He shrugged. “Money has its perks.” He winked and brought his hand out from behind him. “I had one made for you too.” He held out the sports jacket, and I squealed in delight as I put it on. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we made our way out to Wesley and the waiting car.
I figured the best place to break the news about the school would be at the State Basketball game today.
Dotty, the superintendent, Dad, and I had been on video calls late into the night. We wanted to make sure everything was set before we said anything. I couldn’t give this broken town false hope.
Once the jet landed, we ordered an Uber to the high school gym in Clifton. It was Dad’s first time in an Uber, and he spent the whole time asking the driver way too personal questions about his life. I think the driver and I were both happy when we parked outside the gym.
We stepped out of the car, and Dad gave the driver a tip he would never forget. I looked at Dad’s smile. He seemed brighter than I had ever remembered. I pulled him toward the gym doors in our matching jackets.
“Are you ready to become everyone’s favorite person?” I asked him.
He shook his head. “Oh, I’m sure I could never replace you in their eyes.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not exactly the social butterfly type. I do have some favorites though.” My cheetah-print heels clicked on the linoleum floor.
“So I heard.” Dad chuckled.
I probably told Dad too much info about Adam, but this parent-child thing was all a bit new for us both.
Marissa said it had been a close game so far. I knew this meantso much to Adam and the team. I spun my ring and hurried for the gym doors.
“Excited to see someone?” Dad raised his eyebrows as he glanced at my hands.
“Maybe?” I pursed my lips.
“It does me good to see you so happy.” He squeezed my shoulder.
“Oh, just wait till you watch her kiss the coach. She glows.”
I spun around, searching. “Rose?” My best friends were standing outside the doors. Rose with her arms folded, Marissa beside her, and Dotty came too. I screamed and rushed over and hugged my friends. I could feel tears prick my eyes.
The fact that we were going to save the town was sinking in, and I felt such a wave of relief.
“Come meet my dad.” My smile was wider than possible as I turned and pulled them in his direction. “He has agreed to help save the school!”
My dad reached his hand out toward them. “Thanks for being so kind to my Astrid.”
“Dad, it’s Faith now, remember.”
He shook his head. “Right. That might take some practice.”
Marissa, Dotty, and Rose shook Dad’s hand and thanked him for his upcoming help.
“Does Adam know you are here yet?” Marissa asked.
“I texted him, but I don’t think he ever got it.” I said.
“Well, that’s convenient.” The cheer coach, Brandy, came down the hallway and stood near us with Jessica pressed against her side.
I was suddenly nervous and unsure of what to do with my hands. Was Jessica going to make a scene? The last time I talked to her was when she was screaming at me at the dance.
I took a step back as Rose went to step in front of me. I placed my hand on her shoulder and took in Jessica. She had tears in her eyes.
She cleared her throat. “I heard what you did for the school, and all our jobs.”
I scrunched up my nose. “That was supposed to stay a secret,” I muttered.
Jessica took a steady breath, taking a little step closer. “I’m so sorry, Faith.” She pursed her lips and studied the ceiling. “I wanted it to be me, and when it wasn’t, I couldn’t stand it.” She shook her head. “I was so desperate to be loved that I became someone I wasn’t proud of.” She wiped off her tears, cleared her throat, and then pulled a big poster board from behind her back. “I made this for you.” She shrugged. “Thought you could surprise him when the team runs out after halftime.” She held the poster toward me. “Consider it my first attempt of many to apologize.” Jessica looked down.
