He gives me an incredulous look. “It’s two in the afternoon. I like to sleep in, but that’s extreme even for me.”
“So why weren’t you at school today?”
“Because I’m not taking classes at Glen Vale.”
“What?”
“I’m taking college classes at the local campus in Newark. We figured it was a good way for me to get free college credits this year.”
I step back in surprise. I was aware of the concept of going to college during senior year, and had even debated it myself until I learned it would mean missing so much of senior year with Nova, but I hadn’t imagined Max would ever do that. He wasn’t very studious when he was younger.
“Why was your mom here?” he asks. “Is she at school a lot, bringing you snacks and checking on you?”
I wince, knowing that Mom was literally here to bring me snacks. But that doesn’t mean he’s allowed to make fun of me over it. “Mom was setting up a first day surprise for the band. She brought in food and drinks foreveryone.It’s something my parents started years ago.”
Rather than look shamed, his face screws up even more. “You really do have a perfect life, don’t you?”
I huff in annoyance. “Not in the least. Although it sounds likeyouhave the great life, getting to skip all the worst parts of school and only coming in for band.”
“My schedule does have some big benefits. Like giving me extra time to rehearse.” He smiles, but it has an edge to it. “I’m going to need the daily practice to win the MVM award this year.”
My eyes bulge. “You’re trying for senior MVM?”
“Of course. I’m a senior and I like to win—you already know that about me. I intend to make that award mine, Hazel.”
Resentment rises up in me. Is this because he saw my freshman award at the house last night and knows I’m tryingto repeat? Or is it just his intense competitiveness coming out? It’s impossible to know with Max.
“Well, get in line,” I snap back as heat rushes to my cheeks. I hate that he can affect me like this so easily. “I’ve been working toward that award for the last two years.”
“It’s not about who wants it the most, it’s about who’s earned it. And you better believe I’m going to put the workin.”
His eyes linger on my face for a moment. Then he tips a nonexistent hat to me and walks away.
Chapter Eleven
Tonight is our first football game, and already I’m losing it. Or, more specifically, losing my keys.
“Sire?”
Mr.Hicks swirls around, looking harried. The band room is a loud, chaotic mess with everyone getting on their uniforms and yelling about ill-fitting gloves and misplaced Dinkles shoes.
“Yes? Is everything okay with the guard?”
“Um, with the guard, yes. Everything’s good. It’s just that…” I swallow. I can’t believe I have to admit this. “I’ve lost the key to our equipment shed.”
My cheeks burn with embarrassment. I can’t believe I did this when I know how important that key is. Our shed holds everything we need for our competition shows, plus flags from past competitions, parades, and various props. It’s even possible that Sire broke the rules by giving me access toschool property like this, but he did it because he trusted me and knew Faith wouldn’t be around all the time.
And now I have to stand here and watch his expression slacken when he hears that I let him down.
“Youlostthe key? And you’re just now telling me? Hazel, we need to be on the field in thirty minutes.”
I drop my eyes to the ground. “I know, I’m so sorry. I could haveswornI had it—I even saw it with my things when I put them down this afternoon—but I can’t find it anywhere. I don’t know what happened.”
“I should have the master key somewhere…” He glances around distractedly, and at least three other people call out to him in distress.
“There’s other things I need to take care of first, but Faith should be here soon and she’ll have her copy.” He frowns. “But I have to say, I’m really disappointed in you. I thought I could trust you to be responsible, and now this happens for our very first show?” He shakes his head. “This better be the last time, okay?”
I nod decidedly. The threat of tears burns my eyes, but as soon as he turns away, I scrub at my face until the feeling is gone. It’s bad enough that I can’t keep hold of a simple key. I don’t need to look like a crybaby when I’m supposed to be helping the rest of my guard.
