hel

mom's, cold to the touch. She's been breathing gradually, as usual-just a small sigh of air exiting her mouth. Sh

ook over the family farm, and no single complaint left her lips. How can that fie

to convince myself that everything will be okay. Even when Mom's the one smiling

to see Skylar Leigh, my best friend and roommate. She offers me a

she d

etly. "Thanks for stopping b

-up," she says, pulling a bag of C

e before taking the snacks from her. I don't think I

utching Mama's hand. There's sile

ttle girl, the whole nine yards. I remember her massive smile, which she'd save for when I got off

s I relive the m

make everything look so

way so we can face the world on our own. Your mom is a beautif

nd, there's a ligh

Lane?" A nurse st

mble, standing

ed to talk to you about something...your mother

realizing

rry," I no

They can get you another cop

now exactly how much

e any more conflict with this nurse. "Sure, tha

look at my bag on the floor. I ponder the money Camila threw at me last night. Mama needs the money, a

g," Skylar says. "See

ank you fo

place on the stage, soaking up the recognition for being the true singer. I hear the cheers, see the ca

She needs me,

r can I handle bei

y work as I tie the apron around my waist. Mama needs me to conti

who come by to catch the latest games. It's generally at its busiest during football and basketb

getting them drinks, and having brief conversations with them. Skylar

e for!" My friend says, trying to get me to look at her phone. "I

ords, but they still wound me ever so

eard Camila Monro

say that I've

playful way of being shocked. "

lls silent for a moment, no doubt putting it together that

compared to your voice, anyway. I've heard the way you sing

nterrupting our conversation, a

orders," I tell my best friend. I quickly walk

sweat-covered forehead. Still on her phone, Skyla

or. But one of these days, she will make me kee

e, looking at their menus. They loo

land on one of them, I go cold. It

...s

Skylar take th

and his eye

h

ain so soon, huh? You

e for a rematch? Hope my kic

my spine. He shakes his head. "I'm all g

If you're out for revenge, think t

vely, "Just say sorr

to a sleazeball," I s

lears his throat, in

a glance in my direction. "

me. They place their orders, and as I take the

g?" I ask, cocking my head. "I j

to be on the Arkansas Ozarks-the greatest tea

he team's tight end. And the other guy from the stall, his platinum

his gaze to mine, his piercing brown eyes taking me by surprise. "We were at the honky-tonk in

ach fli

ger she is." Mark pretends to gag. "It's honestly sickening.

oks up at me. "Please forgive my idiot best friend. I th

g more about Camila. I can't

now her? Her voice

" Mark

is Mark guy and

s out of my mouth before I even realize it. It's not a lie, though. I've never b

t does that mea

r the enemy's questions. Po

y bad taste in teams

d, hands on my hips. "Now, can I get the rivals of my favorite team

lets out a laugh

s at my name tag. "Ophelia, to

ith a nonchalant shrug. "I do

I'm sure I could

ngs to do. I'll get your orders put in right away," I te