Page 77 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Zara’s expression didn’t falter as she smiled sweetly and said, “No, actually. I don’t.”

“Zar.” Madison at least had the decency to look apologetic.

“I’m trying to concentrate.”

“You should be used to performing under pressure. That’s like gymnastics 101.”

“That’s not—” I stopped myself and forced myself to take a deep breath. “Just turn it down, please.”

Madison went to grab the phone but Zara barked, “Don’t. Poppy doesn’t own this place. If we want to play music, we can. Besides, Tyke, the owner, is one of my dad’s drinking buddies. I’m sure if we asked, he’d be more than happy with me—”

“Fine. I get it,” I huffed. “Play your stupid music.”

A smug smirk spread over her mouth and I wanted nothing more than to wipe it off, preferably with my fist. Instead, I lifted my chin in defiance, slid my gaze down the tumble track and gave them something to choke on.

Pumping my legs, I went straight into a round off, double whip back, into a triple handspring, finishing with a back somersault pike. Arms stretched, I steadied myself before standing tall and shooting Zara a smug glance.

Eat that, bitch.

Zara was a great cheerleader, but her tumbling skills were nothing to shout about. It’s why I’d landed the last place on the gym team in ninth grade and she’d been forced to try out for the cheer squad instead. And I knew it was why she hated me so much.

The feeling was entirely mutual.

She narrowed her eyes, lips pressed into a thin line. It was probably unwise to provoke her but I was pissed. More than that, I was hurt. Licking my wounds from last night.

The sweet satisfaction I’d felt showing off to them began to ebb away, replaced with a sticky sense of shame. I wasn’t that girl: cruel and vindictive. But everything was such a mess, and Zara knew exactly what buttons to press.

Ignoring them, I worked on some more tumbling routines, pushing my body harder and faster every time. Until my muscles ached and my lungs burned and I could hardly breath.

When I was done, I glanced over to where Madison and Zara had been working out and noticed they had already left. At least I didn’t have to deal with her snarky comments as I made my way back to the locker room.

Grabbing my bag out of the locker, I checked my cell phone, smiling at the text from Eli.

Eli: How’s your Sunday? I’m hanging out with Leo. He says hi.

Me: Did he really?

Eli: No. But I’m sure he’s thinking it. What are you up to?

Me: Just about to get a shower at the gym.

Eli: The gym, huh, Tell me more…

Laughter bubbled in my chest. He always made it so easy. Why couldn’t I like him the way I liked Aaron? It would make life so much easier.

Another message came through, but this time, it wasn’t Eli.

Aaron: I’m sorry.

“Hey you.” I slipped into Sofia’s room and smiled. “You’re looking brighter.”

“I feel fine.” She hugged a pillow to her chest and patted the bed next to her. “But Mom and Dad are insisting I rest for a couple of days. It completely freaked her out.”

“Well, yeah. You’re kind of important to them.”

Kicking my sneakers off, I climbed up on the bed and rested my back against the headboard beside her.

“How was the gym?”

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