everything comes easy for him. He isn’t like the others; he’s mature for his age, works part-time with his dad, and has manners and respect for others. You wouldn’t believe how rare that is in this day and age.”
“You’re afraid Callie is using him.”
“I have no doubt. She’s pretty and popular and seems completely self-absorbed. I’m convinced she made sure everyone in school knows that she’d been manipulated into this date with Spencer.”
“I’m surprised he’s going through with it.”
“Actually, I am, too.”
Cade could imagine Spencer had paid the price for the audacity of even asking Callie to homecoming.
“Has the harassment continued?”
She expelled a heavy sigh. “If it has, Spencer isn’t saying.”
“But you have your suspicions.”
Hope nodded. “I heard that Spencer had his head shoved into the toilet, and it was posted on social media. I asked him about it, and he refused to answer. Then there was talk over some social media post that was an unflattering caricature of Spencer. He’s been the brunt of jokes ever since. I have to admire the way he ignores the taunts.”
“And Callie has stood by and said nothing?” Cade hadn’t met the girl and he already disliked her.
“Apparently so. There’s been other stuff happening, too, whispers and laughs in the hallway whenever Spencer is there. He hasn’t complained or reported anything. I don’t think the staff know the half of it.”
“Poor kid.” Spencer had Cade’s sympathy.
The band started to play the school song, and spontaneousapplause arose from the crowd as the Oceanside Eagles charged out of the locker room and ran onto the field.
Everyone in the stands leaped to their feet and cheered for what was sure to be a good game against a worthy opponent. Despite their undefeated record, Oceanside wasn’t a favored win against the rival Montesano Bulldogs.
Cade had the feeling Spencer wasn’t favored to win, either.
