Page 28 of The Fake Out Flex

She ditches the umbrella. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see Levi."

"He's grounded."

"He may be grounded, but he's not in his room."

"He isn't?"

"No. But you didn't hear that from me, okay?"

"Uh, okay."

"Any idea where he might have gone?"

"No."

"Cool."

"Cool."

"So, I should probably?—"

"Wanna watch the game with me?"

"Huh?"

"Or would that be weird? It's probably weird. Yeah, it's definitely weird, judging by that weird thing your face is doing and how much I'm rambling. Forget it."

"To be fair…" I move in a little closer. "Your current rambling is pretty much on par with your normal, everyday rambling."

"I'm officially rescinding my invitation."

"Rescinding. Fancy word. I'm impressed."

"Actually, I'm rescinding it for another reason."

"Being?"

"Your performance last week. You totally blew it. You missed two chances to score. And your deke? Don't even get me started on that. You need to work on your change of direction. Way too slow. You were unfocused and a step behind the whole game."

Ouch. Can't ever accuse Evelyn Freeman of not saying exactly what's on her mind.

"Your sensitivity is…non-existent."

She winces. "Sorry. I get a little carried away sometimes. I watch too many games with Dad. You should hear some of the stuff that flies out of his mouth." A small smile appears. "At least I don't swear like he does."

"Points for that." I slide my hands into my pockets. "So, where do we stand on the double rescinding of the invitation? I'm confused."

She drums her fingers lightly against her chin. "I'm rescinding the rescindingnation."

I'm ninety-five percent sure rescindingnation isn't a real word, but I'm not confident enough to call her out on it.

"Meaning?"

"You can come in. If you want?"

I look between Evie in the window and my house. "S'pose watching one game can't hurt."

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