I brace myself for the worst, and I meet Jodie’s gaze from Mack’s other side.
She leans over to whisper. “Let her ask that you’re kicked out. Maybe she’ll be dismissed like Madison.”
For some reason, I doubt it. Gen’s parents are heavily involved in the funding and running of the Shooting Stars. I think it would take a hell of a lot more for Gen to be asked to leave.
“Go ahead, Genevieve.” Carole’s tone is much kinder than it was even when she addressed Tucker.
“I understand the rules.” Gen stands up. “And I agree with them. But I think there should be an exception for couples who were together before camp started.”
Carole blinks a couple of times, clearly confused. “Oh. Is there such a situation?”
“Oh, Carole, you’re funny. You know Mack and I have been dating for years.”
“Right,” Carole sounds unsure. “I was under the impression that you two were no longer an item.”
Before Gen can say anything else, Mack stands up. “That’s because we’re not. I’ve been telling you this for months, Gen. I hate to do this, but maybe it’s good that Carole and your mom are here too. You and I are done.” He addresses Carole. “If you ever see me and Gen in a compromising position, please apply the non fraternization clause.”
Several people laugh at Mack’s plea, thinking he’s joking.
But I know Mack well enough to know that he isn’t. He’s been desperately trying to get Gen to back off, but his ex doesn’t seem to want to get the message no matter how harshly it’s delivered.
“Very well.” Carole says. “If there aren’t any other questions, thanks to everyone for your cooperation. And I’ll see the cheerleader candidates in one hour in the big studio.”
People begin to leave, but I stay rooted to my spot.
“Tar-Tar, are you ok?” Mack asks.
I shake my head. Colsen takes my hand in his, taking advantage of the fact that the auditorium is emptying rapidly. “We’ll figure this out, pretty girl. Let me talk to Tuck, and we’ll text you with a plan to discuss the situation.”
I’m almost scared to ask the question on the tip of my tongue. “Yeah? You aren’t breaking up with me?”
“What? No. Not unless it’s what you want. And even then, I would hope you’d at least want to discuss this first.”
“Ok.” I say softly. “I don’t know. I hope there’s a way to make this work. But for now, please go. The last thing we need is to be seen whispering to each other.”
I watch Colsen and Mack leave. Nash leaves his own seat after they walk past him.
His green eyes stop on mine for a long moment. He looks furious.
“Babes, are you ok?” Jodie asks. “Why did Colsen want to speak to you? I thought you chose Tucker?”
“Huh?” I blink, confused. “No. Why did you think that?”
She points to the big screen that, thank God, is now blank. “You were joined at the hip all night last night. So I thought …”
“It’s complicated. We were still trying to figure this out. I’m attracted to both him and Colsen.” There would also be Nash, but I don’t even want to go there right now. From the way he’s been looking at me, I doubt he’ll ever want to speak to me again. And that was before being with me put him at risk of potentially being benched. That’s exactly the kind of situation he left behind in Hemlock Beach.
“Ok. Let’s go get something to eat. I can help you make a plan.”
Jodie tries to take my hand, but I shrug her off.
“I’m sorry, Jo-Jo. I’m not hungry. I love you and you’re the best for always being my ride or die. But can we talk later? I need a second to myself.”
“Are you sure?” Worry is etched all over her pretty face.
I nod. “Positive. I’ll go for a walk to clear my head and I’ll see you for rehearsal, ok?”
“I’ll get you a protein bar from the dining hall, in case you get hungry later. Ok?”
