Will's Story Read Online Free

you have to do this application.” He shakes his head and takes another sip. “I don’t know what bit of rebellion charged you off the rails but I have faith you’re going to keep turning this around. You are my son, after all.”
    Now would be a good time to tell him, he happened to me, him and his hometown judge’s bench ambitions. That if we’d stayed in Raleigh, I’d still be at prep school and on track. But even as I think it, I wonder how true that would be. My old friends are always out partying, getting seriously wasted and not just smoking a little weed. They’re the quintessential bad, rich boys. I’d never tell Dad, and I’ve only just begun to admit it to myself, but moving out here, to the mountains, may have actually saved my ass. Because if we hadn’t moved here, I’m pretty certain I never would have picked up the banjo. And what started as myown tongue-in-cheek joke has turned into more than I ever could have imagined.
    I try a new approach. “You want to play some music?” It’s a little known fact that Judge McKinney can play just about any stringed instrument, if you can talk him into it.
    He grins. “Nice try.” The smile drops and he points to the computer. “Sit.”
    â€œFine.” The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can apply where I want.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Make the plans
    Steal the show
    Figure it out
    I’m good to go
    The next week is a blur. Every afternoon I’ve driven up to Sizz’s for a few hours to jam and hang out. So much so that Amber Rose is starting to get bent out of shape.
    â€œSo where is it that you’re going?”
    â€œI told you, up to Erwin to play music with some guys I know.”
    â€œCollege guys.” She’s sitting with her arms crossed, her back to the concrete wall of the commons. “Which means, college girls.” The sincerity of her glossed pout is questionable, but I guess I’ll play her game.
    â€œCome on, it’s not like that.”
    â€œWill, you’re not going to flirt with some college girl,are you? Especially since our four-week anniversary is tomorrow.” She gives a little humph and I know my correct next move is sweet words and pleading but I’ve given her the option to come with me. She’s said no every time.
    â€œAmber Rose, you have nothing to worry about from college girls. But don’t forget, you’re the one bailing on me tonight.”
    â€œLike you care.” She shifts on the bench and lifts her chin. It’s so cartoonish I almost laugh. But then I feel bad because she’s right. When she told me she couldn’t come to our house tonight for Devon’s little pregame soiree, part of me saw a chance. Tonight’s the night Flat Trucker said they’d be out at Sizz’s house to jam and without Amber Rose around, I might still find a way to convince Amber Vaughn to come with me. No funny stuff, of course. I will not be that guy again. Not until I’ve figured out what it is I really want.
    â€œAw, come on.” I scoot closer to her. “I’m looking forward to meeting your family tomorrow.”
    She glances sideways. “You are?”
    Good question. I mean, on the one hand, yeah. I like people. I’m pretty good with adults. Her parents own the one decent restaurant in town so the food’s bound to be good. But the more time away from that day on the lake and the more time with Amber Rose and her clique ofschool friends, the more I’m wondering if this is the right relationship. We really are about as different as a girl and a guy can be.
    â€œIt’ll be great,” I say. “Really.”
    She relaxes against me. “I like you, Will.”
    â€œI like you, too, Amber Rose.”
    She leans her head into my chest, all girl-smell great, and mumbles. “I’m really sorry about tonight, but you know . . .”
    I put my arm over her shoulder.