Swing Time Ch. 03

David was taken aback by this. He hadn't put himself in Craig's shoes.

"That's true," he said slowly. "Everybody thinks of you as a criminal."

"And I'm damn lucky Allison didn't press charges. I just — shit, it's fucking useless."

"So what did you want to say?" David was still not tracking. Of all the things he might have expected from his rival, humility was not one of them.

"You're very talented. She loves you. I wish you all the best." Craig's voice rang hollowly off the painted cinderblock walls. He stuck out his hand. "I like being part of this group. I don't want to fuck things up."

David extended his hand. He wasn't entirely convinced, but what else could he do? They shook hands and nodded at one another, and left the school.

It was a long ride home. Allie and David barely spoke. Stan finally turned on the radio.