A Lot to Tackle by Belle Payton Read Free Book Online Page B

he’ll be more stable when he throws. How about some drills in the backyard?” Ava suggested.
    â€œHello? Do you two not see me sitting here?” Tommy waved his arms. “I’m sick of everyone talking about me like I’m some windup toy.”
    â€œNo one is doing that, Tom.” Coach took a big swig of iced tea and grinned at Ava. Ava knew he loved talking strategy with her.
    Tommy sighed. “Yes, they are. In the halls of the high school. At the gas station. Today the school bus driver, some old guy in a fishing cap, shared his pass accuracy tips with me in front of the entire bus!” He pushed away his plate, which remained half-full. If Tommy wasn’t eating, that meant he was sick or nervous. Ava was pretty sure it was the latter.
    â€œWelcome to my world, Tom. Everyone in Ashland has an opinion or a strategy to share,” Coach reported.
    â€œStill?” Mrs. Sackett asked. “What could they possibly have to complain about now that we’re going to State?”
    â€œEverything.” Coach shook his head. “For some people, winning isn’t enough, if it’s not done their way.”
    â€œAndy Baker said something to me the other day.” Ava poked at a piece of pasta with her fork. She’d been waiting to get Coach alone, but she knew he’d retreat to his study after dinner to watch tapes of their opponents’ games, trying to find their weak spots.
    â€œPJ’s cousin?” Mrs. Sackett asked.
    â€œWhat did Andy say?” Alex spoke for the first time.
    Ava wondered why Alex was so quiet. Tommy not eating meant he was worried. Alex not talking usually meant the same thing. But Alex couldn’t be worried about the football game too. Could she?
    â€œOh, well, it’s kind of silly. Andy was probably just saying it to be mean,” Ava began.
    â€œThat’s typical of him,” Alex said.
    â€œA family trait,” Tommy agreed. He didn’t like PJ much.
    â€œAndy said that if the Tigers don’t win inAustin, Coach might be fired.” Ava watched her dad, waiting for him to laugh at the silliness of Andy’s statement.
    But Coach met her mom’s knowing gaze and held it across the table. And in that moment, Ava knew they’d discussed this topic before. And it wasn’t silly.
    â€œIt won’t come to that.” Mrs. Sackett waved her hand dismissively.
    â€œBut could it?” Ava pressed.
    â€œI won’t lie to you.” Coach’s voice was controlled. “It’s a possibility.”
    â€œBut you brought the team to State!” Tommy cried. “What more do they want?”
    â€œThey want the big gold trophy. If I don’t deliver that, they may or may not decide to keep me,” Coach explained. “I only have a one-year contract with the school board. They wouldn’t give me a longer one until I’d proven myself.”
    â€œIt will all work out.” Mrs. Sackett smiled brightly. “We’ll hope for the best and think happy thoughts.”
    â€œExactly. Is there more salad?” Coach asked, changing the subject.
    But Ava couldn’t think happy thoughts. As soon as dinner finished, she pulled Alex andTommy into the family room. Alex picked at her chipped pink nail polish. Ava had never seen her twin do this. Alex constantly polished her nails so they looked perfect.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Ava asked. “You don’t seem to care that we’re going to be kicked out of town.”
    â€œI have bigger problems,” Alex mumbled.
    â€œWhat’s bigger than that?” Ava asked.
    â€œMy grades are horrible,” Alex admitted, still staring at her nails.
    â€œYou? Miss Perfect?” Tommy chuckled.
    â€œStop it.” Ava nudged her brother. “Al’s exaggerating.”
    â€œNo, I’m not. I got a C on a test today,” Alex said.
    â€œHey, maybe we’re more alike than people think,” Ava teased,