‘I doubt he’s in on it, Zach.’ Bec shakes her head. ‘And, even if he is, would you say something if you were in his position? That boy is like a tuna in a shark tank.’
‘He chose the shark tank!’ I say indignantly. ‘It’s not like anyone forced him in.’
‘He’s just lovestruck.’ Bec shrugs. ‘He’s dating the hottest guy in school. Can you really blame him for getting caught up in that?’
‘For the last time, Rhys is not the hottest guy in school,’ I snap. ‘How does an eighteen-year-old even get muscles like that anyway? I bet he’s taking steroids.’
‘He is not taking steroids, Zach.’ Chase laughs. ‘He’s just down in the gym every morning, while you’ve still got your hand down your pants.’
‘He’s got you there!’ Bec laughs. ‘Though I bet you could beat him in an arm-wrestle. They do say it’s all in the wrist.’ She does the jerk-off gesture for good measure.
‘Very funny.’ I follow them to join the Sycamore table. We sit a few seats down from Cameron and Josh, and I can’t help but steal a couple of glances. They’re talking about their prom outfits and Josh is catastrophizing. Cameron is idly playing with his hair as he listens. I could actually pass out from how cute he is.
‘You need to do something to get his attention,’ Bec says, noticing me staring.
‘Yeah?’ I don’t take my eyes off Cameron. ‘He’s ultra sporty … maybe if I put myself forward as team captain?’
‘Absolutely not,’ Chase says. ‘Have you actually lost your mind?’
‘Yeah, I don’t mean to be rude,’ Bec adds, ‘but sport isn’t exactly your forte.’
‘Well, thanks for the vote of confidence!’
‘I love this energy, Zach. I really and truly do.’ Bec sighs. ‘But maybe try something that doesn’t screw the rest of us over? I still wanna win today.’
‘Just because I’m not semi-professional like you two!’
‘Remember when you fell over trying to kick a football? Twice, Zach.’
‘It was slippery!’ I say. ‘And I wasn’t wearing the right shoes.’
‘Mmm-hmm.’ Chase nods. ‘I’m sure that’s what it was.’
Bec laughs. ‘There’s other ways to get his attention, Zach.’
‘Like, dare I suggest … talking to him?’ Chase adds.
‘And saying what?’
‘Just have a normal human conversation maybe?’
‘I’m not very good at those …’
Last time I tried to talk to Cameron, I gave him a lecture on the questionable ethics of fish farms. All he’d said was, ‘How are you?’
‘Oh God.’ Bec is suddenly distracted by something behind me. I turn to see Tiffany heading right for us, her ponytail swishing with the precision of a scalpel.
‘What does she want?’ Chase says, gritting his teeth.
We all go silent as we brace ourselves for impact.
Three, two –
‘So I think congratulations are in order,’ Tiffany says brightly, smile fixed and unfaltering. Everyone around us falls silent. ‘Hottest girl … and Most likely to win gold at the Olympics …’ She reads from her pastel-pink phone. ‘You really did well, Bec.’