Sink or Swim Read Online Free Page A

says she needs to make sure that you say it’s okay, since I’m twelve. She wants to make sure I’m a good person for the job.”
    Madison was talking faster than fast.
    “Of course!” Dad said, “isn’t that how these things usually work?” He looked over at Stephanie for reassurance.
    “I’m sure you have a few questions, Jeff,” Stephanie said matter-of-factly. “Let’s call Mrs. Reed after we finish eating.”
    Dad grinned. “Maddie, I am so proud of you.” He leaned over and lifted Madison right up off her feet. “To think that I was giving you such a hard time about finding something to do this summer,” he gushed. “I only wanted you to get out of the house so you wouldn’t be stuck inside all day. But a job—with responsibilities—that’s impressive.”
    Stephanie’s taco dinner was deliciously spicy, but all Madison could think about was baby-sitting. Her stomach flip-flopped. She could barely make dinner conversation. It was a big deal—especially since she’d only just dodged the summer job question with her friends that afternoon. All Madison wanted to do was tell Aimee and Fiona and Mom and everyone else who mattered…NOW.
    Immediately following the meal, she bolted into her room to go online—and left Dad to call Mrs. Reed.
    The moment she logged on to her laptop, Madison found her keypal Bigwheels online, too.
    That was a very good omen.
    : Surprise! Ur online???
    : This never happens to us!
    : I know & I thought u were @ horse camp
    : not for a week next
    Monday
    : HUGE NEWS I MIGHT GET A JOB
    : RUKM?
    : nope I wanna be a babyspitter
    : Huh?
    : I mean SITTER! I am so excited I can’t spell LOL
    : that is great. Have u ever done it b4
    : nope but the mother says that’s ok
    : how old is the kid?
    : 2 and a half yrs old a boy his name’s Eliot isn’t that cute like the kid in ET
    : I baby-sit sometimes for my cousin when his mom goes to the supermarket and stuff.
    : is it hard?
    : haven’t u ever read The Babysitters Club?
    : Yeah but that’s from a zillion yrs ago and besides a book’s not real life
    : they have a lot of good ideas though & I have this book of baby-sitting tips 2
    : u do? Then u totally have 2 give me advice—as usual u r the greatest keypal ever
    : no prob!! The mom will be there w/u right?
    : OC hey—what do I wear to meet the kid 4 the first time?
    : nice shorts and a pretty shirt and wear sneakers then it looks like ur ready to go play
    “Maddie!” Dad’s voice echoed through the apartment. “I just got off the telephone….”
    Madison looked up from the computer monitor. Mrs. Reed and Dad had finished talking— already !
    “I’ll be right there, Dad!” Madison called out. She typed another message to Bigwheels at the same time.
    : have 2 go now :>(
    : GL at ur interview
    : thanks I need it
    : TMA-you’ll be FAB!
    : CWYL
    : *poof*
    “That Mrs. Reed is a nice woman…” Dad said as he strolled into Madison’s room, “I think I know her husband—oh, honey, I didn’t realize you were online.”
    “I’m not anymore,” Madison said. She clicked the sleep function key and her screen went black. “Dad, tell me. What did you say? What did she say? Did she ask you questions about me?”
    Dad sat on the edge of Madison’s bed. “We had a very nice chat. I think that you made a good job choice. Her son, Eliot, sounds like a good kid. He’s been struggling a little bit since his sister was born.”
    “Struggling?” Madison asked.
    “Yeah, it’s hard when there’s a new baby in the family. She wants him to get the right amount of attention this summer. That’s why she needs a helper,” Dad said. “I told her it sounded like the perfect job for you.”
    “So what