Free What Goes Around by Denene Millner

Lanier…”
    â€œI see,” Altimus countered coolly. “Well, there was a lot going on that evening. You’ll forgive me for not remembering you. Normally, in my line of work, I rarely forget a face.”
    â€œOh, it’s okay,” Jason interjected, secretly relieved that Mr. Duke didn’t recognize him from the tangle of bodies involved in the melee at Sydney’s holiday party brawl.
    â€œYet I’ve never seen you around here before.”
    â€œWell, yeah. Sydney and I just started hanging out recently. I’m not from here…”
    â€œAnd just where would you be from, Jason?”
    â€œWell, my folks moved down here about two years ago from New York City. So I just recently started going to school with Syd…I mean Sydney,” Jason continued nervously.
    â€œI see. And what brought your parents down to Atlanta?” Altimus continued his poker-faced interrogation without so much as a blink of the eye.
    â€œWell, actually I did,” Jason explained as he ran his sweaty palms down the front of his dark-indigo Evisu jeans. “I wanted to play football in an area where I could easily get noticed by the college scouts, and my coach recommended the Atlanta area—”
    â€œBut Brookhaven doesn’t win games,” Altimus cut him off sharply with a raised eyebrow.
    â€œThis is true,” Jason concurred. “But there was no way my parents were going to let me go to a school that didn’t have a strong academic program, and let’s just say Brookhaven has the best reputation by far. So my hope is that over the next year, I can help turn the team around.”
    â€œHmm, I’d have to agree with your parents. Reputation is very important,” Altimus said simply. “Sydney has worked very hard to build and maintain her outstanding reputation both academically and socially.”
    Jason cleared his throat and shifted from one foot to the other. “Sydney’s definitely a great person. I, uh, I’m looking forward to getting to know her,” he started awkwardly.
    â€œSo it goes without saying that both Mrs. Duke and I have great expectations for our daughter. None of which will be achieved if she becomes sidetracked.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œAnd while neither her mother nor I would ever propose to choose who our daughter spends her time with,” Altimus continued, “I’m sure you can understand my concern after years of walking into this room and greeting the Honorable Councilwoman Green’s son, Marcus—you do know Marcus Green, don’t you?”
    â€œYeah, I know him.” Jason bristled at the mention of Sydney’s ex-boyfriend.
    â€œWell, then, I’m sure you can understand how I might feel about finding you here now,” Altimus continued unapologetically.
    â€œUnderstood,” Jason responded from between clenched teeth.
    â€œAs long as we’re clear,” Altimus concluded just as Sydney bounded down the staircase into the living room. She paused at the end of the staircase for effect. Altimus reflexively clenched his teeth.
    â€œHey, J!” Sydney rewarded Jason with a huge smile as she unknowingly interrupted the tense moment.
    â€œHey, Sydney, you look nice,” Jason responded, grateful for the opportunity to escape from Altimus’s well-executed scare tactics.
    â€œThanks—so do you.” Sydney paused for a moment to take in Jason’s jeans, buttoned-up shirt, and fresh pair of Nike Air Force Ones. Even though the jeans were much baggier than his infamous uniform pants, Jason still looked really good.
    â€œAltimus, did you meet my friend Jason?” Sydney inquired, oblivious to the tension in the room.
    â€œYes, I did,” Altimus responded. “As a matter of fact, Jason and I were talking about future prospects when you came down.”
    â€œOf what? The Brookhaven team?” Sydney looked quizzically at Jason for a clue to