“I don’t know.” I cross my arms, hoping it’ll make me appear indifferent so I can hide how his closeness has flustered me. “Maybe because it’s the truth.”
“See, exactly, I knew you were talking about me. And then your mom had to get in my family’s business like always.”
My stomach flip-flops. “What do you mean,like always? My family hasn’t seen yours in years.”
Brody steps up beside Max. “I know you’re new, man, but we don’t talk to losers here. Particularly losers who aren’t even in band.”
Max turns to Brody in confusion.
“She’s in color guard,” Brody continues. “There’s a big difference. You’ll figure it out as soon as drill down starts.”
“Shut it, Brody,” I snap. “This doesn’t concern you.” Brody’s lucky I don’t take one of his drumsticks and shove it someplace that’ll make itveryhard for him to march later.
He shakes his head and lets out a whistle. “Don’t take it out on us just because you can’t keep up. In fact, maybe you should go sit down on the sidelines now since you’ll be there in another few seconds. You can save yourself the embarrassment.”
“More like I’ll outlast both of you.” I glare at Brody before turning my anger on Max. “In fact, I’ll bet you that I’m the last one standing.”
“A bet?” Max asks. Interest flashes in his eyes and it makes my pulse leap. “What do we get when you lose?”
“She has to bring dessert for the percussion next week,” Brody says immediately. “Popsicles. It’s supposed to be ninety degrees out.”
“And whenIwin, you’re bringing the color guard Popsicles. One per member,” I add because I know how sneaky Brody is.
“Fine. But bring the blue ones. That’s the only good flavor.” Brody heads for his yard line.
I expect Max to follow him, but instead he steps closer to me. He leans in, as if he’s about to tell me a secret, and I can’t help holding my breath.
“You shouldn’t make bets you can’t win,” he whispers.
I jolt upright. My skin is hot and tight from the feel of his breath in my ear, but his words are what send fire licking up my spine and through my limbs. How dare he lecture me. He doesn’t know who he’s messing with.
“Why don’t you take your own advice because I’m about tobury you.”
Our eyes lock in a wordless battle. I’m practically crackling with energy, waiting for his next move. The corner of his mouth twitches, like he’s fighting a smile, and then he spins on his heel and strides to his yard line. For a moment I’m frozen, but I shake out my limbs and take a deep breath to clear my head. I’d almost forgotten how competitive Max and I get with each other.
“Are you okay, Hazel?” Li asks in a small voice from behind me.
I’m not sure how much she overheard but it was probably too much. I roll back my shoulders and give her a big grin. “I’m absolutely fantastic, Li.”
The field commanders step onto the grass and my attention goes to them. I push away thoughts of Max and Brody and get into the zone. I’m going to prove them all wrong.
“Okay, you know the drill…” Sire trails off. “See what I did there? Drill?” He chuckles and then continues. “Our field commanders are going to be calling out commands. They’ll start simple—if you’ve been paying attention—but it gets fast and confusing very quickly, solisten up.If you miss a command, you’re eliminated and you’re to walk to the sidelines and sit down. Whoever’s left standing wins.” There’ssilence on the field for a few moments. “Marjorie and Greg, you may begin.”
“De-tail, to the ready!” Marjorie calls and we all stand with our feet shoulder width apart, hands together in front of our bodies.
“De-tail, atten-hut!” she calls, and I bring my left foot in and move my hands to the sides.
“De-tail, right face!”
I turn sharply to the right.
“De-tail, left face!”
I turn back to the front.
“De-tail, parade rest!”
I take a wide stance, my right hand in front of my stomach and my left hand on my lower back.
