AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re welcome—you earned it! Thirty-three books is a reading record for the library!”
She flashes a gappy smile up at me and my chest cracks open a little. I’m going to miss working at the library when I move to Florida. Maybe I can find a job at a library or bookstore down there.
“Thanks—it was hard, but we can do hard things!” she chirps and I nod, hugging her small shoulders.
“That we can. Have a great school year, okay?”
“I will.”
Abigail and her mom wander out of the library and I squash down my sadness, my eyelids gummy.
“We sure are gonna miss you ‘round here, Sloane. Especially since Meg took the job in the front office at the high school. I’m down two helpers.” Ms. Mabel shakes her gray head, the chain on her readers tinkling.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Mabel. I’m sure you’ll find people to take our places.”
“I will. But they won’t be as lovely as you. You’re my girl.” Ms. Mabel encircles me in a hug, squeezing. “But I don’t blame you one little bit. A man like Cam Crawford swoops in after me, I’m saying yes. Go live your life, Sloane. Be happy.” Tears sparkle behind the lenses of Ms. Mabel’s glasses and I nod, too choked up to speak.
After a minute, I take a shaky breath.“Thank you. Say bye to Meg for me. I’m sorry she couldn’t be here today.”
“She had Orientation at the school. But I’ll tell her you said bye.”
With one last hug, I tuck in my chair for the final time and head out of the library.
Gracelyn comes over to help me pack up my stuff for the move.
“Gah, I hate this!” She throws herself on my bed and stares up at the ceiling. “We were gonna move in together and have a perpetual sleepover!”
That was never going to happen, but I don’t tell Gracelyn that.
“Look at it this way—you’ll always have a place to stay on the beach in Florida!”
“True, good point. I do love the beach.”
“Exactly.” I shove the last of my clothing into mysuitcase and together Grace and I manage to zip the bag closed.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving.” Grace glances around my room, the closet and dresser empty. “I’m going to miss you, bestie.”
She grips me in a tight hug and tears fill my eyes. “Me too, Gracelyn. Thanks for being here for me this summer. And come see me all the time, okay?”
Gracelyn nods, her chin pressing into my shoulder. “Okay.”
“We ready? I don’t want to be late to the game.”
Tonight’s the exhibition game at the high school, a pre-season game between Thunder Creek High and our biggest rival, Lighting Ridge.
“Sure, let’s go.”
By the time we arrive at the high school, the parking lot’s packed. We find one of the few remaining spots and hustle into the stadium.
“Is your dad nervous?” Gracelyn asks as we move through the crowd.
“Coach Carter? Nervous? Never.” I spot my dad pacing on the sidelines, wearing his coaching uniform: dark blue Thunder Creek polo, khaki shorts, baseball cap, and his bright orange whistle. He’s staring at his clipboard, frowning, and tears prick behind my eyes.
I’m going to miss my dad.
He’s gruff and quiet, keeping to himself most of the time, and watches a shit-ton of ESPN. But still—he’s the best guy I know (Cam’s tied, but don’t tell either of them).
After Cam showed up at the library, I cornered my dad about the whole thing. He muttered something about second chances and taking risks, then patted Cam on the shoulder and went to Mack’s house.
