I bristled as Brooke scribbled notes. Raina did know this wasn’t student council, right? But Raina continued. “Alexei? Your thoughts?”

“Could we spend a couple of minutes on pronouns and why it’s important to use correct ones?” they asked.

“Perfect, love that. Jaz?”

My phone buzzed in my skirt pocket—helpfully sewn in post-purchase by Ainsley—and I pulled it out to peek at it surreptitiously. It was from Brougham.

Still on for later?

A feeling of dread flooded through me and clenched my chest. After stressing all yesterday, and tossing and turning all night, I’d finally managed to block out the thought of Brougham and his threats by focusing on school and normality. Now the whole thing came rushing back. I texted a quick reply.

Yup. 3:45.

Without quite meaning to, I leaned my arm against Brooke’s a little, seeking comfort. She didn’t lean back into me, but she didn’t pull away, either.

And so the meeting continued, with Raina at the head, barking orders to Brooke every now and then. Mr. Elliot did look over at Brooke a few times, to see if she seemed upset, I guess, but he didn’t intervene. He didn’t usually unless things got out of hand.

A couple of times I almost, almost said something, but I wasn’t brave enough to start an argument with Raina in front of everyone. It didn’t stop me from simmering with a quiet outrage on Brooke’s behalf during the rest of the meeting, though. Finally, the bell rang, and everyone headed back to class. As the leader, it was up to Brooke to stay behind and put the chairs back where they should be. Notably, Raina didn’t take over this particular task.

As soon as the room emptied, Brooke let her distress show.

“Did you notice that?” she asked, throwing herself backward to sit on the edge of a desk and folding her arms in a huff.

“Raina’s attempted coup? Yeah, she’s not super subtle.”

Brooke shook her head in disgust. “She thinks just because she’s student council president that gives her authority over everyone, in any context. Next she’ll be overruling the ref calls at football games.”

“She’s always had a big head,” I said. “You get everyone’s attention because they like and respect you. You don’t have to fight for it.”

“What, you think she’s threatened by me?” Brooke asked.

“I don’t think shit. I know she’s threatened,” I said, sitting on the desk across from her.

She pressed a hand against her chest. “Of me?” Even though she seemed skeptical, I got the feeling she sort of liked the idea.

I nudged my foot against hers. “Yes, of you! You gave her a run for her money during the election. I bet that girl’s never been beaten at anything in her life.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t beat her.”