Pushing Send by Ally Derby Read Free Book Online Page A

smiles. “The teenage years…”
    “Well, thank you,” I say, as I step down the first step.
    “Wait, honey, can you take something to your father for me?”
    “My father?”
    “Yes. He has been working on our fence this week. He built a little gate in the back section and replaced a few of the boards.”
    “He did?” I ask, completely shocked.
    “Yes, he also built the Adirondack chairs and glider. He is extremely talented.”
    “Right.” I smile, even though I am stunned stupid.
    “Give me one minute.” She slips inside and returns with an envelope. “Tell him thank you and we need the back deck fixed up next week if he can fit us in.”
    Fit them in? I laugh to myself as I take the fat envelope. “Will do.”
    I walk down the rest of the steps and to my house, where Mom is on the front porch, looking through a magazine. She looks up when I step onto our porch steps, and they creak under my feet.
    “Ahh, there you are, Hadley! I saw the limo leave and figured you’d be home soon enough.”
    “Yeah, Lana just wanted me to help her out with some last minute stuff and fix her hair.”
    She cringes. “Was it bad?”
    “It definitely wasn’t prom ready. Maybe ten year class reunion.”
    “Ouch. Glad you could help her.”
    “Me, too. Oh, I almost forgot. Mrs. Jamison told me to give this to Dad.” I show her the envelope. “Do you know where he is?”
    “He’s resting.”
    “Do you know anything about him working?” I ask.
    “He’s been taking on odd jobs here and there around town. He’s getting better, Hadley. Getting better every day.” She beams. You can tell she’s proud of him. She always has been, though.
    “That’s good. Should I leave this with you or bring it to him, then?” I ask
    “Leaving it with me is fine. I’ll give it to him when he comes down.”
    I hand her the envelope, then head inside where I grab an apple and head to my room to read. When I reach my room, I fall on my bed and try to think of what to do. I can’t text Lana or go to her house. I could role-play with Skylar or Bee, but they probably don’t want to.
    I scroll through Instagram aimlessly and spot some prom pictures. They are at the lake to take pictures? There’s one of Claire and Lana standing on the banks of the inlet. Claire’s hair is just as I left her. Lana’s hair is still beautiful, too, and I personally think Lana looks better.
    I keep scrolling and stop when I see a picture of Pax and Claire, of course posted by Claire. The comment is With da bae #BlueValleyProm . His eyes and their calming effect take hold, and any silly jealously I might have had before washes away like the tide swept through.
    There are also pictures of Pax, Claire, Lana, and Joey ‘Freaking’ White. Claire and Lana seem to be getting along. There are even a few pictures posted of just the two of them.
    I scroll and scroll, and before I know it, it’s ten thirty.
    I head into the 80s bathroom, apply mascara and lip gloss, and then sit on the drab wooden stool in front of the mirror. I comb through my hair and frown.
    What am I going to do with this mop? I think to myself.
    I return to my room and pull a white tank top and a blue, green, and purple floral skirt along with a denim jacket and a pair of white flip-flops from my small closet. Returning to the bathroom, I sit back down, still thinking. I scroll online until ten forty-five, and after putting in and taking out about five hairstyles, I settle for a milkmaid braid.
    As I sit on my bed, the demon cat jumps up, scaring the living daylights out of me. Then he looks at me, seems to roll his eyes, and licks his paws.
    “Yolo, get off my bed,” I say, snapping my fingers.
    He plops down and rolls over, as if he wants me to rub his belly.
    “Nice try, fat cat. I know what happens if I fall for that again.”
    I go back to the task at hand and am spraying my hair when I get a text from Claire.
    The limo is almost at my place. U coming?
    Yeah, I’ll be right there!