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“I don’t know, Ly. I must have forgotten to ask him that on my20/20interview special for the front page of the gossip times. Wait, how did y’all even find out?” Like she had said before, she lives halfway across the country.
“Oh, you know how that gossip town works. Ethel Bankhead was eating at Vincenzo’s with her grandsons, and she called so and so, who called so and so, and when they were talking to Mom on the phone this morning, they mentioned it. Said you ran like hell out of there. Surprised you didn’t burn the place down with the fire on your heels.”
I know she’s trying to lighten the mood here, but all I can think about is being the center of attention and the topic of everyone’s conversation.
“I know you’re looking out for me and all, but I’m a big girl. I can handle him back in town, and who knows, maybe he won’t stay all that long and he’ll leave just as fast as he did the first time.” Even as I say the words aloud, I can only hope they are true. “But I gotta get to rehearsal.”
“Fine, but call me and Sutton later on a video call. We’renot donetalking about this.”
“Can’t wait,” I sarcastically singsong. “Give Mom, Dad, and the girls my love.”
“Always.”
After we hang up, I shove the phone in my bag and grab the rest of my belongings. I run my hands over my face and sigh heavily, feeling like the weight of the world is sitting on my shoulders.
The difference between talking about Cooper with Austin rather than my sisters is that it’s honestly sincere with Austin. He was here to help me pick up the pieces after he left. When my family moved to Meadows Ridge, Lyla was already in college, and Sutton was a senior. By the time the accident happened, they both were off doing their own thing. Eventually, my parents moved to be closer to my nieces, leaving me the lone Parker in this town.
Austin means well, whereas my sister now was just trying to get information. God forbid either of them be the last to know something. I love my sisters to death and would do anything for them, but they can be a lot to handle when they band together. But I know there’s no getting out of that video call later because if I don’t call, they’ll just keep blowing up my phone till I answer. Some days, I think they should name Mason Parker a saint for putting up with his three daughters all these years and not going insane. Throw my mom into that equation, and he definitely at least deserves a gold medal.
I glance at the clock on the wall above my chalkboard.Damnit, now I’m going to end up being late.The girls at least know how to warm up even if I haven’t arrived.
Joining the faculty at my alma mater when I did couldn’t have been more perfect—Mrs. Wirth, who was in charge of the dance program when I attended, was retiring, so I took over.
I’m lost in my own thoughts about how this video call might go as I rush out of the classroom and run directly into someone.
“Oh, sorry, Ms. Parker,” Beau Marshall, one of my students, says in a total panic.
“It’s okay, Beau. I wasn’t watching where I was going. Where are you headed off to?”
“Just the weight room, ma’am. Need to keep up even if Coach Benson isn’t running the clinic now.” Disappointment laces his voice. Beau is one of our star baseball players, following in Tanner’s footsteps as catcher. He slumps his shoulders and looks at something that must be super interesting on the floor.
The fall clinic has always been a way for these kids to focus their energy and hone in on their craft. Coach’s diagnosis came out of the blue and shocked our community.
My anger fades for a split second over Cooper’s return when I think of him taking over the clinic that these boys were all looking forward to. There is no other better person than Coach to run this. Cooper is the best player I know. Feelings aside, he is amazing on the field. All he sees is the diamond. So much so that he threw everything else away, including me.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say that they offered Cooper the job and the clinic will most likely be starting back up soon, but it’s not my place to say. So, instead, I give him a soft smile. “You’re very dedicated.”
“Yes, ma’am. Baseball is my life.” He pauses. “Well, and Maddey.” His smile lights up his face at the mention of his girlfriend, who also happens to be one of my dancers.
“Speaking of Maddey, I’m late for rehearsal, so I need to get going. Have a good afternoon.”
Beau nods and begins to walk away.
“Oh, hey, Beau,” I shout over my shoulder, and he looks up. “Good job on yourRomeo and Julietpaper. I’m not supposed to share yet, so act surprised when you get it back, but you got a 96.”
“Yes.” He throws his hand up in the air, reminding me of the lead inThe Breakfast Clubat the end.
I watch as he adds a little pep to his step. At least I know I brought some form of joy into his life, even if just for a moment.
Chapter 9
Cooper
Mykneebouncesata rapid pace as I wait in the lobby outside the principal’s office.
I have no idea why I’m so nervous. Trying to calm my anxiety, I glance around the room. The secretary, Alice, is focusing heavily on something on the screen. When I reach the nameplate on the wall beside the principal’s door that readsIan Horne,I have to smother my laughter with my fist.
The last time I was sitting here, I was awaiting my turn to be questioned about my involvement in the senior prank.
