Page 65 of False Start

I snort, waving away his sympathy. I came here to comforthim. Wedamnsure aren't gonna talk about Denise. If we open that can of worms, there'll be no closing it, and we've already had one emotional moment today.

"It's nothing. Just dealing with a difficult client at work," I lie. Damon looks doubtful, but he doesn't push it. He's probably just as ready to move on from the heavy stuff as I am.

I lean forward and grab the Xbox controllers, handing him one.

"Can you still play NBA 2K if you're retired?"

Damon's face splits into a grin.

"Not only can I still play, I can still beat your ass."

I roll my eyes.

"That's big talk coming from the guy who came infourthin the Tournament of Bros." Henry, ever the stick in the mud, had abstained from our annual ritual. I've been the reigning champion four years in a row.

Damon bumps me with his shoulder and powers on the game.

"Oh, little bro. You're about to find out just what I've been doing with all the extra time I have on my hands these days."

Even if it is just for a video game, the gleam in his eyes is back. I heave a sigh of relief, and get ready to take my big brother to school.

Chapter twenty-eight

Denise

"Hey!Bella!Wheredoyou think you're going?"

I snag the hem of Bella's jacket just as she's about to disappear through the side doors backstage. I'm guessing her escape has something to do with Jordan, P.S. 161's star point guard and resident heartthrob, who just left through the same doors five minutes earlier. She's been making heart eyes at him since the first day of the workshop.

Sixteen weeks ago, all some of these kids knew about fashion was when the next sale was happening on 125th street. Now, they're literally seeing their designs walk the runway! Well, it's less an official runway and more a small aisle between the rows of chairs in the rec center's cafeteria, but the turnout is great and the designs arefierce.

Each student chose a designer, identified that designer's signature style elements, sketched ideas for their original creation, and then made the patterns for their designs. The models are other students, the fabric was thrifted, and a few seamstresses from Baily Maxwell did most of the actual sewing as a favor to me, but they accomplished something truly impressive in just four months. I'm already brainstorming the next workshop, with dedicated seamstresses, guest speakers, and maybe even a chance to intern in a real fashion house.

But that's later. Today, they're just kids, complete with raging hormones and a tendency to make bad decisions in the heat of the moment. Bella draws my attention back to her when she tries to tug her sleeve free.

"Nah ah, young lady. Where are you off to when your design is up in less than ten minutes?"

The beads on her long braids clack against each other when she ducks her head to avert her giant, hazel eyes. Her face is quite striking, though most of the junior high boys aren't giving her the time of day due to her size. I remember that feeling well.

"M-Ms. Jeffries, I was j-just…gonna check to see if I left something in the bathroom," she stammers, still avoiding my gaze. I crouch down to talk to her face to face.

"In the middle of the show? Are you sure it doesn't have anything to do with Jordan coming through this way a little while ago with Gabby?"

She ducks her head even further and her face goes pink with embarrassment. I sigh, disappointed but completely unsurprised that junior high boys remain as cruel as ever.

"Bella, listen. There are three reasons you should stay backstage. One, because there are no adults in the halls right now, and anyone caught back there will get a demerit for breaking the rules." Her shoulders slump at my stern tone.

"Two, because your design is amazing and you've been working on it forsixteen weeks. And three, because if you have to chase after a boy, he's not worth your time."

"But, Ms. Jeffries," she practically wails, "if I don't go back there, Gabby's gonna kiss Jordan first!"

I press my lips together and stifle a laugh. These kids have more drama than a soap opera. I try to keep my voice soft and understanding.

"Well, if he really likes you, he won't kiss Gabby. And if he does kiss Gabby, then he might not be the best choice for a crush. Either way, you definitely shouldn't miss seeing something you worked so hard on finally come to fruition. Look, both your parents are here."

I point to where they're sitting in the first row. Her dad's got his phone out, recording every possible angle, and her mom is looking around and whispering excitedly. Seeing two parents be so supportive makes my heart ache, but I push the discomfort aside. I look back to see Bella smiling.

"Now, go take your place," I say, nudging her towards the line of students. "You're on right after Ariana."

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