Betting Game by Heather M. O'Connor

Author:Heather M. O'Connor
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: JUV032150, JUV067000, JUV013070
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2015-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

With two games left, Coach works us pretty hard. But we work ourselves hard too.

The Friday before our Greenwood game is hot and humid. By the time we’re through, my muscles feel like toasted marshmallows. Luka texts me when I’m just about to ooze home.

want a ride?

yes!!! sooo tired

“Thanks, Luka!” I close the door and sink into the passenger seat. “Ahhh. Air-conditioning!”

“So, Jack Attack. Big weekend?”

“Nope. Just my game Sunday.”

“You’re not going to the Calamity Crossing concert tomorrow?”

“Nope.”

“I thought you were their biggest fan.” He gestures in my direction. “The T-shirt, the ringtone, the tunes…”

I scrunch up my face. “Everything but the tickets.”

“But I heard it’s the best concert of the year.”

“Then you heard how fast it sold out.”

“So. I didn’t get tickets either.” He looks over his shades at me. “But I got something better.”

“Better?” I sit up straight. “What’s better than tickets?”

“Backstage passes.”

“To Calamity Crossing?” My voice comes out in a squeak.

“No, Justin Bieber. Want to go?”

“Do I—” I fall back in my seat. Backstage. With Calamity Crossing. No one will ever believe this.

Then I remember the Greenwood game. And my bank-account balance.

“I can’t afford that.” I look at my hands and swallow. “I mean, I’d love to, but I’m broke. I’ll be okay by the end of the month, and I’ve got $500 on tomorrow’s game, but—”

“Did I ask for money? No. It’s a gift.” He slants a look at me. “And don’t worry about how much you owe. We’ll work something out.”

Work something out? I squirm in my seat. What does that mean?

“Anyway, I didn’t pay for the passes.”

“Then how…” It comes to me. “You know somebody.”

He points his finger pistol at me and gives his half grin. “Exactly. So we’re on?”

I bite my lip. “Don’t laugh, but I can’t stay out too late. I have a big game the next day.”

He doesn’t laugh, but his grin twitches. “No problem. I’ll drive.”

“Then count me in. Thanks, Luka!”

I come into the house ready to burst. I’m going to meet Calamity Crossing! Wait until Danny hears. I’ll have to text him.

Alex is at the kitchen table. He looks up as I come in. Like Mom when she wants to talk about something but doesn’t know how to start.

“Hey.” I give him a wary look and brace myself for questions.

“Dad called,” he says.

Sounds safe. No questions yet.

“He got us Lancers tickets for tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow?” I shake my head. “Sorry. Can’t go.”

He looks relieved and disappointed at the same time. “I didn’t know you had plans.”

“I’m going to Calamity Crossing.”

He gives me a hard look. “How’d you get tickets?”

I shrug. “Luka got backstage passes.”

“Luka.” And the question marks are back. Before I can escape, he says, “You see a lot of Luka.”

“So what?”

“He keeps giving you stuff.

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