A Whole New Ball Game by Belle Payton Read Free Book Online

Sackett. “I hear he likes to throw the smash concept versus a two high shell,” he said in a conspiratorial tone, “but what’s his favorite route against a one high safety look?”
    â€œHe . . . safety . . . uh, sorry?” asked Mrs. Sackett, looking flustered.
    Ava and Alex exchanged a quick glance.
    â€œAw, Daddy, not now!” pleaded Emily, looking at the twins apologetically.
    â€œAnd how does he plan to stop Lewisville’s spread passing attack?” Mr. Campbell continued. “Against their ten personnel, I imagine he’s planning to bring in a nickel corner and add boundary pressure with a fire-zone blitz. Right?”
    â€œWhat is he talking about?” hissed Alex in Ava’s ear.
    â€œI barely know!” Ava hissed back. “So Mom has no clue. Look at her face!”
    Emily jumped in. “Daddy!” she said, drawing the word out in an exasperated, singsong voice.“Leave them alone! There’ll be plenty of time for you to interrogate Coach Sackett without torturing his family, too!”
    Mrs. Sackett laughed weakly, but Ava and Alex could see she was shaken. As were they.
    As soon as Mr. Campbell and the girls had left, their mother’s smile vanished. “Poor Michael,” she murmured, steering Alex toward the register.
    Alex’s brow furrowed. “Why poor Daddy? Isn’t it a good thing that everyone is so interested in his team?”
    Her mother pressed her lips together. “Maybe. But he’s under a lot of pressure to do well. Although he did warn me, I hadn’t quite realized the depth of people’s passion for this sport.” Then she noticed the pile of clothes Alex was holding and frowned.
    â€œSince you guys have all these clothes to argue about, can I go to the sports store and meet you at the haircut place?” Ava pleaded.
    â€œThis is a very large selection, Alex,” their mom said. “Surely you don’t think I’m going to buy all of it?”
    Alex smiled at their mother. “I was assuming we were just going to begin the process of negotiations.”
    â€œI’ll meet you guys at the salon,” said Ava, suppressing a smile.
    â€œAll right, but your appointments are in twenty minutes. And Ave, we have to get you some school stuff,” her mother called after her. “You can’t wear football jerseys every day.”
    â€œSure I can,” said Ava. “There’s no dress code at Ashland Middle, remember? It’s a public school! No more collared shirts and skirts to iron like at Randall Prep!” Ava grinned and waved to them over her shoulder as she headed out of Spruce and toward the sporting-goods store.

    After much discussion, Mrs. Sackett made some of Alex’s purchases, and then the two headed toward the hair salon. Mrs. Sackett chatted about the art supply store and how pleasantly surprised she’d been to find some of her favorite paint brands. Then they passed the food court and Alex did a double take.
    Jack. Ava’s crush. He was easily recognizable in his orange basketball jersey, with his jet-black hair. He was sitting at a table with someone.
    A girl.
    Alex moved behind a potted palm, which was conveniently located outside the food court. She peered through the leaves. There was no mistaking the body language between Jack and the girl. The situation had “date” written all over it. She watched them laughing about something. She didn’t like the looks of the girl. She was certainly pretty, with blond hair, a slender build, and candy-pink nails. The girl reached over and helped herself to one of Jack’s french fries. Ew. Way too flirty.
    â€œAl, what are you doing?” asked her mother. “We’ll be late for the hair appointment.”
    Alex stepped away from her surveillance position and rejoined her mother. But she was lost in thought. She wondered how much Ava really liked Jack. Poor Ave, she