Page 8 of Perfectly Complicated
Jaxon leans over to me. “When Lauren says ‘exciting news,’ it usually means extra work.”
Lauren ignores him and pulls out her iPad. “We’re launching theCrushers’ Volunteer Christmas Challenge,” Lauren says. “And Mr. Marco has decided that all players on the Crushers will commit to forty hours of community service between now and January first.”
“Forty hours?” Miles groans.
“It’s three hours fifteen minutes a week,” Tate says, automatically. “Basic math, rookie.”
“Thing is, I have a lot to do this season,” Miles says. “I’m the new guy around here. I need to spend all my time practicing.”
“You thinkyouhave a lot to do?” Brax says, his eyebrows rising. “How about you’re drowning and someone hands you a baby? Because that’s my life right now.”
Lauren puts her hands up to stop the arguing. “Let me assure you that we don’t want this to cause more problems. Any volunteering you’ve put in so far this month will count. Mr. Marco wants the Crushers to lead the league in volunteer hours, so he is turning this into a contest among our team. He will pick one winner for the challenge who goes the extra mile. The winner gets a substantial Christmas bonus, as will the charity they’re working with. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“And if we can’t get in all our volunteer hours?” Miles asks.
“There will be a penalty fee for non-participation and you’ll be benched for seven games.”
A low murmur erupts across the room.
“Plus, what Mr. Marco’s calling a donation fee given to the charity,” she adds. “From your own pocket.”
“How much?” Jaxon asks.
“Let’s just say it’s big enough to hurt,” she says.
Leo gives a low whistle.
“I have a list of charities for you to choose from.” Lauren holds up her iPad. “Just remember, this is really about giving back at Christmas.”
Tate raises his hand. “I’ll take the animal shelter since I already volunteer there.”
“I assumed as much, Sheriff,” Lauren says with a smile, adding her boyfriend’s name first. Last summer, she convinced Tate to be her fake boyfriend for her family reunion, and now they’re practically joined at the hip.
Everyone crowds around Lauren, and by the time I get to her, most of the assignments have been taken. I study the list, scanning for something that could score me a Christmas bonus. One entry stands out:Help children with a theater production.
Should be easy enough. Kids love athletes, and I’ve always been good at performing—whether it’s on the ice or off. Give me an audience and I can work a crowd. Make them laugh, keep things moving, and everyone walks away happy.
It’s what I do best.
I sign my name as Leo looks over my shoulder. “You sure about that?”
I glance back at him. “I’ve got this in the bag. Kids loved me at the reading program this summer.”
“But did you read what you’ll be doing?” Leo says.
“No. What?” Before I can find out, Lauren moves the iPad away.
“Excellent choice, Rourke,” she says, looking over the form. “You’ll be fantastic in the Christmas pageant.”
My stomach drops. “Wait…what did you say?”
“The Sully’s Beach Elementary Christmas Pageant,” Lauren says cheerfully, scrolling through her notes. “You’ll be working with the K–2 grades to put on their annual holiday show. It’s a community favorite—the whole town comes out for it.”
The words feel as painful as a puck to the face. A Christmas pageant?
Absolutely not.
“One more thing…” Lauren continues, oblivious to my mounting panic. “You’ll be playing one of the lead roles. How fun is that?”
