Page 55

“It’s no big deal,” I say.

“What have you been reading?” Momma asks.

I sigh. “Noah likes the Grover story,” I reply.

“Vicki makes voices like Mom does,” Hannah tells everyone.

Great. Can’t I have any secrets?

“Does she?” Mom asks.

“Yep.”

Noah grins. “Like Grover,” he says. “He’s a monster.” Noah makes claws with his hands and growls.

Momma turns her head. She’s laughing. I know she is. Mom is probably praying Noah doesn’t bring Grover home in a bucket.

“Well, it seems creativity runs in the Blake family,” Mrs. Morrison says.

“So, it would seem,” Mom agrees.

“I know Hannah’s been excited to show you her hard work. I hope to see you again soon,” Hannah’s teacher says before she heads off to talk to some other parents.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hannah smile so much as she leans against Mom.

“Excuse me.”

I look up to see a woman holding a little boy’s hand.

“Hi,” Mom says.

“I’m sorry to bother you. Luke is in Hannah’s class.”

Hannah blushes. Oh, no way! Hannah has a crush on him! Luke waves to Hannah. It’s kind of cute.

“Don’t be silly,” Mom says. She extends her hand. “Emma. This is my wife, Addy.”

Now, the woman blushes. Oh, boy. Does she have a crush on Mom?

“Yes, I know,” Luke’s mom says. “Rachel,” she introduces herself.

“Nice to meet you,” Momma replies.

And there it is! Rachel’s face looks like a plum. No way! I think she has a crush on Momma! Mom grins. She thinks so, too.

“Vicki!”

I spin around.Leo.Leo sits two desks away from me in class. “Hi, Leo,” I say.

“Hi.”

“How come you’re here?” I ask.

Leo points in the distance. “My little brother is in first grade.”

I nod.

Momma clears her throat. “Do you want to introduce us to your friend?”