The Rebel of Raleigh High (Raleigh Rebels #1)(27)

“Yes, Sir.”

“Polite. Good. I like that. What’s your name?”

“Halliday, Sir.”

Monty grunts. “Whenever you walk through the door of this establishment, you’re no longer Halliday. You’re Billie. Your very first stripper name. Lucky you. Consider yourself christened. Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind.”

“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery.” Looking a little nervous, Halliday quickly backs out of his office.

Monty shoots me a weary look that speaks volumes. He thinks I’m a moron for even bringing her before him and he’s not afraid to show it. “Keep an eye on her, Moron. You vouched for her. She’s your responsibility now.”

Great. Just what I fucking need.

I’m back out on the bar floor and Halliday, or rather Billie is set up on the stage, when I feel my phone buzz in my back pocket. The text is from a number I don’t recognize.

(253) 441 9678. Sorry, classes are off. I can’t teach you. Harriet’s a great trumpet teacher. Best of luck – S.





10





SILVER





I was prepared for some fallout after the message I sent to Alex last night, but I’m hardly expecting him to be waiting at the foot of the stairs for me first thing this morning. He's wearing a Billy Joel t-shirt and a face like thunder. I manage a warped smirk as I walk past him, into the building. “If you think you’re gonna win me over with a t-shirt, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“What?”

“The Billy Joel…never mind. Look, I’m sorry, but I’m in the same boat as you. I don’t want any drama either, and if you’re gonna be rubbing shoulders with the football team, then as far as I’m concerned, you’re damaged goods.”

“Of course I’m damaged goods. What does the football team have to do with—” He stops short, as if he’s just pieced together why I hate them so much. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

I screech to a halt, and he nearly walks right into my back. I’m fizzing with the beginnings of anger as I face him. “I’m sorry, do I owe you an explanation for anything I do? Am I indebted to you in some way?”

His expression is stony. The muscles in his jaw tic like crazy as he flips a set of keys over and over in his hand. “Play nice, Argento. What makes you think I’ll be rubbing shoulders with any of those meatheads?”

“Because that’s how things work around here, okay. If you’re on the team, you are on the team. I can’t help you.”

“You can’t, or you won’t?”

“I won’t.”

“Okay. Fine. But I already paid for my first two lessons. You have to get me started at least.”

God, the gall of this guy. I’ve already put the money he gave me in an envelope. I take it out of my jacket pocket and thrust it at him. “I was gonna slide it into your locker, but I guess this saves me the trouble. Here. Take it back.”

He doesn’t take it back. “That’s not how this works. You agreed to two lessons. I’m getting them.”

I let my hand fall slack. “Jesus, Alex. Why is everything so damned difficult with you? Just take the money and leave me alone, okay. I just want to get through this year, graduate, and get the fuck out of here. Please. You’re making a scene.”

“Two lessons. Then I’ll be out of your hair, and you won’t have to worry about me complicating your plans. I promise.”

“What does it even matter? Do you think I’m gonna change my mind or something? Because I won’t. I will out-stubborn you every step of the way, believe me.”

“Oh, I believe you.”

“Moretti!” The shout rings out across the parking lot. It’s Jake. Every single muscle in my body tenses at the sound of his boisterous voice. Alex frowns when he sees my reaction to the guy, and a dark, ominous look spreads over him.

“Him?” he says.

“Yeah, him. Now, please, just take the money…”

“I’ll see you after school, Argento. Don’t stand me up. You won’t like what happens if you do.”

“Alex. Alex!” It’s too late. He’s jogging off down the steps, towards Jacob and his crew, and my heart is plummeting in my chest like a lead weight. It feels like it’s about to fucking explode when Alex reaches out and accepts Jake’s bro handshake like they’re suddenly the best of fucking friends. My mouth is hanging open.

Horrific timing, really, since Kacey and the girls choose right now to saunter up the steps. My ex-best-friend sneers as she shoulders her way past me. “Catching flies again, Silver? I’d watch out if I were you. One of these guys might find something to slip in there again if you’re not careful.”

The girls all titter like the mindless mannequins that they are. I glare after them, which is the only reason why I catch Halliday looking back over her shoulder, her face the very picture of conflict. At first, I think she’s staring at me. But then, I realize with a sick weight pressing down on my chest, that she’s actually looking at Alex.





11





ALEX