Revenge of the Bully by Scott Starkey Page B

wash so thoroughly.
    â€œAny favor?” I repeated. “Just try to win next week. Josie said she’d love to see the G-Men win at least one time while she’s head cheerleader.”
    â€œDon’t worry about me. I’m going to make sure we win. Hey, you’re not lying to me now, are you?” His grip tightened.
    â€œI never lie,” I lied. “No, Josie said she couldn’t wait.”
    His hand released mine and he actually tousled my hair. “Rodney, you’re the best.” He turned back to the mirror. “Do you think I need a haircut?” He smiled at himself then made his hand look like a gun and fired it at his reflection. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I look good either way. See you at practice, Rathbone.”
    He walked out. As the door clicked shut, reality kicked in. What had I just gotten myself into? There was no way Josie was going out with Trevor on Saturday.
    My life was beginning to stink worse than this bathroom!

    That afternoon I sat staring out my bedroom window. How was I going to set up a date between Josie and Trevor? I kept trying to come up with a plan but it was no good . . . I was drawing a blank. I knew deep down that this problem was way beyond anything my brain could figure out. It called for someone so shrewd, so devious, so manipulative that even the C.I.A. would fear him.
    â€œRishi,” I said into the phone, “I need your help.”
    â€œThat’s what I’m here for. What can I do? Contact the papers for interviews? Speak to the Boss about expanding our role?”
    â€œNo, not that. Just listen for a second. I have to get a date with Josie next Sat—”
    â€œHoly smokes! Josie? The cheerleader? I thought you still liked Jessica . . .”
    â€œRishi, I—”
    â€œOh, I get it, you’re trying to make Jessica jealous. Sneaky, Rodney, sneaky, but I like it. I could make a video of the date and e-mail it to her.”
    â€œRishi, you’re not listening to—”
    â€œI’ll get the Boss to hold a private dinner for the two of you. Lots of candles. You should order Josie strawberries. No, lobster. Hmmm, I got it—chocolate-dipped strawberries! No, chocolate-dipped lobster.”
    â€œRishi!” I snapped. “I don’t want to go on the date with her. I’m talking about Trevor.”
    There was a pause. “You want to go on a date with Trevor?”
    â€œNo!” I tried again. “I want Josie to go on a date with Trevor.”
    â€œWhy would you possibly want that?” Poor Rishi was having a hard time following me. Finally he just said, “If you’re looking to hook someone up on a date, I can think of a guy with dark flowing hair, skin the color of the most delicious caramel, a legendary personality . . .”
    â€œListen, I kind of promised I’d help Trevor, that’s all. He was real upset about Josie. Plus it will make him play better. Remember, we need to start winning football games.”
    â€œBut you’re the star player!”
    â€œRishi, you’re beginning to believe your own publicity.”
    â€œThat’s true. See how good I am?”
    â€œAnyway, football isn’t tennis. It’s a team sport and I need Trevor to get the defense going.”
    â€œOkay, I get it. Do you still like my idea of holding the date at Mama’s Restaurant?”
    â€œYes, that’s great. I knew I could count on you to get this going.”
    â€œAll right, Rodney. I’ll call the Boss right now. Besides, I want to check with him to see if he has more work for us.”
    â€œHas he paid you yet for all the flyers we hung?”
    â€œWell, not yet, but I know he’s good for it. Anyway, like I was saying, by the time I get through with that place, Mama’s will be the most romantic spot east of the Mississippi. Talk to you later!”
    Rishi was a good help but I was still in trouble. I had a place