16. North

sixteen

North

I clear my throat and steel my shoulders back in the doorway. "You want to see me, Principal Lane?"

"Yes. Come on in." Principal Lane swivels on his computer chair to face me while gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. It's Monday morning, and first period is just about to begin, but I had an urgent message to come here. "Have a seat, please."

Principal Lane leans back in his chair and adjusts his beige sport coat collar to lay flat against the high-back leather chair. His suit is practically the same color as his hair, his mustache, and his skin tone. It's so monotone, it makes it hard for me to find his face, but he's always worn this color. "I'm afraid I've had some bad news about the football budget. Our biggest sponsor, Rocco's Motors Company, has not renewed their sponsorship for next year."

"Wh-what?" I stammer and jump to my feet, searching for something—anything—on this desk or computer screen that has evidence this isn't some practical joke. Rocco mentioned pulling support, but I didn't think that he actually meant it. His ego was making the threats. Swallowing down my shock, I look Principal Lane in the eye. "What was his reasoning?"

"He's had a change of priorities. He said he's running for Senate and wants to use his philanthropy funds towards more humanitarian missions, such as feeding and clothing the homeless. He did say he feels terrible because the town's gotten used to his hefty donation, but he said it was God's calling."

Nearly choking on my own tongue, I fight every urge to explode with the truth.

This is no spiritual awakening.

This is revenge.

Principal Lane didn't need to know about my personal life, and how I might have caused this, but there must be some more details. "So, um," I stretch my neck forward, already feeling the strain of this financial burden move into my body. "What are we looking at for cuts? Do the boosters have a plan, or fundraiser?"

"The boosters haven't been doing a whole lot other than the Homecoming auction and raffle. Rocco's made their job easy, but I'm not going to abandon you, and it's early. I'm sure we can plan something. A good car wash fundraiser, and perhaps the guys could sell those pizzas the cheerleaders always sell?"

"Right." My mouth dries up. Selling frozen pizzas is not going to come close to replacing the money that Rocco donated.

"Effective immediately, we'll have to eliminate assistant coach, Rod, from the payroll, and we'll do our best to keep your hours as is. However, we're in need of some major fundraising and possibly cold calling businesses for donations."

I nod, and then nod again, because I know if I open my mouth, I'll have some choice words to say about Rocco. I zip my lips as I don't want to say anything I'll regret. "I'm sorry to hear this, but hopefully it's only a minor setback. We'll figure something out." I rise and offer a handshake. "Thanks for keeping me in the loop and let me know when more news arises."

"Will do." Principal Lane finally grips my hand, shaking it extra firmly. "We'll see your boys out on the field again Friday night. This won't faze them."

"Sure thing." I fake a toothy smile and pivot to exit his office. I know one thing. As much as I hate this, I'm going to need to tell Gia. It's way beyond a coincidence, and I need to warn her to watch her back. My cell vibrates in my pocket. I never get calls during the day. Everyone knows I'm at school. My gut clenches before I even look.

I duck into my classroom, as I have ten minutes before the first period starts, and I close the door.

Rocco : I warned you. Stay away or you'll both be sorry.

Both.

That has to be a typo. He can't mean us both. Would he really hurt his own sister?

Stunned, I stare at the wall as if the air is too poisoned for it to be stirred. It definitely is blackmail. Rocco and his dirty friends are behind all of this, and I must find a way to stop him, and warn Gia.

Gia , my heart slams against my chest. I can't have him going after her. I must protect her at all costs until I can find a way to stop him for good.

It's like he has some super GPS on us, and spies everywhere. He just knows when we are together. I rub my chin, hating that I have to tell Gia this bad news, but it must be done. I've held off telling her long enough. She needs to know everything.