Page 58 of Alive and Kicking
He grins down at me. “That thing Enzo and I got into the other night. Nox is following some electronic leads to see how far the connections go. It’s pretty big so he doesn’t think we’ll be able to make a move until summer.”
I frown at that. They saved some kids on that last job, but there are more out there who weren’t as lucky. None of us are naive enough to think this was the first time they’ve trafficked kids. I do get why Nox wants to wait. If we move in too fast on the small fish, the big ones will go underground and we won’t be able to help as many of the kids. It’s just hard knowing that there are innocent children out there who need help and not being able to do anything. Knowing more than us and waiting for more information must be even harder on Nox.
When we get to the bake sale, I make sure to put a pleasant expression on my face. This is a big day for Sandy and I don’t want to worry her. The quad is teaming with people, all clustered around the tables Sandy has set up covered with sweet treats. She looks overwhelmed by the turnout, but when she sees me she smiles and waves. Zane and I walk around the tables to see what they have left and I follow Zane into line at the table covered with different types of fudge.
“I’m so glad you guys could come,” Sandy says, before she pulls me into a hug.
I hug her back. “You would have had to mortally wound Zane to keep him away from sweets.”
He frowns at me over his shoulder. “I’m not that bad.”
I don’t bother responding to him as I turn back to Sandy. “How has it been going so far?”
She absolutely beams. “It’s been amazing. We’ve already raised two thousand dollars. Who knew that college kids would be this supportive of my project.”
I grin and elbow her lightly. “Or do they just really like sweets?”
A soft laugh escapes her. “True, but some of that total comes from just donations. All of the environmental science teachers pooled together and donated five hundred dollars of their own money.”
“That’s great. I’m so glad it’s going so well.”
She nods, her eyes wide with excitement. “It is. We’re nowhere near the capital we need yet, but we’re getting there. And it’s still early. Also, we sold out of those peanut butter squares that Nox sent in. They were a huge hit. Do you think he would share the recipe with me? My mom would love them.”
“I’ll get the recipe and send it to you later,” I offer, already knowing that Nox won’t have an issue with that.
“Great! I’ve got to get back but thank you so much, I couldn’t have gotten this far without you.” She gives me another hug.
“I just helped you research more about the process. This is all you and the Deltas.” I give her a tight squeeze back.
She pulls away, her eyes shining. “But you were supportive. Most people just kind of looked at me like I was crazy for thinking I could do something like this. If I hadn’t gotten a straightforward plan in place I probably would have given up before I even started.”
She better not cry, because if I end up crying in public it will really lower my street cred. None of the mobsters back home will ever let me forget it. Thankfully she manages to get herself together before she talks again, “I’ll call you later and tell you how everything went.” She waves goodbye as she walks away.
Zane comes over with an arm full of fudge. “Did I miss Sandy?”
I grin as he opens his backpack to stuff it with his haul, keeping one out and offering it to me. “This one has raspberries in it.”
I accept it with a soft smile. “Thank you.”
His arm wraps around my shoulders again. “I’ll walk you back to class.” He doesn’t wait for a response, just starts leading me back toward Huron Hall.
Sloane
“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. It’s an away game so they’ll post live score updates on the team socials,” I tell Viv, who has her arms crossed.
We’re in her apartment and she’s being stubborn. It’s not that I don’t want them there, I’m just worried they’ll travel all that way and I’ll disappoint them.
“It’s an important game. If you guys win this one you go to Regionals. I’m not missing it. Nox is coming too. So is Cain, but he’s driving separately and not sitting with us obviously. We all want to be there,” she tells me, without any room for uncertainty.
“Okay. If that’s what you want to do.” I look away and pluck at one of my belt loops.
Her head tilts to the side. “Are you nervous?”
I frown and shake my hand out as punishment for giving away how I’m feeling. I hate being weak. Vulnerability just leaves you open for others to take advantage of. But I know Viv and the guys aren’t like that so I allow myself to be honest. “A little, I guess.”
I’m startled when she reaches out and holds my hand in both of hers. “What are you nervous about? You guys have done great so far this season.”
I look down at my shoes. “I know. Everyone is doing really well this year. We’ve never made it this far into the season before and I guess I just don’t know what to expect.”
