“That sounds like a lot of fun,” I say.

Julian shrugs again. “It is fun. It’s good hype for our first game, and the girls get really into it.”

“Hey, why don’t you come and help Julian out with the coaching?” Camille bumps me with her elbow. “I think the girls would be happy to have both of you.”

I notice Julian’s jaw flex as he throws a look at Camille.

“I’d like that,” I say. Camille’s been really friendly, and it does sound like something that would be fun. And maybe spending a little extra time with Julian won’t be such a bad thing.

“See? Powder Puff is a tradition you don’t hate!” Camille chides Julian.

“Powder Puff isn’t something that’s going to put a black mark on my permanent record if I screw it up,” Julian says as we step onto the sidewalk and start toward Rudy Street.

“Ooh, the dreaded permanent record.” Camille waves her hands in front of her, and I can’t help but laugh. “Hey, speaking of cheerleaders…”

“Were we talking about cheerleaders?” Julian says.

“Keep up, Julian.” Camille deadpans. “I should totally not be gossiping, but guess which cheerleader is about to have a few extra pounds to carry around?” Camille raises her eyebrows and makes a sad face. “Dani Patrick.” She pats her stomach.

“No way. She’s pregnant?” Julian’s eyebrows rise all the way up to his hairline. “Man. So irresponsible.”

My stomach sinks to my knees.

“Hey there, Mr. Judgmental. Take it easy,” Camille says, giving him a dirty look.

“What? You’re the one gossiping about her,” Julian says.

“I’m just relaying information,” Camille says with a slightly guilty look. “But I feel bad for her.… She’s probably going to have to quit cheer for the year, and that was kind of her whole life, you know? I’m sad for her.”

“She’s probably going to have to quit more than that. She’s basically ending her life before it even starts.” Julian snuffles and shakes his head, too.

Camille rolls her eyes. “She’s not ending her life. For Pete’s sake, Juls. Maybe it’s not the ideal way to start a family or whatever, but jeez, it’s not like she’s dying. Back me up here, Elijah.”

I search my head for something to say. Is that how Julian really thinks? Is that what he would think of Frankie? Even my own parents had Frankie when they were still in high school. Does he think that way about my mother?

“I don’t think she’s ruining her life,” I finally say quietly.