Twenty-Three
Duke
I’ve been distracted lately so I get around to calling Shaquille on Saturday. I can’t put it off any longer. I don’t want him to show up on Monday thinking we’ll have classes. Shaquille accepts the news much better than I thought.
“Just wire the refund to my bank account,” he says. “It was nice knowing you, Duke.”
“You too.”
We hang up.
I stare at my cellphone. We’re both relieved then. I’m glad I won’t be seeing him again. I text Sam and Tanner to let them know that Shaquille is no longer welcome at my music school and check for any new messages from Alice. There are none.
This morning she snuck out, leaving a note that she had gone with Careena to buy underwear. I was just glad someone else had taken over that task for a day and didn’t question it. In fact, I cel
