Page 59 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

My star rating didn’t matter to them though, so long as I played my part in getting them to the playoffs and to the championship game beyond that.

I crossed the street and turned the corner, no real destination in mind. All I knew was I couldn’t be at home listening to my parents. Even if they were right.

I couldn’t explain it, but I needed to hang on to the hope that one of my remaining two picks would want me. If they didn’t… well, then I’d deal with that then. But for now, no matter how misguided it was, I had to hold out hope the call would come.

My cell phone vibrated and I stopped to dig it out of my pocket.

Cole: Sofia said I needed to call you.

Interfering brat. But I couldn’t deny the faint smile that traced my mouth.

Me: I’m fine, just walking off some steam.

Cole: Where are you? I’ll come get you and we can hang.

Me: On the corner of Tarner Street by the movie theater.

The sign caught my eye, but when I glanced down the street, I saw her.

Or rather I saw them.

Poppy and Eli heading inside. Together. On a date.

Before I knew what I was doing, I started texting Cole again.

Me: Actually, do you want to watch a movie?

Cole: You want to watch a movie? At the theater?

Me: Yeah, why not? We haven’t done it for ages.

Cole: Ninth grade. We haven’t done it since ninth grade.

Me: I’m heading inside to get the tickets.

Cole: What the hell are we going to see?

Good question. I needed to find out what Poppy was watching. Hurrying down the street, I peered inside the tinted glass and found them paying for their tickets.

Bingo.

Me: The new James Grey film. Countdown to Zero. It’s a disaster movie.

Cole: Fine. I’ll see you soon.

Me: Thanks, I owe you.

Pocketing my cell, I waited for Poppy and Eli to disappear beyond the doors leading to the screens and slipped inside.

I’d hit a new low. Was I really about to follow Poppy while she was on a date?

Yes, yes I was.

I bought two tickets and waited for Cole to arrive. He entered the theater and shook his head.

“Okay, what’s really going on?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I wanted to see the movie.”

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