Page 10 of As You Walk On

“Get to class,” demands Coach, “before I start handing out in-school suspension like Kangol bucket hats at a LL Cool J concert.”

“LL who?” asks Zain Ahmed, a senior Tone.

“Now!”

The Tones scatter like cockroaches. Everyone except Amanda,who glowers over a still-in-shock Luca. “Don’t forget to Cash App me our agreed fee,” she says. “I won’t charge extra for the encore. This time.”

If Rachel Berry fromGleeand a made-for-Netflix mob boss had a child, it’d be Amanda.

“Ms.Cox?” Coach tilts her head. “Are you collecting personal funds for a school-sponsored club’s performance?”

“At a discounted rate,” Amanda mumbles, tipping her chin up defiantly.

“Care to discussmydiscounted rates for Saturday detentions after school?” They’re almost the same height, but that might be because Amanda’s facade is starting to wilt. Coach adds, “Trust me, I give better deals than Amazon.”

Amanda takes two cautious steps back.

“No, ma’am.”

“Good.”

Amanda throws one last stink eye at Luca on her way to class. Thoughts and prayers for whatever teacher has her for the next ninety minutes.

“You too, Ramírez. Show’s over,” barks Coach.

Watching Luca collect himself is beyond tragic. He doesn’t attempt to hide the ache on his face as Devya and Peter, hands clasped, walk away. He pauses in front of me.

“Oh, hey.” I grin so hard my cheeks feel permanently inflated. “What’s up, Luca? Are you good? Need some water?”

What the hell is wrong with me? Yes, that’s what everyone needs in the face of public—and videoed—humiliation: to stay hydrated.

“No.” He exhales. “Can I have my phone back?”

I forgot I’m still holding it, despite the edges of a freshly cracked screen digging into my palm.

Luca mutters a half-assed “thanks” when I hand it to him. He drifts down the hall without another word.

“So.” I know that tone in Coach’s voice. Disappointment followed by a speech. “Is this how you spend your time when you’re not preparing to destroy MVH at finals?”

I chuckle quietly. Inside the halls and on the track, Coach is usually all business. School Faculty 101. But on occasion, she lets out her sense of humor. She isn’t afraid to scream at you to pick up the pace while also roasting your poor form.

“No, Coach.”

“I hope not.” Her mouth trembles like she’s suppressing a smirk. “Can’t have VP Clarke catching you cutting—”

“I wasn’t—”

The twitch in her right eye says not to interrupt her. “You had your meeting with Dr.Bernard last week, right? About Duke?”

I bite down on the inside of my cheek, nodding.

“You’re working on getting that recommendation letter?” Coach lifts an eyebrow.

“I am, Coach.”

It’s a lie. I’ve been low-key avoiding thinking about the letter ever since Dr.Bernard suggested it. She made it sound so simple.Just ask him, she’d said with a Colgate-bright smile.You’re best friends with his son. Should be no problem!

As if she knew what it’s like to ask Jay’s dad for anything.

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