Read Online My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer by Jennifer Gennari - Free Book Online

nothing we can’t handle—”
    â€œNonsense! Eva did the right thing—strike back! Gather your allies!”
    Mom’s bewildered expression flicked to me.
    I ran up to the counter, placing myself between Mom and Ruth. “Try one of these chocolate chip cookies! They’re fabulous!”
    â€œSure, honey. This must be tough on you. But you two have held your own all along. I’m not worried about you. What else should I buy?”
    I grabbed a map of the lake. “Have you got the latest depth chart? You’ll need this if you want to know the ins and outs of every cove.”
    â€œSure, and sunscreen, too, for my next fishing venture—”
    Mom clapped her hands on the counter. “Ruth. What are you talking about? June, what is going on?”
    I looked at Ruth and then down at the floor.
    Ruth cocked her hat back. “You haven’t heard? The flyers are showing up all over town.”
    â€œWhat flyers?”
    I felt in my back pocket. I was still wearing the same jeans. I pulled out the “Boycott Gay Businesses” flyer, unfolded it slowly and laid it flat on the counter. Ruth was already talking.
    â€œThis kind of thing is outrageous. I’m glad Eva sent out the e-mail, alerting everyone. You’ve got a lot of support, MJ, and there’s no way we’d let one of our Vermonters suffer this kind of injustice. We’re all behind you, MJ, so ring me up.”
    Mom closed her eyes. I came around and gave her a hug. “I didn’t want you to worry. Please don’t be sad.”
    â€œI’m OK. You don’t need to worry about me.” Her squeeze was quick, her eyes flashing to the flyer.
    Ruth adjusted her hat and pulled out her purse. “So when are you and Eva tying the knot? Don’t forget to invite me!”
    Mom murmured, “August third,” gave Ruth her change, and they said their goodbyes.
    As soon as she was gone, Mom picked up the flyer and turned to me. “How long did you know about this? Why didn’t you tell me?”
    â€œI didn’t want you to worry,” I repeated.
    â€œMy June bug.” Mom gave me an exasperated shake. “I’m the one in charge of the worrying!”
    â€œNo worries, right, Mom?” I tried to say it like she did, but it came out squawky like a seagull.
    She tossed her cap on the counter and shook her head angrily. “I thought you were having a little bit of trouble with Tina, but this . . . If people are attacking my family, my business . . .” She seemed to see me again. “Can you handle the cash register? I need to call Eva. I cannot believe she did this without telling me.”
    Mom’s anger didn’t make sense. “But isn’t it good to have all these customers again?”
    â€œNo! Yes, of course!” Mom grabbed her cell phone. “But it’s not exactly lying low, this telling everyone our problems.”
    As I rang up another sale, I had to admit I was impressed with Eva. Telling people to shop at the targeted businesses was a good idea. It was better than Luke’s idea to tear the flyers down. Maybe Eva and I could change people’s minds. I would do my part, too.
    I would make a champion pie for the fair.

Chapter Eleven
    â€œIT’S HERE!”
    I wiped cinnamon toast crumbs from my mouth. “What?”
    â€œThe fair, silly,” Tina’s voice over the phone filled the kitchen the next morning. “They’re setting up. My dad said he saw the Ferris wheel on the fairgrounds when he drove by this morning. Let’s go!”
    â€œNow?” I glanced at Eva, but she was absorbed in the newspaper. I hoped it wasn’t too late to register for the pie contest. I’d filled out the adult form last night, by flashlight. Luke was busy with his dad today; it would be nice to go with Tina.
    â€œYou’re the only other kid I know who has entered the fair,” she said.