The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride Page A

there.”
    Max poked me in the shoulder as he passed. “I’d love to show them to you, too.”
    I sat down, shuffling through my folders like I had something important to do. “No strings?”
    â€œWe’ve been doing this for weeks, Tess.” Max shook his head. “When you’re ready to show me your stuff, I’ll be glad to share mine.”
    He turned and walked away, leaving me there to stare after him.
    â€œAre you crazy?” Darcy stabbed me in the arm with her bony elbow. “He’s interested .”
    â€œNo way.” I glanced over my shoulder and watched Max’s lean body fall into the computer chair, his sinewy arm reach for the mouse, his long fingers grip its frame. “But even if you’re right, I can’t get all twisted up over a guy right now.”
    â€œWith Max, it wouldn’t be like that. You can just tell.” Darcy grabbed hold of my shoulder and turned me so I was facing her. “Stop. Pushing. Him. Away.”
    And then she left me sitting there, so very alone, positioning herself behind Max’s chair.
    â€œOoh, that one is great,” Darcy said. I turned quickly and saw her prop one hand on her hip as she leaned over Max’s shoulder. She was wearing a dark pair of skinny jeans and had one foot slung out to her side, accentuating her long legs.
    â€œNuh-uh,” she said. “How did you get that shot?” She laughed loudly and turned, looking right at me. These are good, she mouthed, pointing to Max’s back.
    I flipped my folder open and shuffled through my pictures. One of my favorites was of two girls on a wooden swing set, flying through the air, one a little higher than the other, their thin legs pumping skyward to get more lift. A few weeks ago, I’d hurried into my neighbor’s side yard when I heard their giggles, and crouched behind them in the cool grass to capture the moment.
    As much as I wanted to show him my pictures so I could take a look at his, my body wouldn’t move. The thought made me feel like I had to run to the nearest restroom to puke up my lunch.
    A few minutes later, Darcy and Max strode back to the desks that flanked mine.
    â€œWell, the two of you don’t know what you’re missing.” Darcy popped a bubble of her pink gum.
    â€œDon’t tell me,” Max said. “This whole hide-the-talent game is all Tess’s idea.”
    â€œIt’s not my idea ,” I said. “You say that like it’s a choice.”
    Max flashed me a crooked half smile. “Everything in life is a choice.”
    Darcy nodded. I kind of wanted to hit her. Why was she siding with him, anyway?
    â€œI’ve got a question.” Max ran a hand through his thick curls. I tried to ignore how hot he looked when he messed with his hair.
    â€œNo,” I said. “You cannot see my pictures!”
    â€œWhoa, there.” Max reached out and placed his hand over mine. “Relax. This is a different subject entirely.”
    Darcy looked at our hands and chuckled as she reached into her purse. Scooting her phone several inches out of the opening, she hid it from Mr. Hollon, who was showing someone a new setting on a digital camera. Her fingernails were tick-tick-tick- ing against the keypad as she texted her boyfriend, something she did from photography class at least three times a day.
    â€œI’ve been hearing all kinds of stuff about some kidnapped girl,” Max said, removing his warm hand from mine.
    Darcy stopped texting. From the corner of my eye, I saw her turn and face me.
    â€œWhat’s up with that?” Max asked.
    Darcy opened her mouth. Started to speak. I cut her off.
    â€œA girl was kidnapped from a park around here a couple of years ago.” I worked to keep my voice steady. “They found her, and now she’s home.”
    Max splayed his hands in the air. “That’s it?” he asked. “I’ve gotten more information