Page 25 of That Rush

“I asked Rowan one question.”

“You asked six versions of it.”

The bell above the door saves me from responding. Sadie walks in carrying a market bag while Josie races past her with a bright yellow card. Sadie offered to take her around while Axel and I bought supplies. They have clearly covered more ground than we have.

“Dad, look!” She holds the card inches from my face. “I joined the summer reading challenge.”

I grab it before she can stick it to my nose. Empty circles wind around cartoon mountains and a dragon wearing glasses.

“How many books do you have to read?”

“Twenty. Miss Paige says chapter books count more because they take longer, but I can’t pick teeny-tiny baby books just to win faster.”

“Miss Paige sounds strict.”

“She said it’s about reading, not winning.”

“Suspicious.”

Josie giggles and pulls the card from my hand. “Come see the prizes.”

She takes hold of two of my fingers and tugs me toward the door. I glance at Axel.

“We still need fencing supplies,” he says.

“You know what we need.”

“So do you.”

“Then it’s good we’re both qualified.”

His laugh follows me outside.

Josie weaves between market tables until we reach the library booth. Paige is helping an older woman sign up for a digital library account, so I hang back while Josie studies the prizes arranged across the table.

I look back at Paige.

Her dark hair is pulled away from her face, and her short blue dress shows off her legs. My concentration evaporates. She is patient without treating the woman as helpless, and when the woman thanks her, Paige remembers her name.

She remembers Josie’s too.

“Did you show your dad your reading map?” Paige asks.

“Yes. He thinks you’re strict.”

Paige looks at me. “Your father has a problem with being told what to do.”

“I have trouble with women making accusations before I’ve had a chance to defend myself.”

“I met you two days ago. You’ve had plenty of time.”

Her mouth curves. My attention drops to it, and the quick shift in her expression tells me she notices.

Josie picks up a glittery sheet of dragon stickers. “Do I get these now?”

“When you finish five books.”

“I already read one.”