9781250209153

she’s descending into the lowest level of hell. I can almost feel the negative
energy crackling off her.
“That was really rude,” she snaps.
“Yes, I agree, it was very rude of you to keep me waiting.”
She shakes her head and jams her seat belt into the buckle. I switch on
my music and cruise out of the parking lot feeling like I just won a boxing
match.
But then Irene jabs the stereo off.
“What the—?!”
“I’m getting my car back this weekend,” she says without preamble.
“And Honey-Belle’s picking me up tomorrow morning, so I won’t need a
ride.”
I turn the music back on, too distracted by her audacity to understand
what she’s trying to say. “So?”
“So you don’t have to drive me anymore.”
That gets my attention. “Wait, really? What about tomorrow afternoon?”
“I don’t go home on game days,” she says shortly, like I should have
known that already. “We get ready at school.”
“So this is the last time I have to drive you?”
“Yes. I just said that.”
I’m too delighted to be put off by her snark. Only a few more minutes of
this tense arrangement, and then I’ll be free forever. I’ll never have to deal
with this girl again.
We’re quiet until I remember something that doesn’t quite fit with the
information she’s given me.
“Hold on,” I say. “You’re not going home before the football game? But
don’t you have to get ready for Homecoming Court? I mean, like, don’t you
have to dress up for halftime?”
For a second I think she’s gonna tell me it’s none of my business. But
then: “My mom’s bringing my dress. I’ll change after we finish our second
quarter routines.”
I snort. Does she ever not plan around her beloved cheerleading?
“So you’re gonna be all sweaty in your dress? Why don’t you just sit out
the routines tomorrow night?”