Girls Only! Read Online Free Page B

grandmother’s entrance. “What is it?” asked Livvy.
    Grandma studied her, eyes unwavering. “I’m glad to know you’re still here . . . in the church,” she said.
    “Dad drove us both, remember?” Livvy wondered if Grandma’s mind was slipping. “Are you all right?” she asked softly.
    Grandma stood in front of the long mirror. She fluffed her hair with her skinny fingers—getting grayer by the second, it seemed. Then her grandmother freshened her pale pink lipstick. “Well, of course I’m all right. I wondered if you were headed off to Sunday school, that’s all.”
    “Where else would I go?”
    Grandma lowered her voice, glancing around a bit. “It’s just that I’ve noticed some of the young people over at the convenience store down the street.”
    “Oh, they’ll be back.” Livvy knew who her grandmother was referring to. A few of the kids liked to sneak off to get gum and candy.
    “Don’t you be one of them.” Grandma shook her finger at Livvy. “Hanging out at the store when the parents are thinking their young people are in church . . . Well, I should say!”
    Livvy wanted to say, “Just relax,” but bit her tongue. “I’m right here, Grandma. As you can see.”
    Grandma straightened her tan suit coat, then turned and tottered away tp the sink to wash her hands. Livvy took it to mean the conversation was finished. Eager to be gone, she flew out of the rest room and down the stairs to class. Of all the nerve, being accused of leaving church! She’d never thought of doing such a thing. What was Grandma’s problem, following her around everywhere?
    ----
    In Sunday school, Livvy slid in beside Heather Bock, who was dressed in a floral skirt and soft green top. “You look pretty today,” she said. “New outfit?”
    Heather nodded, smiling. “Thanks.”
    Livvy almost expected Grandma to show up again to harass her further. “I think I must be paranoid,” she muttered.
    “What?” Heather whispered.
    Livvy shook her head. “Oh . . . nothing.”
    Heather leaned closer. “Your face is turning red.”
    She sighed audibly. How could she tell Heather? Honestly, she wanted to send Grandma Hudson packing. Back to Illinois.
    “Livvy? Since when do you bite your nails?” Heather asked.
    Astonished, she pulled her hand away from her mouth. Sure enough, she’d been gnawing away on her fingernails. “My life’s in shambles,” she said, staring at her hands. “Just like my nails are now.”
    “Your grandmother, right?” Heather sat up straight. Their Sunday school teacher had just entered the room.
    Livvy nodded. She remembered the prayer Jenna had prayed. How long could she possibly wait for an answer?
    ----
    Early Monday morning, Livvy and Grandma drove to the skating rink. As usual, the village mall was deserted. Surrounded by numerous shops, the skating rink was smaller than the Olympic-sized rink in Colorado Springs. On weekends, she was thrilled to be able to practice there. The rest of the week, she made do with the small-town ice rink.
    Trees, with twinkling white lights the year round, adorned the sidelines. Several wooden benches were scattered around, making it possible for an occasional audience. There had been numerous times when mall shoppers stopped to watch her practice. They often clapped, whether she performed with or without music backup.
    Grandma paced behind the sidelines. “Let’s see your loop jumps today,” she said.
    Livvy ignored her, waiting for Coach to suggest some jumps. Grandma was way too pushy.
    She could just see it now. If something didn’t happen to stop her grandmother, she’d end up running off Livvy’s terrific athletic trainer. But by the look on the gentleman’s face, Coach Sterling didn’t seem frustrated by Grandma’s comments. Not at all.
    Livvy just didn’t get it. Why didn’t Grandma’s comments annoy Coach, too? Was Coach interested in Grandma . . . romantically?
    Coach was talking now. “I think you should work through your