Page 111 of Losing the Rhythm

I laughed. It didn’t sound like a bad idea. The two of us working together to create something that was only ours, untainted by our families.

“What would we even do?” I asked.

“Let me think about this.”

The rest of the time, we continued to pick apples until the baskets were full and I could barely carry mine.

“Why did you choose the biggest baskets for us?” I huffed, lugging our loot toward where we were going to make apple pies.

“Just remember, Aunt Laura is a genius baker.”

“If we even get to try anything she makes from this.”

“I’ll make sure,” Bryan said determinedly. “It’d be a loss if you didn’t get to try her desserts.”

Class ended up being fun. An older man taught us all the tips and tricks to make the apple pie even yummier. Bryan managed to get flour on his face, and I teased him mercilessly. At least until he rubbed some on my face. It got a few laughs from the others around us.

The pies ended up looking absolutely delicious. We even made fun lattices across, putting small decorations on it thanks to the cookie cutters. Bryan and I added ghosts and pumpkins to ours, going for the spooky theme.

“I can’t wait to try this,” I said.

“We’ll drop it off at Seth’s before going to the game. Afterward, we can eat it in celebration of Paxon’s win.”

“You’re so sure he’s going to win,” I said.

“He’ll make it to the championship. Their team is too in sync with each other this year.” The confidence in Bryan’s response made me smile. “We better get going. Toby will throw a fit if we’re late.”

“I’m sure he’ll forgive us if we give him pie.”

Bryan chuckled. “That might actually be true.”

Chapter Thirty-five

All I knew about this soccer game was that it was the start for them to head toward the state championships. I really didn’t get how it worked, but Paxon’s team was on their way to prove that they were the best in their region. And from there, they fight their way through to the state championship. Prove to everyone they were best in the area, and then best in the state.

That was how Paxon explained it to me, at least.

I went to some of his other games, and as Seth was parking his truck, it was clear that this game meant so much more. The turnout was massive.

It was a home game, so we knew the best spot to go for some easy parking. Then we went over and waited for the others. Droves and droves of excited students and families walked by us, wearing the colors of their team. It was a bit overwhelming, their energy almost drowning me.

“You okay?” Bryan asked.

“Yeah. Just a lot of people. Should we go claim seats instead?”

Seth was frowning as he looked down at his phone. “Paxon’s dad has spots for us, but we should probably help him claim the territory or there won’t be enough for everyone.”

I grabbed the back of Seth’s shirt as he led us through the crowd. Bryan was right behind me. We weaved around, walking along the track until Seth finally veered off and we went up the bleachers.

“I thought I was going to have to start beating people off with a stick,” George said with a grin. Calvin was sitting next to him, pressed tightly against his dad’s side, obviously overwhelmed with the amount of people.

“This turnout is crazy,” Seth said as we took the bleacher seats in front of George.

“Well, there is a lot of expectation on this game, for both teams really.”

“Either way, Paxon will get the win,” Seth said with unwavering confidence.

“Oh, there’s the others,” George said. Then he climbed on top of the bleacher seat, waved his arms, and called for them. His voice was booming enough to get their attention.

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