Page 44 of Almost Rotten

Shit.

I emailed her earlier, requesting she not assign me to the closing shift after home games again. Though I hoped we’d have a chance to talk about it one-on-one rather than be put on the spot in front of the group like this.

“Sawyer’s not closing by herself anymore,” Cam says, her focus fixed on her clipboard. “She got out way too late on Saturday, and she didn’t even make it downtown to celebrate.”

Shoulders relaxing, I exhale.

Her explanation is completely reasonable, even if it’s nowhere near true.

“I made sure we’re all off this Saturday for the afternoon game against Akron. After that, we should plan to stick around and work one or two days when the team is traveling. That way we each have the opportunity to attend a couple of away games.”

I frown. I hadn’t even considered going to away games, figuring the travel would be too much. I realize how silly that is now. There are three schools in our division within an hour’s drive of Holt alone.

But for the first time maybe ever, the idea of not attending an away game is extremely appealing.

A day to myself, where Tytus can’t show up at my dorm unexpectedly, sounds like a promising respite.

“I can work all of the away games,” I say. “No problem.”

Every head turns my way, my friends’ faces all screwed up in various states of confusion.

“No, I don’t expect you to do that.”

“I figured you’d want to go to as many as you can.”

“You have a car, don’t you?”

The questions hit from all sides.

In any other situation, I’d be grateful for their understanding and support. Knowing they’d cover all the shifts between them if I really wanted to go means so much.

But right now, I’ll do anything to get some distance from Ty while I wait for this disaster we’ve found ourselves in to blow over.

“I get carsick,” I offer.

It’s not entirely untrue.

“And I’m already woefully behind on schoolwork.”

Also not a lie.

“For this month, at least, I’m happy to stay behind and work here during the away games.”

When Cam nods and makes notes on her clipboard, a tidal wave of relief washes over me.

This won’t solve everything, but it’s a start.

The others negotiate who gets to go where, settling on a rough plan. The “family meeting” breaks apart, but Cam lingers behind the skate rental counter after Arjun, Kai, and Bryant go their separate ways. She’s quiet as she rearranges the program guides and rack cards—something I’ve watched her do nearly every shift, even when the literature is perfectly stocked and aligned.

Once we’re alone, she reaches out and places one hand on mine. “Hey. You okay?”

My throat clogs instantly.

I can’t stand anyone being nice to me right now. I don’t deserve the kindness.

Eyes still cast down, I slip my hand out from under hers.

“Sawyer.”