“Bummer,” Jerome says.
“I hope to travel more. I make it sound like I’ve only been to Wales, but once you’re in Europe, traveling throughout is so easy, cheap, and quick. Did you know there’s a train that goesunderthe English Channel into mainland Europe?”
My eyes widen, and I shake my head.
“Wow, cool shit,” Jerome says.
“Right? It’s pretty wild. I’ve traveled a lot around Europe, but I generally fly in and out of London, which allows me the Global Entry perks.”
I listen to Wendy and Jerome talk about travel for a while and then excuse myself. I’m not sure they notice when I leave them. It wasn’t my conversation anyway, and that’s okay. Some people hit it off, and some don’t. Not everyone will be friends. I’m not upset about it.
I’m back in plenty of time. Several in our group are lingering around the gate. I stand nearby but not so close that they’d feel I’m being intrusive.
Though I’m considered a relatively big guy, I’ve been told that I don’t take up a lot of room. Unless I call attention to myself, I tend to go unnoticed. That has its perks. But right now, as I lean against the window behind where Anna and Philomena are sitting, I can’t stop myself from overhearing their quiet conversation.
They’re… not gossiping exactly. Maybe judging is the right word. At first, I don’t hear much wrong with it since they’re talking about Sarabeth recently winning an award for her advancements in robotics. It’s really impressive. Exciting. I didn’t even know the school had a robotics, uh, team? Group? Program? I don’t even know what I’m looking to say.
Anyway, that’s really neat. I wonder if she’d be okay if I asked her about it. I imagine robot battles, but I bet it’s far more than that.
Then I hear my name, and my shoulders tense.
Anna scoffs. “Of course, we have to have the token hot guy whose only contribution is his muscles.”
“Typical dumb athlete,” Philomena agrees. “I suppose that’s how you round out a diverse group, though, right? Not everyone is smart.”
My stomach flips as a sour taste fills my mouth. Tears sting my eyes, and I quietly move away. I don’t want to hear anymore. Ican’thear anymore. That’s how they see me, isn’t it? Dumb athlete with nothing to contribute. I’m here to make sure it’s clear that even stupid people have a place in the RDU community.
I feel sick. Getting as far away from them as I can while remaining within our gate area puts me against the wall and facing the window where our plane is pulling in. I knew I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t have accepted the invitation. I should have backed out because I just don’t belong here.
I stuff my hands into my pockets and find the little stress ball I’d been playing with while on the bus. The one I’d taken from the bag full of our gifted stuff. My hand rhythmically squeezes it as I watch the big plane that’s going to take us across the US maneuver its way into position.
It’s too late to back out now. They won’t let me camp out at the airport until the group arrives home. Maybe I should suggest it anyway.
CHAPTER 8
KENDRICK
The students trickle into the gating area well before Byndley told them to arrive. I appreciate their being here. It comforts me that I don’t have to worry that they’ll miss the plane.
While I mean to stay on my feet for a while, I find that I’m sitting at the end of one of the rows and mindlessly playing cards on my tablet. There’s quiet talking all around me, though I don’t necessarily hear anything specific. Just background voices.
I’m distracted when Zarek gets up and walks by me, taking a seat beside Anna and Philomena. It’s the way he moves that catches my attention. As if he’s… angry.
I shift in my seat to look at him. Yep, the vibe I thought I got was correct. He’s not happy right now.
“Tell me, ladies, do you buy into the stereotype that girls will be girls? They’re only good for gossip and mean-girl talk?” Zarek asks.
Anna shakes her head while Philomena looks disgusted.
“Then I’m baffled as to why you’re enforcing that stereotype.”
“What?” Anna asks, horrified.
“You don’t think judging a person based solely on the way they look and the fact that they’re an athlete is above mean-girl talk?”
I raise a brow as the girls look mortified.
“I’m sorry, I?—”
