Page 119 of The Forever After Bet

“Why didn’t you ever tell me any of this?” Alison asks.

“Have I ever enjoyed having the spotlight on me at school?” I ask.

“Ha, no.” Alison laughs.

“I hated the recognition and didn’t feel like I deserved the award. Kenton was nice and helped me out. All I wanted was an A in science. Exactly how does Bree plan to use that against me?”

Alison shrugs. “I don’t know. Contact the state science fair board and tell them you lied. If that’s a thing, I have no idea.”

“Is there anything else? Anything more recent? Something since we’ve been in high school?” I ask.

“She saw you running along the Eagle boat dock’s trail. I laughed, saying it couldn’t have been you because you don’t like to run. I told her how you’d lied about running the mile to Coach Harris freshman year.”

I run a hand through my hair. ”You’re right. I did lie; but I felt so bad about it, I went and talked to him after school and told him I cut through the field. He told me kids think cutting through the field is shorter, but it’s a quarter of a mile longer. He gave full points for confessing.”

“Well, Bree doesn’t know that. She must plan to go to Principal Forest and tell him you lied about your PE grade, which will take you out of the running for valedictorian,” Chanel says.

“Can he do that three years later?” Alison asks.

I shrug. “I don’t know. Mrs. Landry or Principal Forrest would know.”

“Thanks for telling me, Alison.“ I walk up to her. “I wish you only good things in your future.” I hold out my hands, and she hugs me.

“You, too. You know, I wasn’t surprised when I found out you and Ford were dating. All I thought was: finally, it took them long enough. You danced around each other for six years.”

“We definitely did.”

46. Cheater, Cheater

When I get done with basketball practice, I have a text message from Hannah and four from Bree.

Hannah messages to say she thinks she knows what Bree has on her but doesn’t elaborate. She says to call her.

Bree’s first message is about how she can’t wait to be my girlfriend. The second is hearts and kissy face emojis. The third is asking why I didn’t break up with Hannah today. Underneath the last message is a link. To make breaking up with Clark easier. You’re welcome.

I click on the link, and I’m instantly angry. My face feels hot, and I grit my teeth. I take a deep breath, trying to calm down, but all I see is red. Bree has a new post on her website. The title is Cheater, Cheater. Under it is the picture Mason took of Ryker talking to Hannah after our game with Eagle High.

“Ford, are you okay?” Ty asks, coming up and standing next to me.

I don’t have any nice words to say, so I hand Tyler my phone.

“Son of a—” Ty exclaims. “Who posted that?”

“Bree.” I hiss between my teeth.

“What’s going on?” Jack asks, coming into the locker room. Ty hands him my phone. “No, just no.” Jack turns in a circle until he spots who he’s looking for. “Baldwin!” he yells, walking over to Ryker, who’s just come out of the shower and is standing in a towel talking to his buddies.

“Yeah?” Ryker asks with his cocky attitude.

“Nice lay up today during practice,” Jack says, buttering him up.

“Yeah, I know. It’s called talent.” This guy has a lot of nerve, especially since Jack has at least a hundred pounds on the guy.

Jack shakes his head. “I’ll tolerate your shitty attitude in basketball, but not when it comes to my sister. Stay away from her.”

Ryker frowns. “I don’t even know your sister, but trust me, if she’s related to you, it won’t be a problem.” He laughs, slapping his buddy’s shoulder.

“Good. Hannah and I both appreciate it.” Jack smirks.

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