“I’m not a cultural experience for some random white boy,” I say, folding my arms. “And, before you go looking for one, I don’t know any black girl who’d want the position.”

The rest of the team is silent. I can’t tell what it means. Maybe they don’t know what to say. Maybe they think the same thing, and don’t want to get caught up in a fight. Whatever the reason, it reminds me why I don’t like all-white spaces. I always have to be on the defensive, ready for someone to say or do something stupid, no matter how “safe” the space appears to be.

“Look, it’s no big deal if you don’t get it, Austin,” Chad goes on, shrugging. “But I can definitely tell the difference.”

“Oh my God,” I say. “Fuck you.”

I turn on my heel. There’s no way I’m listening anymore. I know where it’s headed: He’ll keep acting like what he said isn’t a big deal. And since we’re surrounded by white people, he’ll have a pretty easy time of it.

Miles calls my name, but I don’t stop. I’m pissed at him, too. So what if it’s not his fault? These are his teammates. I’m sure they’ve made tons of comments about how fun black girls are to mess around with. Has Miles called them out before? Or did he just stand there and laugh?

I push back into the school, but Miles’s heavy footsteps catch up to me.

“I’m sorry, Simone,” he says. I don’t turn to face him. “He’s an ass.”

I lean against the wall, still not facing him. “He probably isn’t the only one.”

“Hey.” He steps in front of me, forcing me to look at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, come on, Miles,” I say, leaning away from him. “Don’t act like he’s the only one who has ‘always wanted to date a black girl.’ They’ve said stuff like that before, haven’t they?”

“How would you know?” he asks. The words come out too fast. I know I’ve struck a chord. “You don’t hang out with them. This is the first time you’ve met them.”

“I just do.” I try to push past him, but he steps to the side, blocking me with his frame. “It’s—Miles, it’s not just me. They must say stupid shit to you all the time and you just brush it off. I don’t get why you’re so in love with lacrosse when it’s reserved for white guys.”

His eyes darken.