The Secret Talent Read Online Free Page A

comeback. “Speaking of over-the-top, do you guys know who Alistair Dennis is?”
    Mom pursed her lips thoughtfully. “The inventor of the selfie stick?”
    At the same time, Dad said, “Adrenaline Dennis? Of course!”
    My parents looked at each other.
    â€œReally?” Dad asked Mom. “Selfie stick?”
    She shrugged. “Tim said over-the-top! What’s crazier than needing to take a picture of yourself that badly?” She batted her eyelashes and held an invisible phone at arm’s length.
    Dad took her hand and kissed it.
    â€œGross,” said Gabby.
    â€œYou think kissing is gross?” asked Dad. “I used to change your diapers.”
    â€œDo not elaborate on that when we’re about to eat,” Mom warned him.
    â€œBesides, it’s not kissing that’s gross,” I said, patting Dad’s shoulder. “It’s you guys.”
    Dad looked at Mom again. “We make them lobster mac ’n’ cheese, and this is the thanks we get.”
    â€œThaaank youuu!” Gabby and I singsonged at the same time.
    I carried the salad into the dining room, and Dad followed with a bowl of rolls. “Anyway, what’s with Adrenaline Dennis? Did he break some new record?”
    I shook my head. “He’s going to be in town in a couple weeks, and his cousin Berkeley goes to my school. Berkeley’s having a party the weekend before Christmas and asked if I wanted to meet Adrenaline.”
    Dad raised his eyebrows. “Seriously? That’s awesome!” He cleared his throat. “Did your friend happen to mention if any adult chaperones were needed?”
    I grinned, both at the chaperone comment and the mention of Berkeley as my friend. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it was kind of cool, imagining myself hanging with other guys.
    â€œWait a minute,” Mom said, peeking in from the kitchen. “What time is this meeting with the Avengers?”
    â€œAdrenaline,” Dad and I said together.
    â€œSorry.” Mom held up her hands. “I’m only asking in case it interferes with Christmas Around the World.”
    â€œIt won’t.” I crossed my heart. “That’s early in the afternoon, and the party is at five. I can go, right?”
    She nodded. “Sure.”
    I grinned and went over to hug her just as the oven timer buzzed.
    â€œMake way!” said Dad. “I’m about to dive face first into this lobster mac.”
    â€œI know you’re only partly joking,” Momcalled after him, “but please remember the cheese will burn your eyelids off!”
    After the table was completely set, the four of us settled around it, and there was silence for several minutes as we devoured dinner. Dad was the first to come up for air.
    â€œSo, how was the museum?” he asked me. Then he smiled. “Like I have to ask. They should make you honorary curator. Let you run the whole place.”
    â€œIt was great,” I said. “But I don’t want to be curator. That’s not where the money’s at.”
    â€œAnd how would you know?” Mom asked with an amused look.
    â€œI asked the guy how much he makes.”
    â€œOh, Tim,” Dad said with a sigh.
    â€œWhat? He didn’t have to answer,” I pointed out.
    â€œIt’s not a polite question,” said Mom. “Howwould you like it if someone pried into your personal life?”
    I lowered the forkful of mac ’n’ cheese that had been en route to my mouth. For a split second I considered telling them about the text from Ryan, but I was too old to be running to Mommy and Daddy for help.
    All I said was, “You’re right. How was work?”
    My parents told Gabby and me a story about one of their shops that had a goose attacking people at the door. Midway through the tale, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I reached for it, and Mom gave me an admonishing look.
    â€œNo phones at