Yes, but first a run-in with the jocks

Matt was on his way to trig when he felt a punch in his shoulder.

"Damn, that hurt." He realized he'd made a mistake the second the words were out of his mouth. Bullies love it when their victims show pain.

"So, you think you can tutor our guys, huh?" Jordan glared at him, with Freddy looming in the background.

Matt shrugged, trying to hide the wince his bruised shoulder caused. "Depends on how bad they are."

Jordan shoved him. "This is Peninsula High. We're all above average. No dummies."

Yeah, right. "Then, if the price is right, I can tutor them."

"The price is you staying alive."

"Not good enough. I get fifty an hour."

"That's ridiculous."

"Really? How much is a winning season with all of the players eligible worth? How much is your football scholarship in college worth? How much is failing, having to stay back an extra year and not being eligible worth?"

"We can win with the guys who are eligible," Freddy said. "No need to give in to this extortionist."

"Shut up, Freddy." Jordan glared at Matt. "We'll pay you thirty."

"Thirty-five. Plus, you and the cheerleaders be nice to Cindi."

"What about you?"

"I'm on my own when it comes to the cheerleaders. When it comes to you guys, depends on how bad you want to pass your classes."

"Okay, deal. Thirty-five and everyone is nice to the little chink," Jordan said.

"That had better be the last racist comment heading her way."