Page 143 of Bookworm

"He definitely picked the wrong shop," I said.

Mrs. Lee shrugged, but her face looked more relaxed than I'd ever seen it.Her gaze settled on mine.

"I wanted to confirm something," shesaid. "Snow-Soontells me you flipped Bo to the mat perfectly on the first try."

I nodded."That's right."

"How did it feel?"

"Good," I said, "great, actually. I couldn’t wait to do it again. He was a good sport about it too."

"Of course,Charlotte-Lottie-Lotte. He wants to make sure you're safe."

I blushed at that.

"You keep practicing," she said.

"I will," I promised.

She nodded then turned to Constance. "Are they ever going to play?"

"My grandson is the best," the other woman sniffed. "They're just making sure everything's ready. Trust me, they're worth the wait."

A girl who looked about my age joined us then, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"They had some trouble with the sound system, but everything's good now," she said."Iknew carrying a screwdriver in my purse would eventually come in handy."

"Thank goodness for you, Magnolia," Constance said, looking at her with clear affection. "How was Hayden when you left?"

"Nervous, but ready to rock, as always."

"Naturally." The older woman turned to me then with a grin. "This is my grandson's band."

"You must be soproud," I said. "I've heard wonderful things."

"Oh, I am."

Mrs. Lee grumbled, "Wish I could hear some music. That's what we came for."

"Oh, pipe down, Seung. They're about to start."She nodded to the girl. "This is Hayden's girlfriend Magnolia. Maggie, the scowling old lady is my dear friend Seung Lee."

"Nice to meet you," the girl said with a nod.

"You too." Mrs. Lee huffed, "And old, Constance? I'm still younger than you."

"Maybe in years, but not in spirit," the woman chimed.

Mrs. Lee's eyes lit on me next. "This is Bo's girlfriend, Charlotte-Lottie-Lotte."

"Cool name," Maggie said.

"Thanks"—I blushed—"I like yours too. Very unique."

As Mrs. Lee and Constance talked, the girl turned to me with a smile.

"Is this your first HERS show?" she asked.

"Yeah," I said. "I can't wait."

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