Page 16 of The Way We Win

All the eyes fly to me, and I lift my chin, closing the fridge.

“You’re right,” I say, ignoring all the pointed stares. “It was a silly idea.”

“What’s a silly idea?” Rachel’s bright voice enters the room, and I almost groan.

“Allie wants to cut sugar out of her diet,” Liv says,almostgetting it right.

Rachel’s eyes light up, and she smiles. “That’s agreatidea, Al! Y’all wouldn’t believe how much sugar is in our food—even in things that don’t really need it—and sugar is linked to so many health problems, obesity, diabetes…”

“Here we go again.” Craig snorts a laugh. “Spoken like a true wellness guru.”

“You think I could be a wellness guru?” Rachel lights up even more. “I talked to Zane about recording my yoga classes and putting them on YouTube. He said their producer could help me, and there’s a real market out there!”

Craig narrows his eyes at her. “Just don’t get weird and start a cult.”

“Craig!” Dylan shoves him with her foot. “I think that’s a fun idea, Rach. I love your yoga classes.”

“I think that’s a cool idea, too.” I walk over to her. “I should do more of them. Lord knows when school starts, I don’t get nearly enough exercise.”

“Speaking of school starting, Mrs. Laverne’s at it again.” Dylan grins at Liv.

“The principal?” My brow arches. “What did she do?”

Liv shakes her head. “Mrs. Laverne will have us all working at that high school before she retires.”

“She’s the best,” Rachel sighs. “She was so kind and welcoming to Edward. I never worry about him when he’s at school.”

“He’s one of the smartest students we have,” I tell her. “He just doesn’t like assemblies. Or fire drills. Or pep rallies…”

“And shenevermakes him feel bad or weird for it.” Rachel’s green eyes shine as she smiles at Dylan. “She’s a great lady.”

“She’s definitely a great recruiter,” Liv grumbles.

“What if you did it for one year?” Dylan hops off to the table, taking Liv’s hand. “Remember how much fun we always had on game days? It’ll be like old times.”

“Yes, game days are fun, and the rest of the time, it’s all work work work.” Liv slides her hair behind her shoulder so Gigi can rest her head. “I have a baby now, Dee, I’m trying to establish my law practice…”

“Okay, somebody has to catch me up.” I look from Dylan to Liv. “Mrs. Laverne wants to hire Liv?”

“The drill team coach had to retire suddenly to take care of a sick relative,” Dylan explains. “And since Liv was the drill team captain in high school, Mrs. Laverne thinks it’s meant to be.”

“It’snotmeant to be.” Liv’s tone is firm.

“But we need you!” Dylan gives her sister-in-law a look that’s pure guilt-trip. “You know everything about the team, the school?—”

“What Dylan’s not saying is if I don’t do it,she’llhave to do it.”

My brows rise, and I press my lips together. “Oh.”

“That isnotwhy!” Our friend cries. “I’d be glad to do it, but ballet is completely different from precision dance.”

“If I remember correctly, you helped me prepare my audition tape for college.” Liv does a gentle rocking motion, patting her daughter’s back.

“I helped you with the switch arabesque and the pirouettes. You did all the rest.”

Garrett walks up, placing a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Want me to take Gigi home? She’s falling asleep.”

“No, I’ll go with you.”

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