“That’s what I’ve been saying,” Sam says, pointing at Jordan with his spoon. “You should start hunting for a new QB for next year. Like now.”
Mom looks over at me. “Maya, when Dr. Salter called to discuss your detention next week, he mentioned you might rejoin the choir. I’m so glad.”
“I’m not sure,” I say, shoveling the last bite of stew into my mouth. I was so starved, I finished in two minutes. “I think I might try going solo for a while.”
My family starts grinning, and Sam whoops.
Dad serves me another helping, and we move on to discussing Sam’s job as a scout for the Titans. Last night may have sucked, and my former band members are dicks, but at least I have my family. I am beyond lucky. I scoop another heaping spoonful into my mouth and smile around at everybody.
But when I imagine Jesse at his show in Atlanta tonight, a show his parents most likely didn’t show up for, I wonder if he’s okay.
I finish my second helping of stew, scraping the bottom of my bowl.
I’m sure he’s lonely.
• • •
I never sit alone at lunch, and if there’s a school dance, a guy or two will invite me. But I’ve never been one of those girls who gets elected prom queen, runs the student council, or has plans every Friday and Saturday night. But considering the reception I get when I walk into school with Dave on Monday morning, you’d think I’m the most popular girl of all time.
“Woooo, Maya Henry!” screams Alec O’Malley, the star wide receiver of the football team. He throws an arm around my shoulders. “Do you have a date for homecoming?”
My mouth falls open.
Justina Carr, the captain of the dance team, pushes Alec out of the way to walk beside me. “Tell me all about him!”
“Who? Alec?”
She laughs as if I’m Jimmy Fallon, not a girl she’s never spoken to. “Do you think Jesse could introduce me to True Balance?”
True Balance is a boy band that I can’t stand. Their biggest hit is called “I Love Your Saucy Sauce, Hot Mama.” Nuff said.
“I’ll get right on that and ask Jesse,” I tell her, just so she’ll leave me alone. It works—she skips off down the hall to brag to her real friends, who probably sing the saucy sauce lyrics in the shower.
As soon as she’s gone, Alec the wide receiver tries to Heisman his way through the crowd that’s formed around me. Dave blocks Alec, thank goodness. Jordan should recruit Dave as an offensive lineman for the football team, because Alec gets the point. He adjusts his shirt and strolls away as if he can’t be bothered with me any longer.
“That was enjoyable,” Dave says. “Alec has a nice chest.”
“Don’t let Xander hear you say that.”
Nate walks up and gives me a dirty look. If Hannah actually quit the band because of me, I bet he’s pissed. Whatever.
“Are you really not rejoining the band?” Nate asks me.
I shake my head. “I seem to recall you kicking me out. I’m going solo for a while.”
“When I told the metal clubs in Nashville you’re not with us anymore, they wouldn’t book us. We need you back.”
“I’m done with heavy metal.” I turn away just in time for a freshman girl to squeal in my face.
“Are you dating Jesse Scott?”
“Do you think he’ll come visit you at school?” another girl asks.
I have a sudden urge to spend the day hiding in a bathroom stall. I wish Jesse’s security guard were here, because I feel like I might get swept away any second. Unlike Jesse, I’ve only had to deal with two days of this nonsense. I can’t imagine dealing with this for eight years.
“Hey!” Dr. Salter separates the crowd. “If you aren’t in class in two minutes, you get a week of detention!”
Everybody scatters, and I swallow. I do not like people mobbing me like that.
“You okay?” Dr. Salter asks, patting my shoulder, and I nod. “Good. Drop by my office during homeroom later this morning so we can discuss your behavior on shadow day.”
Great. Just great. I take off for my first-period Crucial Life Lessons class, which I have with Dave.
I enter the classroom to massive applause, and I can’t help but smile. It’s all so ridiculous that it’s becoming funny. I take a bow, and the cheering gets louder.
“Okay, okay, settle down,” Coach Lynn tells the class. “Take a seat, Maya and Dave.”
As soon as everybody is quiet, Coach Lynn starts teaching. “What’s the number-one secret to financial success?”