Page 15 of Rock and a Hard Place

Peter’s heart leapt, but he played it cool. “Really? Do you think we can stop? I’d love to check out that area some more.”

“I bet you would,” she said.

“What?” He feigned innocence.

“I was just agreeing with you.” His mother tried to control the grin on her face. “But, yes, I think we can stop.”

Her cell phone rang. She stood to go answer it. “Bythe way, what’s the name of your new song?”

“‘Angel Kisses,’” he answered.

The next day at school, Libby knocked on Miss Orman’s open door, desperate to get her help.

“Hey, Libby, I haven’t seen you for a while. How are you doing?” A half sandwich, a container of yogurt, and an apple sat on the cluttered desk near her keyboard.

“Good, thanks.” Libby scanned the cramped office as she tried to get up the nerve to ask.

Miss Orman smiled at her knowingly. “Is there something in particular I can help you with?”

“Actually, yes.” She eyed Miss Orman’s PC and twisted the pendant she always wore. “I need to use a computer.”

“Why don’t you use the computer lab after school?”

“I can’t do it before or after school. I ride the bus. And there’s a class in the computer lab during my lunch.”

“How about the computers in the library?” she asked.

“They’re all busy.” Libby offered her best pathetic, begging look.

Miss Orman seemed to consider her decision. “I take it this is very important to you?”

Libby nodded and held her breath. She needed to get back on the internet and check out some of the Peter Jamieson sites.

“Well, I suppose I could actually go to the lounge and eat lunch for a change, instead of making a mess out of my office.” She glanced sideways at Libby. “Would right now be a good time?”

Libby nodded again, bringing a smile to Miss Orman’s face.

“Tell you what, I’ll make you a deal. You sell tickets for the Friday football game fan bus tomorrow during lunch, and I’ll clear out right now.”

“Done,” Libby blurted. Even though she hated the idea of sitting alone at a table in the commons all through lunch, she’d agree to anything to get on Miss Orman’s computer.

“All right, let me log off,” she said as her fingers clicked on the keyboard to save and close files.

Libby’s toe tapped in anticipation. Miss Orman grinned at her as she tidied the area around her keyboard and picked up her lunch items.

“I should be able to give you a good thirty minutes.

Will that work?”

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“No problem. Have fun.”

Once Miss Orman left, Libby nudged the door partly closed to discourage anyone from dropping in. She eased into the counselor’s chair, enjoying the comfort.

This time, she didn’t hesitate. She brought up the search engine, typed Peter’s name, and hit enter. At the sight ofhis face on the screen, she squealed and stamped her feet. “Yes, yes, yes!”

Immediately immersed in a world of Peter and the group called Jamieson, she went from one site to another, soaking up every word and photo. Jamieson was huge. They’d performed everywhere, including major sporting events, talk shows, and award shows. She couldn’t believe she’d known nothing about them until now. Peter must think she lived under a rock, which was sort of true.

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