Time's Up Read Online Free Page B

and stroked her neck. When Katani and Kelley stepped outside into the bright sun, the Triple B was heading toward the barn. Grandma Ruby waved to the girls as she splashed the big, blue Buick through the puddles.
    Before she was inside the car, Kelley proudly announced, “Katani and I have a pinkie-swear secret! Don’t even ask me what it is because I can’t tell you. Big secret. No one else can know. NO ONE.” Kelley made the whisper sign and shook her head.
    Katani slunk down into her seat as Mrs. Fields gave her the eye.
    CHAPTER 4
A Date or Not a Date
    A s she walked through the door of Montoya’s and breathed in the rich smells of Cuban coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, sugar, and butter, Charlotte swore she dreamed about this place last night. She almost wanted to lick her lips in anticipation of a sip of the rich, dark hot chocolate that was Montoya’s specialty. As Nick waved to her from behind the counter, she had to admit he was another reason why she liked coming here so much. Charlotte saw Avery, Maeve, and Isabel were waiting at the BSG’s usual table in the corner, so she rushed over.
    â€œWhere’s Katani?” she asked her friends. “She was supposed to meet us here before school, right?”
    â€œMaybe Kelley didn’t want to go to school alone today or something,” Isabel suggested.
    â€œBut she would have called, no?” Maeve asked.
    â€œI don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving.” Avery started over to the counter. “I’ve been thinking about their cranberry nut muffins since I woke up.”
    â€œI’m going to get the Isabel Regular: buñuelos and ahot chocolate, topped with my personal fave—whipped cream with shaved chocolate on top, spiced delicately with a burst of cinnamon,” Isabel said in a professional waitress voice.
    â€œOf course,” the others chorused at the same time.
    After they ordered and were carrying their breakfast treats back to their table, Nick called from behind the counter with a smile, “You’re not going to start flying through Montoya’s, are you, Maeve?”
    â€œThat was soooo funny.” Avery started laughing all over again.
    â€œI’m so glad I was at the rock gym to witness it, because I def wouldn’t have believed it otherwise,” Isabel added.
    â€œHaven’t you guys ever heard of ‘Method acting’?” Maeve explained, shrugging the teasing off. “Now if I ever have to fly in a movie, I’ll know how it feels!”
    â€œWell, I talked my mom into letting me sign up for the rock-climbing team, so I want to start practicing this week,” Avery announced, popping a big bite of muffin into her mouth. For someone so small, she ate more than anyone Charlotte knew.
    â€œWow, Avery. You’re going to be super busy. The exhibition game is Thursday, remember?” Isabel reminded her.
    â€œDo I REMEMBER? It’s all I’m thinking about! I’m so psyched to play there! I mean, the TD Banknorth Garden, how cool is that? Swoosh!” She fake-shot a basket. “Imagine playing during the Celtics’ half-time!”
    â€œWe have practice every day this week,” Isabel said, with much less enthusiasm. She and Avery had both made the Abigail Adams basketball team, but Isabel was less sure of making the exhibition team. “Coach is choosing only five people for Thursday’s game, and I bet I won’t be one of them.”
    â€œDude, don’t even go there!” Avery shouted. “You have to think positive.”
    Charlotte turned to Avery. “But how are you going to do everything, Ave?”
    â€œNo big deal. I’ll figure it out!” Avery smiled. “I hope you all get tickets. I want you to start a wave when I get a basket.”
    They started laughing. Then Maeve jumped up and swept her arms through the air. Isabel, Charlotte, and Avery copied her from their seats.
    Anna and