no , i think this conversation is over . cass returns to his seat opposite his uncle . i turn away , but i feel his eyes on my back . he backed up , his hands reaching for me even as he tried to protest . joe spent the week in deep thought . wed have to be at our best to make the team . he 's like a bulldog who 's got his teeth in the cuff of my pants . i watch him silently , playing with a lock of my short red hair , smiling shyly . 