“Nothing I’d love to do more, sweetheart!” Joe called back, tearing across the yard and into the house. He returned in less than thirty seconds, leaped toward us, and held out a “card” that looked more like photocopy paper cut into a wonky circle—meant to be wheel-shaped, I supposed. The paper read ALMA & JOE: ROLLIN’ SINCE THE ’70S. WELL-LOVED ROLLER SKATES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES—WHEEL THIS WAY! Their phone number was at the bottom.

“Cool. Thanks,” I said, and tucked the card into my hoodie pocket.

After I’d removed the skates and paid for all my equipment, the four of them waved goodbye to me as I walked off. I flung the bag with my new skates over my shoulder, the weight of them sending a satisfying thump against my back.

Chapter Fourteen

The next day, Friday, I switched to my outdoor wheels and brought my skates to the park to show Fee.

“Whoa, these are sweet, Daya!”

I didn’t know if it was adrenaline or nerves or both, but my words flew out. “Right? You should’ve seen the dude who sold them to me. He was a work of art. Pop art. Or some kind of weird art that moves when you move. Like in a fun house.” Fee stared at me. “Whatever. The point is, this shit’s happening, Fee, and I’m stoked. And nervous. Tryouts are next week and I need to learn how to skate like a pro, ASAP.” Alma and the others had helped a lot, but I wasn’t going to just count on that to get me on this team.

“Well, shit, what’re we waiting for, then?”

“You’ll help?”

“Sure—I mean, I’ve spent way more time on ice skates than roller skates, but I think I can still help you out. Show me what you got!”

We spent the next hour practicing crossovers, stops, and strides.

As we paused to catch our breath, Fee asked, “So there’s no hitting on Monday?”

“Yeah, it sucks.”

They shrugged. “Makes sense, though. Roller derby involves more than just hitting, Bruiser.”

The look on their face—serious, questioning—made my stomach sink. Fee had all kinds of nicknames for me, but the way they said “Bruiser” now made me feel like they knew more than I wanted them to. I tried to hide my unease beneath sarcasm.

I held my chin with my thumb and forefinger and cocked an eyebrow. “Does it, though? Really?”

Fee tipped their head to the side, their face remaining earnest. “Yes, really.” After an uncomfortable beat, the seriousness fell away and their eyes thinned into a squint. “Listen, sister, if you want on this team, you’re gonna need a lot more than brute strength. I mean, I know you’re hella tough, and that’ll be an asset as well, but you’ve got more to offer, ya know?”