Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Maybe I should. She might think I’m funner than you.
Doubtful. I’m the best older brother.
Yeah, you probably are.
I sighed dreamily as we texted back and forth a while longer.
Okay, gotta sleep. Night, Henners.
Night, Watermelon Sugar High.
Um, what? Isn’t that a Harry Styles song?
That’s how you’re listed in my phone. Because of your obsession with those Jolly Ranchers.
OMG! You’re ridiculous.
Am I? How am I listed in your cell?
Just H. You know, like a grown-up. But now I’m going to think of something new for you.
LOL! Looking forward to hearing what you come up with. Hey, how about Quarterback God?
So humble.
I stared at the ceiling, unable to think of anything. But now I had an earworm from that Harry Styles song.
“Thanks a lot,” I fake-grumbled as I fluffed my pillow and went to bed.
24
HENRY
It was Friday night, a football bye week, and I was restless. Spencer had gone home for the weekend, and I was doing the same tomorrow but decided to stay put tonight. I could’ve hung out with Flash and Bones, who talked up a game of poker in the common room, but I wasn’t feeling up to it.
I drove to the gas station to fill up, then stepped inside in search of a candy bar or the saltwater taffy from Atlantic City that was sold everywhere in the state. I’d enjoyed them as a kid, and for some reason, I was in reminiscing mode right then. Which was obviously why, when I saw the package of Jolly Ranchers, I grabbed them along with a Snickers and went to the counter to pay.
Back in my car, it practically drove itself to Lakeview Trailer Park. There was a visitors’ lot, if you could even call the pebbled dirt area that, but since I didn’t know where the hell I was going, I figured it was better on foot.
All the trailers looked similarly built but differed in size, color, and decorations. Some had wind chimes and lawn furniture, while others were completely barren, making me wonder who might be inside them and what their story was.
I pushed the thought out of my mind that Lark would be pissed I’d shown up here, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself from wanting to find him. When I spotted a slew of birdhouses hanging outside one of the trailers, I headed toward it, wondering if that might be where he lived. Star had mentioned something about their decorations at Parents’ Day.
A guy around my age was standing outside a trailer, watching me warily. “You look lost. Can I help you?”
“Oh, um…” Was I really that obvious? “Do you know where Lark Levitt lives?”
“Depends who’s asking,” he replied, and I could hear the protectiveness in his tone.
Maybe they all looked out for each other. Sort of like a neighborhood watch in other communities. Nothing wrong with that. Comforting, really.
“I’m a friend from college.”
He studied my maroon-and-gold Sentinels jacket. “You’re Henry with the fancy name.”
I held in a gasp. “How do you know me?”
He shrugged. “I’m Lark’s best friend, Pete. He’s told me about his college friends.”
“Nice to meet you,” I replied in a steady voice, but now I wondered how much he really knew about me. But why did it matter? He wasn’t a student at the university. “I’ve heard about you too.”
“Good to hear.” He smiled, then glanced down the row of trailers. “Didn’t he tell you his address or how to find him?”
“No, I guess it’s a surprise visit.” I scratched the back of my neck, thinking this was probably not a very good idea after all.
“O…kay. Well, he’ll definitely be surprised, but that’s between the two of you.”
He pointed to the trailer I’d had my suspicions about. “That’s where he lives.”
“I knew it. The bird feeders.”
“Yeah, his mom is a big fan, which you apparently already know.”
“Yep, well, um, thanks.”
As I drew nearer the trailer, I noticed other things that made a dwelling feel like a home: potted plants on the steps—fall mums, I thought—and the wicker lawn furniture with bright-green cushions. It was nice. I tried not to look at it like through my parents’ eyes. I’d been so conditioned to presume expensive furnishings, but this felt comfortable and lived in, and that immediately settled my nerves.
But only momentarily. My stomach tightened as I climbed the three steps to the door. I took a deep breath before lightly knocking.
When Lark answered, his eyes became cartoonishly wide. “Henners? What are you doing here?”
I had no excuse, so I tried for humor. “Well, you did ask me to babysit Star, and since you didn’t mention a date, I thought I’d see if you two were around.”
“I…uh…” he spluttered.
“I even brought snacks,” I said, producing the bag of candy I’d purchased. “Please don’t be mad…or think I’m a stalker.”
“Why would I think you’re a stalker?” He narrowed his eyes. “How do you even know where I live?”