“We’re never going to get better if you keep acting like this,” Max argues, his voice getting louder. “People are scared of you.”
“Areyouscared of me? Because if you keep talking to me like this, then you probably should be.”
I suck in a breath and push my hands into my stomach. There’s a chill in Brody’s voice that sends shivers down my spine.
“No, Brody.” Max’s voice is steady. “I’m not scared ofyou.”
“Too bad.”
I spin around and hurry away in case they’re done talking. The very last thing I need is for either of them to find me eavesdropping on their argument. I’ve put enough space between us that I think I’m in the clear when Max calls out my name. I turn around slowly. A quick scan of the area shows me that Max and I are alone now. I take a deep breath to steel myself and raise my protective walls. It’s already a horrible day. There’s nothing Max can say that could make it worse.
“Look,” I say, “it’s been a bad day for everyone. If you’re thinking about making yourself feel better by kicking me when I’m down, just keep moving. I really don’t need it tonight.”
Max freezes mid-stride. “That’s not why I called your name.”
“Oh. I just figured…”
He walks closer, but his posture sags. “That the only reason I would talk to you is so I could make you feel bad?”
“I mean…yeah. That’s how it usually goes. Although, to be fair, you could probably say the same of me.”
He sighs. “Why do we act like that?”
“Because our sections hate each other, and you hate me,and—”
“I don’t hate you, Hazel. I’ve never hated you. I’ve been angry, but only because I wished my life was more like yours.”
I nod, unsure how to respond.
“Do you hate me?” he asks quietly.
“Well…I hated you when we fought at drill down. And when you doused me with vinegar and gave me thawed Popsicles. And told me off when I tried to welcome you to band.” He grimaces and rubs both his hands up his face and through his hair. “But I haven’t hated you as much these last few days?”
One corner of his mouth lifts. “Wonderful.”
“D&D was fun,” I add. “Much more so than I thought it’d be.”
“Yeah, it was. Felix told me he had a great time, by the way. I’m not sure he told you that.”
I bite my lip, knowing I should leave it, but I can’t stop myself. “I wasn’t trying to, but I overheard some of what you said to Brody just now. About Felix and Niko. I’m sorry about that.”
“It was so low of Brody.” His eyes shine with anger. “I couldn’t believe he lashed out at them like that, especially right now when they’re already feeling like crap.”
“We all had a bad competition,” I say. “Emotions are running high. Hopefully everyone can shake it off for rehearsal on Monday.” I can’t believe I’m making excuses for Brody’s usual dirtbag behavior, but right now it feels more important to say something encouraging to Max than to rub in how I was right about Brody all along.
“I’m glad you were here, Hazel.” His gaze sweeps over my face. “It’s good to have you to talk to.”
“It’s surprisingly good to talk to you too.”
He laughs. “Another great compliment to end the night with. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He takes a few steps before I’m walking after him.
“Hey, Max?” Nerves claw up my throat. “Why did you keep looking at me during the Glare game?”
He stills for a moment before turning around. “How do you know where I was looking if you weren’t looking back?”
“Nova told me.”
“Ah.” He rubs his hand along the back of his neck and shifts his weight like he’s debating. Then he shrugs. “I knew you’d never look back at me. Seemed like the easiest path tovictory.”
