AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s where Taylor’s love for tennis came from,” Brandon said breezily, “her mother loved the game.” The shine of his eyes and the quiver of his lips was a testament to his grieving heart.
“She’s beautiful,” Millie said, and I was grateful that her faculties were functioning when I’d turned into a jellyfish, no brain, no spine, just sensory nerves on overload.
I let Brandon guide me to the door, and once again Millie was the coherent one, offering apologies to Taylor and promising to fix things tomorrow.
“Are you kids going to the football game tomorrow?” Brandon asked as we stepped out onto the front porch.
“Yes, I have to report on it,” Millie said with a cute giggle.
“Well, I’ll see you there then,” Brandon said. “Big high school football fan here!” He pointed at his chest.
“Oh, I might have to sit with you then,” Millie said. “To get my terminology right. I know as much about football as I do about tennis.”
“Absolutely,” Brandon said. “Drive safe now.”
“Thanks,” I said and upon hearing Millie walk along the path, I turned back to Brandon, hoping my facial expressions were under control. “Are you sure Tay’s all right?” The shortened version of her name rolled off my tongue. “You do know where she is?”
Brandon held up his phone and clicked on it, then showed the screen to me. It was a location map from an app, showing Taylor’s bitmoji at the mall, specifically in the garden center.
I nodded, and with my heart pounding in my chest, I bolted to my truck.
Chapter 18
Taylor
As everyone boardedthe van for the journey back, Mrs. Stephens stopped me, indicating that I should stand aside. My heart rate soared, and I quickly glanced down to check that I was not about to be reprimanded for wearing incorrect uniform. Okay, I was wearing my anklet socks with my school shoes, but surely that was acceptable for the van ride.
Bianca sidled up to me, but instead of a sneer or a smirk, she smiled genuinely. It had to be a ruse. I’d seen her talking to Max, Max The Traitor.
“I was extremely pleased with how well you combined,” Mrs. Stephens said. “I think you two have a great chance of doing well together.”
“I do, too,” Bianca readily agreed.
I was dumbstruck, showing no emotion.
“I’d like to see you play at the interschool doubles tournament in Falls Creek at the beginning of next month,” Mrs. Stephens said. “Covington Prep hasn’t had great success in previous years, but I think that might change.”
