Pssh. Trouble’s Scared of Me

I carried the tray out to the private party in the dining area, where low music played, and rich people in sleek suits and glittering dresses chatted over cocktails. I dropped off the food, made sure nobody needed anything else, and hurried back into the kitchen.

Jae was at the sink, elbow-deep in suds, washing dishes.

"Yo, Jae," I said, catching my breath. "I thought you were front-of-house today?"

She groaned. "Dishwasher broke, so I'm stuck doing this." She flicked sudsy water at me. "But….omg, Ash, I have something to tell you!"

I leaned on the counter, wiping sweat off my forehead. "What's that, Jae? You never run out of energy, I swear."

"I got a scholarship into Blackwell High," she said in a rush. "I'm starting freshman year next week!"

I froze, the words sinking in.

Blackwell High.

Of course. The same Blackwell where I was… well. Possibly about to get expelled.

My stomach twisted. Still, I forced a huge grin.