I'm Not in the Band Read online

  I shift uncomfortably under the scrutiny of her gaze. “Like I said we just met. He…um…has second period with me. That’s why.”

  She flashes me an amused smile before slipping past. “Well, you two have fun. See ya later.”

  “Yeah, see ya,” I mumble under my breath.

  Archer is waiting for me in the hallway, standing against the wall with one leg bent, one hand in his pocket. He looks like one of those guys in a teen movie. When he pushes off the wall with a smile on his face, my insides get all fluttery and my hands fill with sweat. I can’t stop a grin from spreading across my face, though. Sophie would die if she could see me now.

  “How was first period?” Archer asks.

  “Not bad.”

  “Yeah. Mr. Williams is cool,” he says. “If only I could say the same thing for Mr. Spencer.”

  “Our chemistry teacher?”

  Archer nods. “He’s a hard ass.”

  I honestly don’t care what our chemistry teacher is like. It doesn’t matter. It will be my favorite class because Archer is in it.

  “Hey, you wanna sit with me?” Archer asks when we enter the chemistry classroom.

  “Sure,” I answer, keeping my tone as nonchalant as possible, despite the fact that my heart is flipping in my chest.

  “I hear Mr. Spencer partners you up with the person sitting next to you.” With a smile, he leans in a little closer. Warm breath feathers over my skin. Goosebumps rise on my flesh. “Think you’ll be okay with being my lab partner for the year?”

  I swallow hard, his proximity making me heady. “Um…yeah. That would be…um…fine.” Fine? What is wrong with me?

  Archer’s lips curl upward into a bemused smile.

  As we sit down at the table near the window, I rack my brain for something to say to make up for my use of the word “fine,” but I have no idea what that would be. It doesn’t matter anyway, because Tiffany breezes in and immediately marches up to where we’re seated.

  “Hey, Archer.” She smiles, her lip gloss shimmering in the sunlight that spills in through the large windows. She’s even prettier in here than in the parking lot. Her ivory skin is smooth, her eyes bright. Tugging on the bottom of my top, I feel like a hag. It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I’ll never look like her. “Want to be lab partners?”

  “I already have a lab partner,” Archer responds.

  Pursing her lips, she glances over at me. “Oh.” Seriously? Had she not noticed me before. “Her? That’s your lab partner?”

  Ouch.

  “Her name is Kassidy, and yes, she’s my lab partner,” Archer answers firmly.

  I wither in my seat. I’d hide under the table if I could. But I don’t. I force myself to sit up straight and hold my head high. Cowering is not a good way to start a new school.

  “Whatever.” Whirling around, Tiffany huffs off.

  “What was that about?” I ask Archer once she’s gone.

  He shakes his head. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you another time.”

  Smiling, I latch on to the phrase “another time.” I like knowing that there will be other times. Many, many other times, I hope.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Archer

  @archerdev1 Call me the dragon because I’m spitting fire. #rapskillz #spittingfire #spittingbars

  Mac: Have you asked Kassidy out yet?

  Me: I told you I did.

  Mac: The rap doesn’t count.

  Me: Why not?

  Mac: Cause you’re no good.

  Me: You sound like Ross.

  Mac: Something we can agree on.

  Me: I’m not sure she wants to date me.

  Mac: She does.

  Me: You think?

  Mac: Yeah. She’s your shadow, dude.

  Me: She’s at a new school, and I’m the only person she knows.

  Mac: I see the way she looks at you, man. She’s into you.

  …

  Tiffany: What was with the attitude today?

  Me: We’re not together anymore.

  Tiffany: So? We can still be friends.

  Me: No, we can’t. Not since you went after my brother.

  Tiffany: Speaking of which, Ross totally won’t return my texts.

  Me: Not my problem.

  Tiffany: Is this about the new girl?

  Me: No. This is about you.

  Tiffany: ’Cause you seem like you’re into her.

  Me: None of your business.

  Tiffany: Then it’s none of your business who I date.

  Me: Right. So, leave me alone.

  Tiffany: Can you please just find out why Ross won’t return my texts?

  Me: Same reason I’m not going to anymore. He doesn’t like you. Give it up.

  Tiffany: Archer?

  Tiffany: Archer?

  …

  Me: Man, I’m so pissed.

  Mac: New girl turn you down?

  Me: No. Tiffany just texted me about Ross.

  Mac: Shameless.

  Me: I told her to stop texting both of us. That we’re not interested.

  Mac: You could give her my number. I’ll text her.

  Me: Trust me. She’s not worth it.

  Mac: I’ll be the judge of that.

  Me: I’m never dating a girl like that again.

  Mac: Hot?

  Me: No. One who’s into Ross.

  Mac: Good plan. Does that mean you’re finally going to ask out the new girl?

  Me: Soon.

  …

  Ella: Having a party Friday night. Wanna come ?

  Me: Can’t.

  Ella: Why not? Hanging with what’s her face?

  Me: Don’t know anyone with that name.

  Ella: The new girl.

  Me: Her name’s Kassidy.

  Ella: Fine. Are you hanging with Kassidy?

  Me: Nope. Just busy.

  …

  Me: What did you think about the first day?

  Kassidy: Not bad.

  Me: Better than Hamilton?

  Kassidy: Different.

  Me: Is that good?

  Kassidy: Not sure yet.

  Me: Anything I can do to help you be sure?

  Kassidy: You can spit some more fire.

  Me: Ha! It was impressive, right?

  Kassidy: LOL

  Me: You thought it was funny?

  Kassidy: Wasn’t it supposed to be?

  Me: Yep.

  Me: Kassidy?

  Kassidy: Sorry. Nancy Drew just walked in.

  Me: Ah, now I get why you thought it was funny. You’re high.

  Kassidy: Nancy’s my cat.

  Me: You named your cat Nancy Drew?

  Kassidy: Yep. They were my favorite books when I was younger.

  Me: Clearly.

  Kassidy: You don’t like them?

  Me: Never read them

  Kassidy: Not a reader?

  Me: Nah, I’m more into movies.

  Kassidy: Movies are cool, too.

  Me: But not as cool as my rap, right?

  Kassidy: Right. Oh, I gotta go. My mom’s calling me.

  Me: Okay. See ya tomorrow.

  Kassidy: Yep.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kassidy

  #7– Hang out with the guys

  Eating lunch with a group of boys is surprisingly entertaining. Prior to coming to Oakhollow High, I hadn’t spent a lot of time hanging out with guys. Kate was my best friend for years. She may have been my only friend. Sitting hunched over my sandwich, I listen to Archer and Mac argue about which video game is better. I don’t play video games, so I have nothing to contribute.

  “Man, this is why you two don’t have girlfriends,” John butts into Mac and Archer’s disagreement.

  Archer glances at me briefly, and my cheeks flame. So far, our relationship is strictly platonic. But there is something between us. Something unspoken. Something unofficial. Even his friends behave as if we’re a couple.

  “What are you talking about? Chicks dig me, dude,” Mac ret
orts, his face scrunched up in a look of mock offense.

  “Yeah, okay.” John laughs.

  “It’s true,” Mac says back, raising his brows. “Ask your mom.”

  Archer chuckles, but John narrows his eyes. “I’ve told you before not to bring my mom into your sick jokes.”

  “Who says it’s a joke. She’s single now, right?” Mac responds.

  My insides twist at John’s expression. Clearly, Mac took it a step too far.

  Without a word, John gathers his things and stalks off.

  “Oh, come on, J. Don’t be like that. It was just a joke,” Mac calls after him.

  “That was low, man. Even for you,” Archer mutters under his breath, once John is out of earshot.

  Mac narrows his eyes. “What do you mean, ‘even for me’?”

  Dread ripples up my spine as my mind travels back to a similar conversation with Kate.

  “I’m not insensitive, Kass. You’re just overly sensitive.” Kate tossed a glossy strand of blond hair over her shoulder.

  I shrank from her words, knowing she was right. It was just a joke. Nothing more. Besides, it’s no secret I was a little overweight. Everyone snickered about it. At least Kate had the balls to say something right in front of me.

  “Besides, if it bothers you so much, do something about it,” Kate continued. “I’ve offered to help you, even go with you on runs or to the gym. Whatever it takes. You know I’m here for you, right?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I know.” Kate was a good friend. That was the truth. Even though her words stung, I shoved them down deep, telling myself not to get offended by them.

  “Seriously, Mac,” Archer is saying now. “You know you always push things too far.”

  Mac’s face is hard, his mouth a tight line. Shoulders tense, I wait for the anger that I know is coming. But to my surprise, Mac nods. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll go talk to him.” Wearing a chagrined expression, he stands up, backpack in hand. Before leaving, he looks down at Archer. “We still getting together tonight for our movie marathon?”

  “A movie marathon?” I ask, curious.

  “We downloaded a bunch of old, classic movies,” Archer answers, with a smile that betrays how passionate he is about this. “It’s for film class.”

  “That’s a lot of homework.” I’d always figured the reason you took film class was to spend an hour at school watching movies instead of doing academic work.

  “Well, not really. It’s sort of extra credit.” His face reddens slightly.

  “Not like he needs extra credit. Mr. Film Producer here could ace the class in his sleep,” Mac says.

  “Film producer, huh?” Intrigued, my gaze rests on Archer. He said he was into movies, but I had no idea it was anything more than a hobby.

  “Yep. He’s the reason the Playlisters are famous,” Mac says, but Archer cuts him off.

  “I thought you were gonna try to catch John.” Archer pins Mac with a challenging stare.

  “I will,” Mac answers. “Are you sure you want to watch old movies? We could do something…I don’t know…fun.”

  “Watching old movies is fun.” Embarrassment passes over his features as if he just realized what he said. “I mean, whatever.”

  Mac swats him in the chest. “Dude, it’s fine. I’ll see ya tonight. It beats staying home, anyway.” He looks at me. “You should come.”

  “Me?” I press my hand to my chest.

  “Yeah, we could use a girl.” He flashes me a crooked smile. “Archer here can get pretty handsy, if you know what I mean. Starts to think we’re on a date or something. I mean, I know I’m pretty, but…”

  This makes me giggle. The last word I would ever use to describe Mac is “pretty.”

  Archer shoots Mac a harsh look, and the giggle dies on my lips. My heart sinks. I had been so close to saying yes, but not if he doesn’t want me there.

  “Um…no,” I mumble, staring hard at the ground, unable to look at either of their faces. My lower lip trembles a little. Maybe Kate was right. I am overly sensitive. “I’m…um…busy tonight. You know, doing stuff…yep…stuff.” Why do I keep rambling? And what kind of answer is that? I have stuff…um…stuff. Man, it’s a good thing I never went into acting.

  “What kind of stuff?” Mac asks, as if he knows I’m lying. Not that I blame him. I sound like an idiot.

  “Mac, if she’s says she’s busy, she’s busy. Leave her alone,” Archer says firmly, and my stomach bottoms out.

  Chomping down on my quivering bottom lip, I take a deep breath. If I start bawling right here, they’ll think I’m crazy.

  The bell peals, startling me. I freeze until it passes. At Hamilton the bell wasn’t quite so loud, and I’m still getting used to the shrill, ear-piercing noise. Grateful that it’s over, I reach for my backpack.

  “Guess I’ll have to talk to Johnny boy later,” Mac says with a grin.

  “That was your plan all along,” Archer points out.

  “Oh, ye of little faith.” Mac clucks his tongue. “I gotta jet. My class is clear across campus.”

  That’s another thing that’s different about Oakhollow. The campus is huge. Hamilton’s campus was so small you could walk the entire thing twice during passing period.

  “See ya,” Archer calls to his friend.

  “I better get going, too,” I say softly, without looking at him.

  “Okay. See ya later, Kassidy.”

  He’s the first friend I’ve had that calls me Kassidy. To everyone else I’m Kass. But I like the way he says my name. It sounds special. I could listen to him say it all day long.

  Shaking my head, I blend in with the sea of students filling the hallway. I’ve got to stop thinking about Archer this way. He’s my friend. Nothing more. He’s made that perfectly clear.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Archer

  @archerdev1 First week of school down. Boom. #senioryear #checkedout #countingdown

  Mac: You blew your chance.

  Me: What chance?

  Mac: The chance to have Kassidy over.

  Me: You heard her. She’s busy.

  Mac: That was a lie.

  Me: Right, because she doesn’t want to come over.

  Mac: Yes, she does.

  Me: Then why did she say no?

  Mac: Because the wrong guy asked her.

  Me: What?

  Mac: Dude, how clueless are you? She wants you to ask her, not me.

  Me: No way am I asking. That was brutal when she shot me down today.

  Mac: You weren’t shot down. I was.

  Me: Ha! Better you than me.

  Mac: Screw you.

  Me: Why did you invite her?

  Mac: Because I knew you’d never have the balls to do it.

  Me: Not sure if I should thank you or punch you.

  Mac: A thank-you is good.

  Me: Nah. Your plan didn’t work. She’s not coming.

  Mac: If you tell her you want her there, she’ll be there.

  Me: If I invite her and she still says no, you’re gonna pay.

  Mac: She won’t.

  Me: But if she does.

  Mac: Fine. Then I’ll take the blame.

  Me: Okay.

  Mac: You’re going to talk to her?

  Me: As soon as you talk to John.

  Mac: I knew that was coming. He’s in my class next period.

  Me: Text me afterward.

  Mac: Okay.

  …

  John: Tell Mac he’s a dick.

  Me: Tell him yourself.

  John: Trust me, I will.

  …

  Me: John’s pretty pissed, man.

  Mac: What’s new?

  Me: I’m serious.

  Mac: He’s a pussy.

  Me: His parents split.

  Mac: So did mine. You don’t see me crying about it.

  Me: Just apologize.

  Mac: Fine.

  Mac: Okay. I talked to John.

  Me: Then you’re good ?

 
Mac: I didn’t say that.

  Me: You didn’t make things worse, did you?

  Mac: You sound like my mom. Now, you have to talk to Kassidy.

  Me: I will.

  …

  Me: Hey, Kassidy.

  …

  Mac: You have class together?

  Me: No. I texted her.

  Mac: You have to do it in person.

  Me: Why?

  Mac: You don’t know anything about girls, do you?

  Me: Not if I’m getting advice from you.

  …

  Kassidy: Hi. What’s up?

  Me: Can we talk after school?

  Kassidy: Sure.

  Me: Cool. I’ll meet you after class

  Kassidy: Sounds good.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kassidy

  #8—Attend a movie marathon

  Archer is waiting outside my last class like he promised. To say I’m nervous would be an understatement. My insides are being attacked by a swarm of angry butterflies, and my head is spinning. What does he need to talk about?

  Taking a deep breath, I head over to where Archer stands against the wall. He looks like he’s posing for a magazine, but I know he’s simply trying to stay out of the way of the students clamoring to get out of here for the weekend.

  “Hey.” I stand in front of him, shoving my fingertips into the pockets of my jeans.

  “Hey.” He pushes off the wall, running a shaky hand through his hair. He’s nervous, too. That’s not a good sign.

  “So…” I bite my lip. “What’s up?” Shoes squeak on the linoleum, shoulders and elbows jab me in the back, jostling me forward.

  “Whoa.” Archer reaches out a hand to steady me. His palm is warm against my wrist as his fingers curl around my arm. This is usually when I freak out and pull my hand away. But for some reason, I’m surprisingly calm. “You okay?”

  I nod, stunned by my behavior. What is it about this guy?

  “Here.” He steps closer to the wall, his hand still gripping my wrist. I follow him, but there’s no need. The halls are clearing out fast. Only a few stragglers are left. We had been standing in the way during the real whirlwind.

  Once we are safely against the wall, he releases me, his fingers finding their way back to his hair. I steel myself for the worst.

  “About tonight,” he starts, and my head snaps up. “I––I know you have stuff to do, but it’ll be fun, and we’ll probably be watching movies until pretty late. We have a lot to get through, you know.” He’s rambling, which is exactly what I do when I’m anxious. “So––if you finish your stuff early, you can come over. I mean, even if you finish late you can. Like I said, we’ll be watching movies for a while. And I can even pick you up if you want.”