Page 199 of For the Fans

My nervous gaze slides over his frame, and for a second, I completely forget about all the bullshit going on… Because he looksincredible.

He’s wearing a three-piece suit, and a very dapper one, I might add. Slim, black, and sort of shimmery, with a gray dress shirt underneath and a vest. His tie is skinny and hot pink, because this is Avi we’re talking about… He’s also wearing Chucks, not dress shoes, and his nails are painted black, hair mussed up in his signature look that fits him so well.

He looks every bit like the emo kid forced to put on a suit, andGod, it’s really working for him. I can picture him on stage singing some My Chemical Romance song I’m sure he knows all the words to.

My lips part, because I want to tell him all these things… Or even just sayhi, because I haven’t stopped thinking about him for one second since last night.

With the craziest wave of need crashing over me, I’m reaching out like I want to hold his hand. I’ve completelyforgotten that we’re surrounded by people and drama and impending doom.

I’m just staring at him, and he’s staring at me like he wants the same thing I do…

To dance with me.

I just want to slow dance with him… Because he never got to in high school.

Of all the firsts we’ve had together, it feels like one I’m desperate to have with him.

But it doesn’t happen that way. Because reality comes bursting through our bubble as the hushed murmurs of my teammates, cheerleaders, and onlookers attack my ears.

“He’s the one… with the OnlyFans,” someone whispers.

“That’sBackwardz_Cap!” another person quietly exclaims.

“I heard he did it all on campus…” The words are surrounding us, just like the group that’s now forming.

“But who’sNot_Your_Baby??”

I’m quaking from head to toe, my gut clenching up like a fist.

It’s all over… I can feel it.

This will be the end of everything.

“Avi, my darling boy!” Hannah strides over in her black dress, hugging her son, fully unaware that we’re standing in the eye of the storm.

“Looking sharp.” My father grins and slaps him on the back.

“Oh, boy…” Avi rubs the back of his neck, his eyes pinging between our parents and the rest of the party, most of whom are staring at him. “I was really hoping you guys wouldn’t be here for this…”

Hannah’s forehead lines in concern. “Here for what?”

“Mr. Vega.” Dean Perkins saunters over, folding her arms over her chest. “I’m sorry to have to do this, but being suspended means you’re prohibited from attending school functions.”

“Suspended?!” Hannah gasps.

“Avi, what is she talking about?” my dad barks.

Avi glances at me. My mouth is still hanging open, but I have absolutely no idea what to say. I don’t even think I could form words right now if I tried.

“Dean, what’s going on?” Coach Matthews stomps over.

“Avi’s been suspended,” she whispers to him. “He shouldn’t be here.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Coach says. “Avi’s a member of our team. Just let him stay for the banquet.”

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” She stands her ground. “Not with allegations like these…”

“What allegations??” my father hisses.