Page 21

Then I go.

I aim for the bull's eye and hit the outer one instead.

“Alright!” Scarlett gives me a high five.

I turn to Blake. “Bring your own lawn mowing equipment on Saturday. We always run out.”

He smirks. “You’re not done yet.”

I get ready for my next shot.

Blake steps closer. “It’ll be hard repeating that move.”

His scent hits me, and my skin warms. I shoot. It goes completely sideways, hitting the outside of the board.

“Huh. Better practice slicing tomatoes.”

“Tomatoes? What am I making you? A salad?”

“Just making sure it’s something you can’t burn. I don’t want a repeat of Chase’s fifth birthday.”

“Ooh…” Avery hollers.

“Just move out of my way so I can shoot.”

I aim for double-17, but the dart hits the 3 instead.

“I guess you play darts as well as you cook.” Blake takes my spot as I go to collect my darts.

On my way back I punch him in the arm.

“Ouch.”

“Careful, Blake, Amelia’s a sore loser,” Luke calls out.

I stick my tongue out at Luke and turn back to watch the game.

Blake has 32 points left on the board. He hits the 16 and then double-8, winning the game.

He and Bryce high-five.

“When’s the dinner?” Bryce asks Scarlett.

She laughs. “Sometime next week. That way Chase can come play with Penny.”

She looks at me for confirmation.

“Sounds good.” And it actually does. I’ve missed hanging out with them.

The four of us make our way to the table, joining the rest of our friends.

“How’s the planning for the Dogwood Spring Festival going?” Avery asks me. “Any exciting bands this year?”

“We have some things in the works,” I say with a wink. Those things are strictly classified. Mayor Anderson really would fire me for revealing our plans for the main band. But that rule doesn’t apply for the minor musical talents. “And Madison will be performing.”

“She will?” Luke asks with a frown.

I always feel uncomfortable talking about my sister in front of Luke. Sometimes they act like best friends, but other times they give each other the silent treatment. It’s hard to keep up.