“Why? Because they’re poor?”
“Because they’re spies. Or could be. We can’t let anything get back to the guys at Legion. They arenotbeating us again this year. I’ll do anything to make sure they don’t win.”
Principal Edwards walks by, stopping when he sees us.
“Mr. Halliway,” he says, smiling at him. “Good to have you back.”
“Thanks.” Braden stands up straighter and gives Principal Edwards a phony smile.
“I’m looking forward to the season,” Principal Edwards says. “I hear you put in a lot of hours at the gym this summer.”
“Practically lived there,” Braden says with a laugh. “I’m determined to win this year.”
“With that attitude I’m sure you will.” Principal Edwards turns to me. “Ms. Bennet, how is your first day?”
“Good.” I put on my best fake smile. “And it’s Bennet-Halliway.”
He nods. “Wise choice. Well, I’ll see you two later. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
After he walks off, Braden says, “Bennet-Halliway? When did that happen?”
“It’s not official or legal or anything. I just thought I’d add Halliway.”
He stares at me. “You’re not as clueless as I thought you were.”
“Nope,” I say, staring back.
“I want you to get to know those guys, especially Dante. If anyone’s gonna spill dirt on people, it’s him. He can’t keep his mouth shut. He’s been getting better so it may take a few tries to get him to tell you stuff but eventually he will.”
“What do I get if I do this?”
“The privilege of sitting at my table.”
“That’s it?”
He bends down, putting his face inches from mine. “You don’t ask me for favors. I give when it’s earned. And I decide what it’ll be.” He stands up straight. “You in or not?”
“Yeah. Whatever. But I’m not dating him.”
“Dante?” Braden laughs. “Why? Not your type?”
“He’s fat.”
“But there’s muscle under the fat.” He nudges me. “C’mon. Give him a chance.”
“No! Gross!”
He laughs again. “I’m joking. I wouldn’t make you date Dante. The guy would crush you during sex and then what good would you be?”
“Glad you’re so concerned for me.”
We go back inside and finish lunch. Kristen keeps her eye on me the whole time. I don’t trust her. Not even a little. I’m okay with her not liking me, but I don’t want her to do something to mess up my plan. Or worse . . . mess up my relationship with Jackson.
Chapter 24
It’s Friday, which means I’ve somehow managed to survive my first week at Twisted Pine. Well, not quite. I still have to get through today, but I’ve made it this far. I can get through one more day. My classes suck and I don’t like any of my teachers, but at least I didn’t have to deal with Ms. Pruitt this week. She had some kind of family emergency and had to take time off. I’m hoping she never comes back.
So far, my plan to take down Braden is going better than expected. I’ve got Braden’s friends right where I want them. They like me and seem to trust me, especially Dante. If I ask him something, nine times out of ten, he gives me an answer. I’m trying to be careful about what I ask so it doesn’t seem like I’m fishing for information.
