Page 156 of Fall Fake-Out

“Your dad will eventually see what a good principal you are. Just give it time.”

“I know, but honestly”—he glances over his shoulder at Ashtyn’s paper—“the fact that Ashtyn has moved on from me is all I need. Even though she’s been staying away and I saw her making out with that kid at the dance, I still had this thought that she was just lurking in the shadows, plotting some big thing to ruin my life. But I think we’re finally done with her, and we can just focus on us.”

I smile, leaning into him. “I like the sound of that.”

Wade

BARB LANGFORD stands in front of me, her arm outstretched, waiting for me to take the beanbag from her hand. “Dusty and Ari versus you and me.”

I look from Barb to the cornhole boards set up in the backyard.

Then back to Barb.

“You want me on your team?”

She looks genuinely confused. “Well, yes. If you and Ari play together, it won’t even be close.”

Across the yard, Ari catches my eye. Her brows lift, like take the opportunity, Stevenson.

I grin back.

Apparently, I've been drafted.

The first round goes exactly as expected.

Barb lands one bag squarely on the board.

Mine misses entirely.

She folds her arms. “I thought you were athletic?”

“I thought I was too.”

“I guess I should’ve chosen Ari as my partner.”

Twenty feet away, Ari laughs so hard she crosses her legs.

I pick up another bag. “Don’t give up on me yet, Barb.”

Easy toss.

Right onto the board, and we take the lead.

Barb holds up her hand, and I meet it with a high five. “Okay, now our team is on a roll.”

Something about those words catches me off guard.

Our team.

Such a small thing.

But a month ago, I’m not sure Barb would’ve willingly stood on the same side of the yard as me.

Now I’m part of her team.

Wade

I HAVEN’T trick-or-treated since I was seventeen.