So Many Boys (The Naughty List #2)(16)

“Thanks,” I murmured, dropping my head as I turned to walk into the principal’s office.

SOS NEW POLITICIES

Dear Clients,

As a matter of safety, SOS has decided to take our investigations public. In the past, our services have always been confidential, but we do not feel that exposing infidelity privately has been an effective deterrent to cheaters.

For the protection of all girls, the Naughty List will now be released to the public. It will be posted on our new blog at xxx-com. There will also be updates, pictures, and videos available for viewing.

Although our identities are still confidential, our services are not. So spread the word. SOS is stomping out heartbreaking countywide.

And remember, cheaters never win. Especially with SOS on the case!

Keep kicking ass,

Text: 555-1863

Exposing Cheaters for Over Three Years

CHAPTER SIX

“HAVE A SEAT, TESSA.” PRINCIPAL PELLI MOTIONED to the boxy wooden chair in front of his desk. I’d been a little nervous before, but now, actually being in his office made me very uneasy. The return of SOS had frayed my nerves.

“What’s going on?” I asked, sounding guilty even though I was sure I’d done nothing wrong. At least, nothing lately.

“It’s about the squad.” The principal took off his glasses and began cleaning them with the white handkerchief from his desk. “We have a problem.”

Lucy in the sky with diamonds! Did he know about the copy-Kitten? Did he know what we’d been doing for the past two years? “Problem?” I squeaked.

Principal Pelli nodded, slipping his glasses back on his nose. “I’ve sat in on a few of the Smitten Kittens’ practices, Tessa. Things are not looking good. Coach Taylor is concerned.”

“He shouldn’t be. Kira is completely capable and—”

“I know she’s your friend.” Principal Pelli held up his hand to stop me. “But last routine, they had to call an ambulance after Izzie fell during a lift.”

“Human pyramid,” I corrected.

He raised his eyebrows.

“Sorry. You were saying?” I wasn’t sure what exactly Principal Pelli wanted from me. I wasn’t the captain.

“Listen, Tessa,” he said in a quiet voice. “The squad has been very popular over the last few years, bringing in tons of revenue from the games. Lord knows the team wasn’t attracting the crowds,” he mumbled.

The Wildcats had been on a three-year losing streak until they’d made Aiden point guard for his senior year. I smiled. He was so athletically gifted.

“But after last season’s playoff debacle,” Principal Pelli continued, “things haven’t been the same. The Smitten Kittens don’t inspire the image we want for the school, and they definitely aren’t preselling many tickets. Part of that is due to your hasty exit, and part is due to Kira’s inexperience. If I don’t see some changes quickly, I’m going to have to ask her to step down.” He paused before delivering the final blow. “I need your help.”

My face grew hot as embarrassment washed over me. It was one thing for my personal trainer and hairdresser to know about my meltdown in center court last year, but it was something completely different for the principal—the education chief of staff—to call what happened a debacle. I mean, he was right. But it still stung.

“How can I help?” I asked quietly.

“I want you back on the squad. I want you to make sure that the homecoming game goes off without a hitch. Or an ambulance. It’s our biggest game of the season.”

I shook my head, confused. “But sir, I’m not on the squad anymore. I can’t just… show up in uniform.”

“Can’t you?”

I looked down into my lap, perplexed by this new turn of events. I’d given the power to Kira. It wouldn’t be right for me to just take it away without letting her have a real shot. Besides, it wasn’t totally my decision. Smitten Kitten rules would require a vote. “No,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I can’t.”

He exhaled loudly. “Then I’m sorry, but I—”

“However,” I interrupted, holding up my index finger. “I will sit in on the practices and help the squad put together some cheers for the game.”

He smiled, looking relieved. “Thank you, Tessa.”

I nodded and stood up. My anxiety returned as I began to consider how I would tell Kira about this conversation, but then I decided that maybe it was best if I didn’t. Kira wasn’t great with pressure. And it would be totally natural for me to show up more, given the recent turn of events.

Yeah, Kira and stress didn’t mix. Last time we went to our annual cheer competition, she’d puked in her megaphone during the finals. It was horrific.

After closing the principal’s door behind me, I passed through the front office. Peggy was giving me a wayward glance—like maybe she’d been listening over the intercom the entire time. I tried to look cheerful, but the pain in my back made me pause mid-step.

“Everything okay?” Peggy asked. I winced but forced a smile.

“Peachy.” Truth was, I felt sourer than I wanted to admit.

When lunch arrived, I found out that the Smitten Kittens were having a squad meeting (that I wasn’t invited to), and I was left to hurry through my test, then plop down in the cafeteria among the smells of processed meat and steamed corn. It wasn’t a really great day, and now I only had a few minutes to regroup.