Page 142 of Crew
"I think it's something you can aspire toward?" I was teasing her, and she knew it.
She laughed again, sounding much more relaxed this time. "God, I've missed you."
Whatever anxiety or irritation I'd had after hearing about Tabatha faded. Taz had me with those four words, and I slid off the counter, my arms out. She stepped into them, her arms coming around my back.
"It was so boring without you in school."
I laughed, still leaning against the counter. "Right. With the Roussou royalty circling you and Race Ryerson trying to date you, I'm sure it was super lame. So boring not having to worry about your friend fighting or stabbing principals."
"Well, you know what I mean. It was dull." She looked out to the pool again. "Somewhat." She turned back to me. "Crews are different. Crew life is...exciting, exhilarating, dangerous." She nodded toward her friends. "They're like that, but in a different way."
I pressed my lips together. My opinion of Normals--Taz and now Race being the exceptions--was a bit low. There was a lot of backstabbing and manipulation. We had politics, but we had loyalty in crews.
"Have fun with that," I told her.
"Bren..." She laughed and stepped to the side, hip-checking me. "Tabatha wants to hang out with you, but she's scared to death."
I smiled. "Really?"
"They're all terrified of the crews, but what'd she call you the other night?" She tapped her forehead. "Oh yeah. She said you were like a wolf. Your crew is aptly named. You're beautiful to look at, but lethal. She's right. It's a good metaphor for you."
I frowned. "Are you talking about me, or all crews?"
She thought about that. "You. Well, I mean, the conversation was about all crews, but she was really only talking about you."
And Cross.
"She's got a thing for your brother. You know that." I tried to gentle my tone, but it had to be addressed.
"Bren." She let out a soft puff of air. "You're judging."
I didn't care. People like Tabatha Sweets needed to be watched, your back never turned toward them.
But she wasn't going to hear me now. I could tell. I'd push it later.
I held my hands up. "Okay. Backing off, but if she hurts you, I'm going after her."
She hugged me again. "I'm glad you're back."
Another melting moment here. She might've not been Jordan or Zellman, but I'd back her like she was.
This girl was crew to me.
Taz pulled away a second later, frowning up at me. "Cross wouldn't tell me anything, but is everything sorted? I mean, with the stabbing..."
"Yeah, and that's why I'm here--" I caught the guarded flash in her eyes and amended. "It's one of the reasons I wanted to see you. I have to figure out my community service hours. Cross mentioned your charity thing might be approved."
Her eyes went wide, and a smile crept over her face. "Yes! Oh my gosh." She jumped back, clapping softly. "Yes, yes! I'd love that. I threw that out to Cross, but I didn't think he'd actually tell you, but yes. Ms. Bagirianni is the head of our committee. She'd be approved in a heartbeat by the judge. She's the one who mentioned it."
Shiiiiiit. I forgot about The Badger.
Despite all the cursing in my head, I knew I was stuck. They'd given me a list of places I could volunteer, but none held my interest. At least I'd be with Taz for this one, but The Badger?
Two guesses as to who'd end up being my counselor. A sinking feeling washed through me.
Taz was still talking, not knowing I'd slipped into the Fucks of all Fucks Fairyland. When I tuned back in, she was saying, "...call her, but I know it'll all work out. We have our first meeting Monday after school." She paused, an expectant look on her face. She had her phone out too. "Should I?"
"What?" I looked from her to the phone, and back again.
