Page 14 of The Way We Score

“I will not.” Craig’s tone is defensive, and Dylan snorts a laugh.

“He doesn’t.”

“I knew it!” Allie cries.

During the school year, Allie works as the librarian at the high school, and she helps out on Dare Nights, which have gotten busier and busier as the word has spread about my sister’s deliciously dangerous hot pepper nights.

Now that it’s summer break, she’ll be working full-time at the restaurant.

“I’m worried we don’t have enough hands.” Allie peeks through the double doors leading into the restaurant. “Maybe we should charge a cover?”

Dylan serves her dishes for free, but we more than make up for the small cost with the increase in bar sales on Dare Nights. Not to mention the repeat customers.

“I can’t charge a cover!” Dylan’s nose wrinkles. “It’s bad enough I try to melt their lips off every Thursday night.”

“I can help out.” Grabbing an apron, I pull it over my head. “What do I do?”

“Pull the lids off ice cream cups.” Dylan lifts the large bowl of fiery blueberry sauce. “I don’t want any of y’all touching this stuff. Experts only tonight, Allie.”

“I’ve got the perfect song.” Craig starts for the door. “I expect you to dance with me, Grizz! I don’t care how helpful you’re being.”

I spot my sister as she transfers the bowl onto a cart with wheels, and we head for the kitchen door. The crowd bursts into cheers as we emerge, and they’ve decorated the place withballoons and streamers. Several people are holding signs that sayCongratulationsandBest Wishes, and my little sister stops walking, lifting her hands as tears flood her eyes.

“Oh, y’all!” she cries. “What have you done?”

“Don’t touch your eyes!” Allie cries, grabbing a tissue and blotting the tears away for her.

Rachel holds Miss Gina’s arm as she reaches for my sister. “Miss Gina!” Dylan’s voice cracks. “Did you know this was happening?”

“I don’t know what’s happening!” Miss Gina laughs, her blind eyes lifting to the ceiling. “I only know you deserve it. You give so much joy to everyone.”

My sister leans her head on the old lady’s shoulder. “My hands are all covered in pepper juice or I’d squeeze you.”

Liv helps her mom scoot up behind them to give Dylan a hug, and my insides tighten. I want to go to her and pull her into my arms like it’s old times. I want to tell her all the things Logan said I should.

But I don’t know enough about her story yet. I can’t bulldoze into her life like I’m the only thing that matters. Like I used to do.

I’m not a toddler, and she has feelings and a life. I want to know more about all of it. This time it’s not all about me.

“I can’t wait to taste this.” Ms. Plum points at the bowl in front of Dylan. “I love that dark purple color. And over ice cream?”

“Hold that thought.” Dylan holds up a finger, her brown eyes shining. “Allie’s going to give you the scoop.”

Liv’s nose wrinkles, and she laughs. “This is so fun. Last time I was here the whole place turned into a dance party!”

“Let’s do this.” Craig slides by in his shoulder-length, curly blond wig, looking like he’s about to sing “Sandra Dee” fromGrease.

He goes to the PA system, and I lean into her ear. “Stay close.”

Her greenish-brown eyes blink wide, and I give her a wink before following my sister to a long table stocked with ice cream in coolers, spoons and napkins.

Allie is already there, primed to make the usual announcement.

“Okay, y’all, this is an experts-only night!” Cheers interrupt Allie’s speech, and she holds up a hand, waving at them. “Trinidad scorpion is no joke, but tonight in honor of the future bride and groom, we’ve got a special blueberry-lime sauce served over vanilla ice cream. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can try it on a slice of tomato. I know that sounds weird, but it’s really good. And in honor of the couple, we have special Fireball shots two for one at the bar. Let’s do this!”

The lights switch to the flashing, rainbow disco-swirls, and Craig hits the music. It’s Pittbull’s “Fireball,” and he’s on the bar at once with the girls, rocking his hips and shaking his ass.

I’m beside Dylan, ripping the tops off tiny vanilla ice cream cups, and just as fast she spoons a dab of Blueberry Trinidad Sauce on top. Allie passes them a wooden spoon and a napkin, and the customers dance away.

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