The Handoff (Big Play #3) Read Online Free Page A

throat. “Well, maybe you could explain it to us.”
    I glare at his narrow face, at his gentle blue gaze that’s supposed to win me over. What the hell does this imposter know? All he’s done is storm into my life and steal my mother, and he brought along the world’s most annoying human being for the ride.
    “Like you give a rat’s ass,” I mutter under my breath, but not soft enough.
    Mom’s face flashes with anger as she points her finger at me. “Okay, you know what? We can’t talk to you when you are acting like a surly, rude drama queen. Now you better start using some manners, young lady, or this discussion is over and you can march yourself straight back upstairs to your room!”
    Martin steps up behind her, gently laying his hand on the back of her neck, being the support Mom needs as she deals with her impossible daughter. Mom glances at him with a grateful yet agonized smile, and I know it’s hopeless. What discussion? How can we possibly discuss anything when they’re never going to hear me? Mom’s so busy worrying about me offending Martin and his precious son that she’ll cut me off before I can even offer my side of the story.
    It’s hopeless.
    Gripping my bag strap, I clench my jaw and turn for the door. “Whatever, I’m out.”
    “Where are you going?” Mom barks.
    I glance over my shoulder and shake my head. “Like you care.”
    “Layla, of course I care.”
    Opening the door, I step out into the cool, winter air and call over my shoulder, “I’m fine, Mom. Go and enjoy your marriage!”
    “Layla!” she shouts, but it’s a pitiful call back. When I reach the mailbox, I glance over my shoulder to see if she’s going to follow me, but the front door is clicking shut. Turning right, I head to the main road. I still have no idea where I’m going. I should find Mack and go hang out with him, but then I’ll just spend my afternoon stressing about what I said at that party and whether or not I should tell him.
    Pulling my jacket tight around my throat, I try to ward off the chill as I head out on my own. The road has never felt so quiet and isolated. I don’t even know if I want the sound of feet chasing me as I head away from the house. I guess it’s just kind of sad that I know no one will. If Dad were here, he’d be storming after me and telling me to come back. If I refused, he’d give chase and pluck me off the ground, carrying me back inside kicking and screaming.
    “You do not speak to your mother that way!” he’d tell me, and I wouldn’t mind so much because at least it meant he cared. I miss him.
    My eyes smart as I blink at my tears.
    The truth is, if cancer hadn’t eaten him alive when I was twelve, I probably wouldn’t be storming out of my house. Because Derek wouldn’t be there and Mom wouldn’t be so in love with another man that she’s forgotten how to be a parent.

 
    #4:
    Defensive Plays
     
    Finn
     
    “Hut! Hut!” Mack shouts.
    I snap the ball back into his hands and charge forward, lightly taking out Darius as he goes after my quarterback. We’re on Steinway Field, messing around in the late afternoon sunlight.
    The air is cold, the ground is hard, and I have a huge smile on my face as I push Darius to the ground and start running forward to block for Colt. He’s laughing as he jumps around Will, spinning to avoid Ricco. I surge ahead and bump Ricco to the ground before he can tap Colt’s ankle.
    We’re only playing a friendly game of touch football. With no pads or helmets, we’ve got to play it safe, but a few shoves and tackles here and there aren’t going to hurt anybody.
    “Yes!” I raise my hands in the air and whoop as Colt crosses the line.
    Tyler’s loud laughter echoes through the park as he does a little celebratory dance. Will gives him the finger, which only makes Ty dance that much harder.
    I grin and hold my hands up for Colt to throw me the ball. I catch it easily and nestle it against my side as I jog back to the