Free Breaking Hearts (B-Boy #2) by S. Briones Lim Page B

up?”
    “Sarcastic much?” Jacob rolled his eyes and shot me an unamused look.
    Ignoring him, Joe pressed on, wagging his fist in frustration. “How about what’s up with you leaving? They didn’t even hand out the prize money yet and I turn around and see you bounce.”
    “You guys win money?” I gaped.
    As if noticing me for the first time, Joe looked down at me and grinned in appreciation. “Well hey there, pretty lady. Name’s Joe.”
    I refrained from telling him I already knew his name and instead introduced myself. “I’m Estelle.”
    “Yeah, a friend of mine,” Jacob clarified, though I couldn’t help but feel as if somehow he was staking his claim.
    As if forgetting why he bombarded us in the first place, Joe pointed to my camera and asked, “You take pictures? We can always use more photographers at our events. You should totally hit me up if you’re interested.”
    “I just started, actually. Don’t expect me to contact you any time soon,” I replied rather shyly. “If today’s class was any indication, I don’t think I’ll be any good.”
    “Aw, don’t say that, Sweet Cheeks. Spinja here thought he’d suck at breaking too. Look where he is now.” He paused and narrowed his eyes. “Unappreciated of a win!”
    “Don’t even start. You know I shouldn’t have won that battle,” Jacob hissed.
    “Stop with that bullshit. You won fair and square. Now go back into that building and take your money.”
    Jacob shook his head in disgust. “No, I didn’t win and we both know it. What’s the deal with the judges choosing me? Ghost completely blew me out of the water! There was no way I took that title.”
    With a chagrined look on his face, Joe admitted, “You know that we’re only allowed to use the commons if the school sees how much support the scene has. Right now you’re our meal ticket, Jacob. You’re like the pretty boy pin-up all the girls want. You’re the Justin Timberlake of our crew. You’re what drives the girls—and guys—to our events. If you start losing, you know perfectly well people will stop coming out.”
    Jacob’s eyes darkened. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
    “Go back inside, Spinja,” Joe sighed. “If not for yourself, then for all of us.”
    I raised my eyebrows in surprise. Anna wasn’t kidding about the whole tight-knit community aspect of breaking. If anything, it reminded me of a cult.
    “No. Give the money to Ghost. He deserved it and we both know it.” Without waiting for a response, he turned to leave.
    “Spinja. Spinja!” Joe called out, but didn’t make an effort to follow him.
    “I don’t like being used, Joe,” he replied without the benefit of a glance back.
    As we watched Jacob walk away, Joe grunted, “Your friend needs to learn how to watch himself. He needs to remember what’s important.
    “I think he already does,” I responded, clutching onto my chest. This crush was never going away.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 12
     
     
    I was so jazzed up from my run in with Jacob that I was dying to share the news with anybody. Of course the only person I could speak to was Anna, and truth be told, I still had my reservations about her.
    It didn’t matter if I told her either way. It wasn’t as if I saw her enough to have a chance to. She was always hanging out with Lucas, and even began sleeping over at his apartment. I couldn’t say that I really cared. I mean, I was used to being somewhat of a loner. Besides, the solitude gave me ample time to fidget around with my DSLR. By the time my next class rolled around I was feeling far less apprehensive and dare I say, even confident.
    The next weekend I walked into the classroom with a small smile on my face. Opting to sit closer to the front this time, I chose a center seat, ready to show the world what I could do. Just as I was about to make myself comfortable, a movement in the corner of my eye caught my attention.
    “Hey, Ellie. Glad you decided