Page 6 of The Forever After Bet

“Um, yeah, a little. Hey, it was nice talking to you, but I have a fundraiser meeting I need to get to.” I jab my thumb over my shoulder.

“Maybe we could hang out sometime after a game,” Ryker says, giving me that smile again. I’m sure it works on other girls, but his smile makes me want to cringe.

“Uh, we’ll see. I’ve got to go.”

“Sound good. See you around, Clark,” Ryker says as he walks backward down the court, then winks at me.

When I’m safely in the girl’s locker room, I shake out my hands, making a gagging gesture.

“Ugh, you said it. I wouldn’t doubt he has a few STDs; he’s hooked up with half the girls in the junior class.”

“Why has he set his sights on me, then?” I ask.

Leah’s eyebrows disappear into her hairline. “You don’t know?”

“No.”

“Hannah, you dated the most popular guy at Lake City High. You’re a hot commodity. Guys can elevate their status if they date you.”

“Stop it. That’s not true.”

Leah glances around the locker room. “Hey, Piper, come here.”

Piper jumps up, skipping over to us in her bra and hot pants. “What’s up?”

“Ryker Baldwin just stopped Hannah in the gym and asked her to hang out.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. He wants to be the next Ford Cross, only in basketball.” Piper shrugs.

“See!” Leah spins around, looking at me, eyes wide.

“Whatever. It doesn’t matter.” I walk over to my locker, opening it. Leah follows me, opening hers on the other side.

“You should know that Ford watched the entire interaction between the two of you.” Leah gives me a sad smile.

“Yeah, I could sense him.” I slump down on the bench.

Today has been absolutely awful. I can’t handle many more days like this. I’ve read what prolonged stress can do to people. My hair will fall out, or I’ll get a weird rash.

Leah puts her hand on my shoulder. “Today was rough, but it will get better.”

“I hope so. I’ve said this a hundred times but thank you for being there for me. I don’t know what I’d do without you, June, and Aubrey.”

“That’s what friends are for.” Leah leans in, hugging me.

When I walk into the English classroom, Bree, Melissa, and Missy are already there. They’ve erased the side of the whiteboard with Mrs. Hammond’s instructions and made an elaborate sign that says welcome volunteers. It’s cute, but Mrs. Hammond is going to freak out in the morning when she sees they messed with her board. “It’s nice to see you could make it. I thought you’d already quit.” Bree gives me a mean smile.

“I told you I had cheer practice after school. It’s why we made the meeting for five-thirty.”

“Oh, good, you’re both here,” Mrs. Landry says, walking into the room. She holds out a manila folder for each of us. “Here is a list of the student volunteers and parents willing to help. I also included my number in case a problem arises.” She looks from Bree to me with a stern look. “Which I’m sure will not happen.”

“No, ma’am.” I nod.

“You won’t have any problems from me,” Bree says in a fake high-pitched voice.

“Perfect. Good luck with your meeting,” Mrs. Landry says with a toothy smile.

“Wait, you’re not staying?” I ask.

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