“Well,” I say, “my stomach was always flat, but now I have abs. My core is stronger and my dance kicks are higher because of the increased flexibility.”

“What else?”

“Honestly, it makes me feel fierce and it’s a great workout when you’re pissed off. Gets all your aggression out.”

“And that’s exactly how I want you all to be on the soccer pitch this spring. Strong, fierce, confident competitors.”

“Would you mind demonstrating a little of what you can do?” he asks me.

“Sure, as long as you don’t mind if I kick your ass in front of the team.”

Cooper turns to the team and says with a laugh. “See? Fierce.”

I pull my t-shirt off so I can’t get caught up in it, and stand in just my sports bra.

Fortunately for the girls, Cooper does the same.

If he takes off his shirt every time we practice, all the girls in the school will try out for soccer.

I put on gloves and a protective mask and throw the first punch at Cooper.

We begin the choreographed moves that are usually our warm-up.

We connect with a few punches, block a few, and then he grabs me around the waist and throws me to the ground.

I will admit, this part is kinda hot.

Especially when his legs are between mine as he almost pins me.

His face is close to mine, his hard body crushing me, but I manage to get out of his hold and quickly turn the tables, pulling his shoulder in an uncomfortable position.

He taps out and says, “All right. Who wants to try it next?”

I laugh as every hand on the team is raised high in the air.

After soccer, I head to dance. Maggie bounds into the locker room, grinning. “Did you hear me get called to the office?”

“Yeah, what did they want? Is everything okay?”

She breaks down and starts crying.

“What’s wrong?”

She grabs my hands and jumps up and down, causing me to realize she’s crying happy tears.

“It’s better than okay! I get to stay!”

“Did your mom change her mind?”

“No, you were right. The dean found me a scholarship. Some sort of special emergency fund for students already enrolled here. And get this. It even comes with a monthly stipend, so with that and my savings I should be just fine!”

“That’s awesome! I’m so happy! I was going to talk to you tonight and offer to help.”

“That’s really sweet, but I just couldn’t ask my friends for handouts. That would be awkward.”

“Yeah, maybe. But, seriously, you ever need anything else, come to me, okay?”

She hugs me. “I will.”

“Maggie, you mentioned a savings account. Are you the only one on the account?”

Her eyes get big. “No, my mom’s name is on it too.”

“Have you checked it?”

“Shit, no.” She grabs her phone, pulls up her balance, and says, “It’s still there, but guess I should move it, shouldn’t I? It’d be just like them to decide to wipe that out too.”

“If you think that will happen, I would.”

“How do I do that?”

“Well, you can transfer it to another person until you get an account set up.”

“Can I send it to you? I trust you.”

“Of course.”

She clicks around on her phone. “Okay, I think you have to do something on your end before I can transfer it.”

I check my email on my phone, do what’s required, and then she transfers the money to my account.

“I’m so glad you thought of that. It’s not that much, but still.”

“I know. So, how do you think the dance competition will go? I’m nervous. Peyton seems nervous.”

“I think we’re going to rock it. And speaking of rocking it.”

“What?”

“Since I get to stay at school, I don’t want to wait any longer with Logan. We were waiting to see if things would work out, but they couldn’t be more perfect. I’m nervous, kinda. It’s weird. We’ve done it before, but it’s been a while. I don’t know why, but I sorta feel like it’s my first time all over again.”

“I feel that way with Aiden. He makes me nervous.”

“It’s love, don’t you think? That’s what makes it different?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

Sex in the alley.

7:30pm

Everyone comes to my and Katie’s room to get ready for tonight.

Whitney assesses our room. “I like how you two have decorated. It’s funky.”

“Thanks!” Katie says, beaming.

Whitney immediately takes charge. “Peyton, you’re best with hair. Why don’t you do Katie’s hair while Keatyn and I do Annie’s makeup. Then we’ll rotate.”

Annie sits in my desk chair and I wheel her into the bathroom so we’ll have better light.

“What do you use on your face?” Whitney asks her.

“Moisturizer and mascara.”

Whitney shakes her head. “You’re lucky you have such a great complexion. Most girls couldn’t get away with that.”

She paws through my makeup bag and starts with a primer. “It’s good to start with primer,” I tell Annie. “It fills in any imperfections and allows your foundation to stay on, so you can use less and still look natural.”

“This foundation is too dark for her. Katie’s fair. Can we use hers?”

“Yeah, second drawer on the left.”

Whitney opens the drawer and tries Katie’s. “Oh much better.” She uses a damp sponge and blends the makeup perfectly.

Annie tries to sneak a peek in the mirror, but Whitney turns her back around. “No, no. We want you to see if all at once.”

I do Annie’s eyes in neutral tones, shading and highlighting in all the right places. I add a swoop of black liner and three coats of mascara to her long lashes.

Whitney studies her face, adds a pale pink blush, a little bronzer to the hollows of her cheek, and highlighter to the top of her cheekbones. Then she dabs on a pretty peach lip gloss. “What do you think?” she says to me.

“I think you look gorgeous, Annie. Natural and pretty, and your eyes look huge!”

“Can I see now?”

Whitney shakes her head. “No, wait until Peyton does your hair. Get the full effect.”

I touch up my makeup while Whitney does Katie’s eyes.

About an hour later, our hair is full and sexy and our makeup is done to perfection.

“What are we supposed to wear?” Annie asks, holding up a pair of pajamas.

“If your goal is to make Ace drool, I’d suggest yoga pants,” Whitney says.

“Yeah, boys love yoga pants.” Katie laughs. “They make your butt look amazing.”

I go in my closet and grab a pair for Annie to try on.

“You have a great figure, Annie. Here, wear this long sleeved V-neck with the pants,” Peyton says, tossing a shirt at her.

We all get dressed and let Annie look in the mirror. “Oh my gosh!” she says, studying herself. “I look so pretty! No offense, but I was afraid you’d put a whole bunch of makeup on me and I’d look ridiculous. I look like myself, only better. My eyes look so much bigger. You have to show me how you did that.”

“So, you feel good?” Whitney asks her. “Because more than likely Ace will bring Chelsea. You have to be able to handle it. Although, I don’t think you’ll have much time to worry about it. I think plenty of other guys will be vying for your attention.”

Annie stands up straight and tall and says, “Bring it on.”

Which makes Katie, Maggie, and me giggle.

Peyton points at Whitney. “We’re going to head over there now so we can greet everyone. Annie, you should wait a bit and then make a big entrance.”

“With a boy,” I say. “A hot boy.”

“I don’t really know any hot boys.”

“I do,” Whitney and I both say at the same time. We look at each other and say, “Jake?”

“Yeah. Let me call him.” I dial Jake’s number. “Hey, favor for you. Would mind escorting Annie into the party tonight?”

“You trying to piss Ace off?”

“Basically, yes. And Chelsea, too, if she’s there.”

“My pleasure. What time?”

“Can you come to my room and just hang out? We want her to show up fashionably late.”