Page 18 of Beg, Borrow, or Steal

Emily Walker, you sneaky, conniving…

My thoughts are interrupted when my gaze snags on the very woman in question as she’s passing in front of the market windows. I’m ready to meet her out there and let her have it, until I notice she’s wearing cutoff shorts that display her mile-long legs and a thin white tank top. Her golden hair is pulled back in a clip with her bangs wild around her face. She’s always so polished and professional at school but…this must be summertime Emily.

And before I realize it, I’ve been walking backward trying to keep sight of her until—

Bam.

I slam my back into a center display full of soup cans. It tumbles to the ground in a long slow slide of horrifically loud crashes. One after another in an onion soup avalanche.

Once the onslaught is complete and an awkward silence finally blankets the room, I look back at Phil, Harriet, Mabel, and Will. Their mouths are hanging open and I can practically see their feet itching to run and tell everyone they know about this.

Especially their ringleader: Emily.

“I’ll buy all of this right now if you swear not to tellanyonewhat just happened.”

Harriet nods.

TWO YEARS AGO

FROM: Emily Walker

TO: Jack Bennett

DATE: Tue, Sep 20 6:25 AM

SUBJECT: Field trip presentation

I’ll cut to the chase. I woke up sick today—but I was supposed to present my proposal for the second-grade field trip at the all-teacher meeting after school. If you present it for me, I’ll take over your carpool duty for two weeks.

FROM: Jack Bennett

TO: Emily Walker

DATE: Tue, Sep 20 6:28 AM

SUBJECT: Field trip presentation

Interesting. Why not ask Jessica?

FROM: Emily Walker

TO: Jack Bennett

DATE: Tue, Sep 20 6:30 AM

SUBJECT: Field trip presentation

And risk her terrible monotone delivery? No thanks. You may be a jerk, but I’m mature enough to admit your presentation skills are above average.

FROM: Jack Bennett

TO: Emily Walker

DATE: Tue, Sep 20 6:33 AM

SUBJECT: Field trip presentation

Three weeks and you have a deal. But I’m going to spice up the presentation.

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