I’m always happy when Parker says my name but never have I been more relieved because, damn, it’s hard to be a fish out of water. But I won’t lie. I’m also happy Parker not only waits for me, but holds out her hand for mine before I’m even in reach.

“This way. The hall is clear. Students are in the cafeteria for lunch,” someone says, as we follow Candice, the school’s principal, and the governor out of the auditorium. But clearly that’s not entirely the case.

“It’s Captain America!”

“Fitzy!”

In front of us, Candice turns her head, and I catch the narrowing of her eyes as Parker giggles at my side.

“Maybe you should run for president,” she says jokingly. “You could go with Vote for Fitz and let America’s Captain Lead the Ship.”

Another kid calls my name. I slow, but following the lead, don’t stop. Not until he holds up a phone. I never say no to kids if I can help it.

“Hey.” Stopping, I tap the agent at my side. “Can you take a photo for the kids?”

“Sir,” he says quietly. “It’s against protocol.”

Parker steps in front of me, and I watch how everyone freezes while she holds her hand out beyond the agent. “I’ll take it. Can I see your phone?”

There’s scrambling from inside the classroom as another three students appear in the doorway the agent now stands in front of. “Score!”

“You’re in the way,” Parker tells the agent who doesn’t stand down, but when I push past, doesn’t stop me either. “Get in the middle, babe.”

God damn, there she goes with the babe again.

Parker smiles curtly when the agent finally steps to the side and holds up the phone. “Okay. On three, say rebels.”

Tipping her chin up, she looks over the top of the phone at me and winks, and even though this photo will only be blasted on social media, looking at her as we ruffle some feathers brings another award-winning grin from me.

“Get over here,” I say to Parker, but apparently Governor Stetson thought I was inviting him. Thankfully, he stands on the side.

“How’s that for protocol?” Parker tosses the phone to the agent she had ordered to move out of the way and moves right in front of me.

I’m sure she’s smiling for the camera. But I bet the real reason is because she sees Candice’s face clearly behind it, painted with annoyance and disapproval.

“Thanks so much. Our team won’t believe this. They’re on second shift in the cafeteria. Do you guys want some cookies? We’re having a bake sale to raise money for new uniforms for the fall. Darryl”—he taps the guy next to him—“go run and get some for them.”