my enemies are lined up like a firing squad, ready to take aim as I march toward them. At the head of the pack, Audrey’s mouth literally drops when she sees me in the dance uniform, her brows pinching together in disgust.
“What in the fresh hell—” she begins to protest.
Coach Lopez holds up her hand and cuts her off. “Not now, Audrey. Listen up, ladies. Here’s the deal. It’s a new season, and big things are happening this year. I know you’ve all been waiting to hear the announcement for captain, so we’ll start there.”
My eyes lock with Audrey’s. We’re like two rams, ready to throw down. She steps forward, prepared to snatch the crown she’s convinced is already hers. In her universe, nobody holds the power to dismantle her throne. Nobody would ever dare. History has proven it to be a fact, but history’s about to rewrite itself.
“This year’s captain is new to the Cougarettes, but she’s not new to the sport,” coach begins. “She’s a three-time champion at both the regional and national level with over a decade of experience in a variety of genres. Please give a warm welcome to your new cheer captain, Kailani Hale.”
“Hey.” I offer them a sweet smile. “Remember me?”
There are quiet gasps all around, and everyone’s eyes fall on Audrey, waiting for her reaction. Her pale cheeks are on fire, fists curled at her side, and her ugly is showing. She has ruled this school since the day she stepped foot through the overpriced doors. But I have one thing that Audrey doesn’t. And that’s a hell of a lot more experience when it comes to dance.
“Coach, this must be a mistake.” Her head rattles back and forth. “She wasn’t even here for tryouts!”
“There’s no mistake.” Coach stands her ground, something I respect her for since not all of Audrey’s teachers will. “Kailani tried out just like everybody else, and she’s earned this position fair and square. If you’d like to air a grievance, you can make an appointment with me later to do so.”
“You better believe I’m going to air my grievances,” Audrey snarls. “Wait until my mother hears about this. She will tear this—”
“Kailani, the floor is yours.” Coach Lopez ends Audrey’s tirade with a firm voice, and the rest of the dance team watches me nervously as I step forward. The energy in the air is frenetic, and I know my future at Black Mountain Academy hangs in the balance. I’m here to show them I’m not the same girl they ran off two years ago. It’s time to establish my place at the top of the food chain.
At least there’s one friendly face in the crowd. Courtney is smirking back at me, enjoying the showdown just like she promised she would. She’s not even remotely into school spirit, and she looks more than a little uncomfortable in the uniform, but she showed up like only a good friend would. This summer, I gave her an intensive crash course in dance over video chat. I had to twist her arm and promise her the world to get her to do this for me. But she’s here, and I’ve never been so grateful to have someone on my side.
“Hey, everyone.” I step forward and square my shoulders. “As coach mentioned, I’m Kailani.” Or as you all like to call me, the demon slut. “I’ve been dancing for thirteen years, and I have a background in hula, samba, jazz, and Polynesian fire dance. When I was twelve, I traveled with a professional dance troupe for two years, performing all over the world.”
“Yeah, only because of your mother.” Audrey nearly snaps her neck from the dramatic eye roll as I drop my credentials.
I offer her a fake ass smile like she offered me when she pretended to be a friend. That was the first and last time I’d ever trust one of these girls.
“I have a lot of ideas about incorporating fresh routines into the Cougarettes legacy,” I continue.
“That’s not what the Cougarettes are about.” Audrey crosses her arms and glares at me. “You wouldn’t know that because you’ve been here for like five minutes, but our traditions are sacred. We perform the routines that have been passed down through generations because they are classics. And I can assure you the alumni won’t tolerate this sort of mutiny.”
Coach Lopez gives me the side-eye, leaving me an opportunity to handle this on my own. Audrey is flexing the muscle of her family name