Time-Out Read Online Free Page B

to face me.
    â€œRuss,” I said slowly, knowing I’d only have one chance to get it right. “I’m worried about him.” I paused to make sure I had her full attention. “He’s spending so much time in his room lately and . . . I’m not sure it’s good for him.”
    â€œReally?” she said, like she didn’t believe me.
    â€œYeah. I think he needs a . . . change of scenery or something.”
    â€œI agree completely, Owen. That’s why this Cannon Beach trip—”
    â€œWon’t help,” I interrupted.
    â€œWhat?”
    I leaned on the counter. “Think about it, Mom. He’s depressed already and the coast will be all gray and gloomy. I guarantee he’ll bury his face in a book the whole time, and what good is that gonna do him?”
    â€œHe’ll probably . . .” She paused for a second or two. “What are you suggesting?”
    â€œI think it would be really good for him to go to Hoopsters. With me, I mean.”
    Mom groaned. “Are we honestly back to this?”
    â€œBack to what?” Dad asked as he came in from the garage. “Hey, is that rosemary chicken?”
    â€œYes, and your son is claiming that Hoopsters camp would be good for Russ.” She paused. “
And for himself
.”
    â€œI never said that,” I told her.
    She just gave me a long look, like she could read my mind.
    She probably could.
    Figuring it might be an easier sell to Dad, I took another run at it.
    â€œI just think that he’s got this big black cloud over him right now, you know?”
    â€œSure,” Dad agreed, frowning.
    â€œWhat he needs is a chance to blow off some steam, meet some new kids, and hang out somewhere besides his bedroom for a week.”
    â€œThe beach is—” Dad started to say.
    I made a desperate play by blurting, “Romantic.”
    Yuck.
    The word left a bad taste in my mouth, like sour cream and onion chips.
    My parents both stared at me like I was from another planet.
    â€œWhat?” they asked at the same time.
    In a flash, I knew just what to say.
    â€œYou guys never have any, uh, time alone. I know Nicky’s parents went to San Diego for their anniversary and had an awesome trip.”
    â€œIt’s not our anniversary,” Mom said, hands on her hips.
    â€œI know, but just think about this for a second.” I held up one finger. “You guys have a . . . um, romantic week together.” I added another finger. “And Russ gets over this funk he’s in and has a great time.” I shrugged. “It’s win-win.”
    â€œ
Win
,” Mom said. “You forgot your own win. You get to do exactly what you wanted.”
    â€œIs that so bad?” I asked, with a big smile. For once, I wished I had dimples.
    â€œIs it?” Dad asked, glancing at Mom, then putting an arm around her. “Is win-win-win so bad?”
    I knew I was getting somewhere when I saw the look she gave him, like they were in a mushy movie.
    â€œIt
would
be nice to have some time together,” she admitted. “And the camp
does
sound like a lot of fun for the boys.”
    Yes! It was working.
    Russ walked into the kitchen, his nose deep in a book.Without speaking to any of us, he took the milk out of the fridge and poured himself a glass. He was just about to head into the living room when Mom said, “Russell?”
    â€œ
Mmmhmm?
” he mumbled, almost to the doorway.
    â€œCan we talk to you for a minute?” Dad asked.
    He looked up and saw all of us staring at him. “What’s going on?”
    â€œHave a seat,” Mom said.
    Russ sat down at the table with a suspicious look on his face.
    â€œWe’ve been talking about a change of plans for spring break,” Dad said. When Russ didn’t say anything, he continued, “We think Hoopsters would be a lot of fun for you two.”
    Russ gave me a cold stare, then asked Dad, “Do you