Page 73 of Enemy Crush
QUINN
“Igot asked to play for the varsity soccer team,” I said to Mom once we were in the car, driving home. She’d been busy with clients right up until closing and I’d helped with wiping counters, cleaning mirrors and sweeping the floor, so there hadn’t been time to talk. “Coach McLean wants me to play tomorrow.”
“I thought you said you didn’t want to play this season,” Mom said.
I breathed in deeply, not wanting to burden her with the full story. “Yeah, but apparently the team has lost all their games and they need some new blood. It’s a home game against Timbervue. I got a shirt and all.” I rummaged in my tote bag and brought our my jersey. “It starts at 4:30 so could you pick me up afterward? It should finish at six.”
Mom nodded, her eyes focused on the road. “Everything all right at school?”
I knew that she was referring to the gossip. “Yeah,” I said, “no one said anything. What about you?”
Mom’s lips pressed into a hard line.
“What happened?” I prompted.
Mom exhaled heavily. “Just an unpleasant phone call from Celeste’s mother.”
“What’d she say?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Mom said, shaking her head, a sad look in her eyes. “But I must say it’s an eye opener about how peopletreat you when you’re broke. Isn’t it ironic? No investments, no savings, no more vacations abroad, no more designer clothes, no Country Club membership.” She laughed out loud. “And no friends ”
“We have our house though, right?” I whispered.
Mom’s lower lip trembled as she nodded. “Yes, we have our home. And I have my business. And we have each other, so that’s all that matters?” She didn’t sound convinced.
“It is,” I affirmed. “And now I’ve got the market job and I’m in the soccer team and I...I got invited to the Homecoming Dance.” I watched Mom’s eyebrows shoot up. “Yeah, Miller asked me and he did it in the coolest way.” I told her the full story, of Joel beating the drum and Miller’s friends all holding a placard with the question spelled out.
“Sounds fun,” Mom said, trying hard to sound enthusiastic. She’d spent years hating our neighbors so I guessed it would take time to adjust to this new situation. And she’d been through a lot so I needed to give her some grace.
“Miller’s nice, Mom.”
“I’m gathering that’s his shirt you’re wearing,” she said, a wry smile flirting on her lips.
I’d actually forgotten I was still wearing it. Miller’s shirt was so soft and comfy, it was like having his arms around me all day. “They take flannel day very seriously at Snow Ridge High,” I joked.
She finally cracked a full smile and blew out a long breath. “I’m happy you’re fitting in, Quinn, I’m really proud of you,” Mom said, “And maybe we can get you a new dress for Homecoming?”
“Are you crazy?” I said. “I don’t need new clothes. I have a whole closet full.”
And we both laughed.
Miller texted after dinner and asked if I wanted to take Hamish out for a run. I jumped at the chance, needing to stretch my legs before tomorrow’s game. I met Miller down at my gate and we set out on the route that he usually took.
“Are you ready for tomorrow? It’s Bring Anything But A Backpack Day,” he said.
“What does that even mean?” I said.
“Duh, exactly what it is,” Miller spelled out slowly. “Take your books in anything but a backpack.”
“I use a tote bag anyway,” I teased.
“Mase is taking a bucket.”
“What are you taking then?”
“Probably my helmet.”
“Not very imaginative.”
