Box Out by John Coy Page A

that.”
    â€œOf course not,” Mackenzie says.
    â€œI’d feel like a fake.” Liam stands. “And Coach leads prayers before every game and at halftime and expects us to lead them, too. It feels weird.”
    â€œWhat’s the matter with prayer?”
    â€œNothing, but it’s kind of a personal thing. I don’t think Coach should be making us do it in the locker room.”
    â€œIt sounds to me like you’re worrying too much.”
    Liam looks out the window and doesn’t respond. He’s not worrying. Just trying to tell her what’s going on. Why can’t she see that?
    â€œLiam.” Mackenzie fills the silence. “I’ve got some bad news. My dad got my cell phone bill. It cost a ton. He’s upset at how much we’ve been talking. He says I’m only supposed to use my phone to call them or for emergencies.”
    â€œWhat?” They haven’t talked that much. Liam stares at the dried cornstalks standing in the snow.
    â€œI can’t call you for a month,” she says.
    â€œA month?”
    â€œThat’s what my dad said.”
    Liam sits down on the bed and rubs his eyes.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Mackenzie says quietly. “Li, are you still there?”
    â€œYeah.” He opens his eyes.
    â€œDon’t be mad at me. It’s not my decision. I’ll e-mail.”
    â€œIt’s not the same.”
    â€œI know,” she says. “I’m frustrated, too. We’ll just have to get through this month.”
    â€œI don’t know if I can make it that long.”
    â€œI’ve got to go, Li. Dad will see this call on next month’s bill. We’ll figure something out. Bye, Li.”
    â€œBye.” Liam snaps his phone shut and pounds his fist on the bed.
    Saturday night, Liam’s hands fly at the controls of NBA Live. He’s up ninety-nine to ninety-eight and traps Seth at half-court. Seth twists and launches a wild shot.
    â€œFor the win,” Seth shouts.
    â€œNo way,” Liam hollers.
    The ball swishes through the net.
    â€œYes! Yes! Yes!” Seth jumps up and down using the couch as a trampoline.
    â€œI don’t believe it.” Liam tackles Seth and they fall to the carpet.
    â€œBelieve it, sucker.” Seth turns him over and pins him.
    The doorbell rings and Seth runs to get it.
    â€œGood evening, Mr. Pizza Man. Let me introduce you to the Big Loser.” He motions to Liam. “He’s paying and he tips extremely well.”
    Liam pulls bills out of his wallet and gives them to the delivery guy.
    Seth opens the box. “Pineapple and ham? Who’d ruin pizza by putting pineapple on it?”
    â€œIt’s good,” Liam says. “Try a piece.”
    â€œNo chance.” Seth grabs a pepperoni slice. “Don’t let any of that pineapple get on my half.”
    Liam slurps his Pepsi. “That meeting at Drake’s house. What did you think of it?”
    â€œIt was okay.” Seth chews with his mouth open.
    Liam wipes cheese off his chin. “We didn’t do anything like that last year.”
    Seth leans forward. “Drake says it builds team unity and helps guys focus.”
    â€œI don’t know about that.” Liam shrugs. “Are you going again on Thursday?”
    â€œYeah. Drake says it’s a plus for making varsity next year.”
    â€œReally?” Liam wipes a blob of sauce from his jeans. Since when is Seth talking so much with Drake?
    Seth burps loudly. “This time, though, I’ll bring my own doughnuts.”
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Liam sits down across from Mom at the dining room table.
    â€œBudget review. I have finance committee tomorrow morning.” Lines crease her forehead as she studies papers. “We must have been out of our minds to schedule that first thing on Monday.” She pets Dizzy, who snores in her lap.
    â€œHow’s it look?” Liam picks up an