Page 16 of Playing with the Heartbreaker

Not yet.

My friends are going to have a field day with this.

I clear my throat. “Uh. Yeah. Sure. I think that’s a worthy trade.”

“Weeknights are out because of games and practices. But we both seem to have the same free period. Does that work? Maybe a weekend here or there, if needed?”

I nod, working out the logistics in my head and telling my skin to undo the impromptu sunburn. “Yeah, I think so.”

“Okay, great. We’ll start next free period. That’ll give me enough time to plan.” He rubs his hands together like a cheesy super villain.

“Will we be allowed to go down to the practice fields?”

“Oh, you’re not ready for that yet. Got to learn to walk before you run. So to speak. Meet me outside the locker rooms.” Mischief lights his expression.

“Wait. What does that mean? I don’t like the look in your eyes.”

The bell echoes in the empty hall. I flinch at the interruption, my whole body on edge.

Rhoads places his headphones back over his ears. “Productive trip to Wonderland, today, eh? Catch you later, Alice.” He winks, then disappears down the hall.

What have I gotten myself into?

* * *

By the time the bell rings at the end of the day, I have seventeen missed messages in my group text to Charlotte and Anita. It hasn’t been that long since I checked it, but clearly, they’ve been busy.

Charlotte

Shenna James said she saw you talking to Rhoads Simpson in the music wing. Fact or fiction?

Anita

Divulge, Chloe!

Charlotte

What did he say?

Anita

Wait, why were you in the music wing?

Charlotte

Anita, FOCUS.

WHY AREN’T YOU ANSWERING?

IF YOU’RE MAKING OUT WITH HIM…

And so on.

I shake my head. Making out in school is so not my MO. Charlotte knows that, but still. The thought had crossed my mind...

Word certainly travels fast. And what is it to Shenna James if Rhoads and I were talking? Though, come to think of it, Shenna always seems to know everything before anyone else does. It’s like she has eyes and ears all over the school. And if I remember correctly, Shenna is in the fall play, like always. She was probably down the hall at the time, rehearsing or something.

I type a response.