“Well, you didn’t let anyone down.” <b>Alessia’s </b>smile said it all–she was clearly in high


    spirits.


    “Of course not! When has Alessia ever disappointed anyone?” Pierce’s words drew a round of enthusiastic agreement from the group.


    “Aren’t you up for the 50–meter soon? Why aren’t you getting ready?” Ste, having just signed up for shot put, had impulsively added her name to the 50–meter dash as well. The news had sent Pierce over the moon; he was grinning like he’d already imed first ce.


    “I just wanted toe over and congratte you first–you were amazing!” Ste gave Alessia’s cheek a yful squeeze.


    “It’s only the 50–meter. I already warmed up while you were busy with your event.”


    No sooner had she spoken than the loudspeaker crackled to life, calling forpetitors in the 50–meter and other events to make their way to the field.


    “Go on, I’ll grab a drink and be over to watch you race!”


    “Alright, I’ll go sign in.”


    “Give it your all, Miss Laine! We’ll be there to cheer you on in a bit,” Pierce called after her.


    “Just wait–I’ll bring back the gold!” Ste shouted back, running toward the track. but making sure to wave over her shoulder.


    Pierce and the others, even more fired up after Ste’s rallying cry, looked like a bunch of rowdy kids let loose at recess–enough to draw a few curious nces. from passersby.


    Alessia only chuckled, shaking her head as she took a sip from the water bottle. Ste had pressed into her hand before slipping away.


    At the 50–meter starting area, Alessia found a quiet spot to sit–by chance, directly. across from the VIP section where the investors were seated.


    She shielded her eyes from the sun, squinting a little, her posture as rxed as a sunbathing cat. Down on the field, Ste was waving up at her, brimming with energy–the very picture of confidence in her t–shirt and sneakers.


    Alessia waved back, and only then did she notice Lucy among the runners. But something was off: Lucy’s steps were unsteady, her whole demeanor faint and


    12:03


    uncertain.


    Alessia frowned just as Pierce ambled over.


    “Pierce<b>.</b>”


    “Yeah? What’s up, Alessia?” He closed the distance between them in a few quick


    strides.


    “I don’t think Lucy’s looking too good. Do you know what’s going on?”


    “Not looking good?” Pierce craned his neck, scanning the lineup for Lucy. “If she’s not feeling well, she can always drop out. But she’s at the starting line, so I guess. she’s okay? Once they clear the field, though, we can’t get in to check on her or pull


    her back.”


    He peered again, concern creasing his brow. Alessia wasn’t the type to make a fuss over nothing.


    “No, I should go tell one of the teachers. Alessia, I’m going to find a staff member.”


    You had to hand it to Pierce–he might actid–back most of the time, but he was reliable and took responsibility seriously. It was no wonder everyone trusted him, even Cole.


    Since Pierce was already on it, Alessia let the matter drop. As he’d said, only Lucy knew how she felt, and she had the choice to step aside if needed. Standing at the line meant she’d made her decision.


    Alessia and Lucy had no real friendship to speak of–if anything, there was some bad blood between them. Mentioning the issue at all was more kindness than she owed; there was no need to get involved further.


    She was just beginning to zone out when a familiar voice spoke up behind her.


    “Miss Morton.”


    Alessia turned to see Larkin, who’d appeared at her shoulder without her noticing.


    “Mr. Whitley asked me to give this to you,” he said, holding out a cap. “He also wanted me to remind you that it’s a hot day, so drink plenty of water. And–he said you were outstanding.”


    A smile tugged at Alessia’s lips as she epted the cap and nced toward the VIP section–just in time to meet Cole’s gaze.