AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He steps up to the stage, and Alondra opens her arms. Ben’s eyes widen, and I bite my lip to prevent myself from laughing at how uncomfortable he looks. He’s not the touchy-feely type until you get to know him. When we first started dating, he barely held my hand, but that died quickly. Just the other week, he was trying to hold my leg while we were driving. Just the thought of his big hands on me brings back the rush of goose bumps that climbed my spine that day.
Alondra clings to him and he pats her back, removing himself from their embrace.
Stepping up to the podium, Ben scans the crowd, and small wrinkles crinkle around his eyes when he spots me. The women in front of me turn around to look at me. I give them a small wave.
“Thank you all for having me. I’m gonna be honest, I don’t know much about the booster club. Alondra met with me this afternoon and told me all that you’ve accomplished since she’s been president, and it’s impressive.”
They met this afternoon? The pang of jealousy shouldn’t be there, but Alondra was a senior when we were sophomores, and even back then, she always asked him for private interviews for the school newspaper. Did a huge spread on him for the yearbook. She’s been crushing on Ben since then, and if the rumors are true, she and Ned are on the brink of divorce. I hope she isn’t looking for Ben to replace him.
I shake my head because that’s none of my business. Surprisingly, I found some peace that Sunday when I talked to Ben. Sure, we didn’t talk it all out, but do we need to? There’s no future between us. Once I take the bar exam, I’ll have six to seven weeks before I get my results, and I’m not sure what I’ll do with my downtime.
Alondra leans forward and grabs the bottom of the silver cord that holds the microphone to the podium. “Go Wildcats!” Ben forces a smile, and she pushes the microphone back to him. “Please carry on.”
“Thanks. Taking inventory this past week, I’d really like to get the boys some new gear. The weight room needs more machines. This all costs money of course, which, according to Alondra, is where you guys come in. I’m happy to pitch in where necessary. Obviously, the boys need to be part of the fundraising efforts, so they appreciate the new equipment. But I’m a novice when it comes to all this, so point me in the right direction and tell me where to go.”
Alondra’s laugh echoes into every nook and cranny in the room.
“Thanks for having me today, and thank you for spending your time helping the student athletes of Willowbrook High.” He steps back from the mic, signaling to Alondra that it’s all hers.
“Thank you, Coach.” She looks over her shoulder at him. “This is an exciting day for Willowbrook.”
I sigh, and Drew’s mom, who is next to me, elbows me in the ribs. I touch the spot, and Betsy looks around with wide eyes. I guess I did that too loudly.
“I’ll elect myself to be in charge of the fundraiser for the football team.” Alondra raises her hand. Surprise. Surprise. “This way I can assure that we put our best foot forward.”
I lean over to Betsy. “The rest of us are incompetent then?”
“Did you have something to say, Gillian?” Alondra calls me out.
Ben smirks like he used to when I got caught talking in physics.
“Nope. Sounds like a plan. No one better than you to lead the charge.” There’s sarcasm in my tone, and her smile falters for a second before she smacks her practiced one back in place.
“Well, thank you. That’s very kind of you.” Her voice is cold.
“Actually.” Tori, the vice president, stands with her arm raised.
“Yes, Tori,” Alondra says.
“You have so much on your plate. You’re in charge of soccer already for your younger kids, so you shouldn’t be responsible for football too.”
Alondra’s eyes glare daggers at Tori, whom I thought was her best friend. Maybe they had a falling out.
I thought it was clear to everyone why Alondra wants to be in charge of football fundraising. Ben.
“It’s fine,” Alondra says, keeping her smile in place.
“I think Gillian should do it. She’s had a pass for a while with law school, but you take the bar next week, right?” Tori turns to me, as does everyone else.
Betsy coughs out a laugh, pretending to have a coughing fit.
“Um… yeah.” How does Tori know when I’m taking the bar? I could have very well waited.
“Great. Then you’ll have the time,” Tori says.
“Um…”
“It’s okay, Gillian probably wants to take some time to decompress. Not to mention, very few people pass the bar the first time they take it.” Alondra must notice the look on my face. “I’m not saying you won’t. It’s just facts.” She shrugs and smiles as if she means no insult.
