Free Overtime by David Skuy Page B

laughed. “Call me Jo-Jo, please. Everyone does. Now, you said your school might close?”
    “We hope not. But the roof needs to be repaired, and if we can’t raise enough money, we will all have to go to different schools in November. So we thought entering your tournament would be a good idea, because it will be fun, but also because of the prize money,” Julia said.
    Jo-Jo nodded vigorously the entire time.
    “We were wondering if Bee-Bees Boutique would allow us to use the money for our Save-The-Roof fund — assuming we win, of course.”
    “I’ll need to call head office,” Jo-Jo said. “We’ve been doing these tournaments to promote sports and healthy living. This is a bit different. I’ll get back to you. I’d like to help.”
    “We wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t so important,” Julia said.
    Jo-Jo laughed. “You’re such a serious girl,” she said. “I like you, and I like that you’re taking the initiative.” She pointed at Charlie. “And who’s your boyfriend?”
    Charlie could only imagine how deeply he was blushing. Julia did not seem that bothered.
    “This is Charlie. He’s helping with the fundraising, and he’ll be on the team too.”
    Jo-Jo took a step back and looked them both over. “Wait here a second.” She went to the back of the store.
    Moments later, she came back holding some clothes. “Julia, you simply must have a pair of the new BBs. I got you ones with the red waistband. I thought they’d suit you.”
    Julia’s eyes got big. “Thanks, Jo-Jo. That’s soawesome of you.”
    Jo-Jo handed Charlie a blue sweatshirt. “We actually sell men’s clothing too. We’ve come out with a whole new boys and men’s line. Everyone thinks we only sell to girls.”
    “Try it,” Julia said to him.
    Charlie slipped it on.
    “Check it out in the mirror,” Jo-Jo said. “It looks great.”
    He had to admit it was a nice-looking sweatshirt. “Thanks. I … needed a new sweatshirt. Thanks.”
    “Making people look good is what we do,” Jo-Jo said. “You two take care. I’ll call you when I hear back about the tournament — and blue is a great colour on you, Charlie. We also have some awesome pants and T-shirts. Come back any time.”
    They walked out.
    “I guess I should go this way,” he said, pointing to the left. “I’m supposed to meet my mom at her café for dinner.”
    “So you’ll ask Pudge if he wants to come with us on Thursday after school to check out ice times for the skate-a-thon?” Julia said.
    “I’ll talk to him tonight.”
    “So I’ll see you later. Thanks for coming with me. It made it easier.”
    “You did all the talking. You didn’t need me.”
    “I enjoyed the company,” Julia said.
    His embarrassment level rose. “Me too. Hopefully, they’ll let us use the money for the roof.”
    “We have to win first.”
    He grinned. “That’s the easy part.”
    She laughed. “See you, Charlie.” She waved and left.
    He went the other way, trying to imagine what his friends would say if they saw him in a Bee-Bees sweatshirt.

12
HEADS UP
    The whistle blew as the boys filed onto the ice. The girls were kneeling at centre, crowded around Ms Cummings.
    Julia had told him Cummings was a great coach. Charlie had never been coached by a woman, and he was interested in hearing what she had to say.
    “Why isn’t Hilton coaching?” Scott said, as they skated over.
    “I bet he can’t be bothered,” Nick said.
    “Neither can I,” Scott said, “but I’m still here.”
    “Hurry up,” Cummings called out. “You’re a bit late, boys.”
    Charlie knelt down.
    “The great ones have arrived,” Alexandra said.
    Next to her Trisha and Emily snickered.
    “We didn’t hear the Zamboni,” Charlie said.
    “I was just welcoming everyone to the team,” Cummings continued. “I hope we all have fun and enjoy the tournament. I know we have some excellent players. Many of you played on the Champions Cup teams, right?”
    Most of the players