Read Online Play Nice (Make the Play Book 3) by Amber Garza - Free Book Online Page A

I’ve been to him. Henry was kinder to me than anyone’s been in a long time, and our one conversation had given me hope that things were looking up. I guess they’re not.
    “Um…well, we go to school together,” I respond.  “But, um…I better get going. It was nice to meet you, Henry.” Glancing over at Mrs. Parker, I nod my head. “And it was nice to see you again.”
    “You too, Ashley,” her tone is sincere, but her eyes hold a quizzical expression.
    Have I been rude to her before or something? Probably she’s heard all about me from Hayes. That’s got to be it.
    Spinning around, I hurry to the back of the line. It’s grown since I was last in it, and a part of me wishes I’d never left. Especially now that I know who I was talking to. But deep down I’m glad I talked to Henry. Even if he hates me after finding out what kind of person I am, it was still nice to have a few minutes with someone who didn’t know my reputation. Someone who believed the best about me.
    After ordering my coffee, I lean against the far wall and scour the small shop. It’s still crammed with people, but Henry and Mrs. Parker are gone. Sitting at their table is a young mom wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt, her hair pulled up in a high ponytail. She’s speaking lyrically to a child in a stroller who kicks his chubby legs and giggles.
    “Ashley,” my name is called out.
    After walking to the counter, I pick up my coffee. The paper cup is warm against my palm as I head toward the glass doors. I’m about to pat myself on the back for making it through this morning when Talia and Heather burst through the front door, all giggles and large smiles. The air leaves me. I clutch the cup tighter. So tightly I fear I’ll break it and coffee will go spilling everywhere. It takes every ounce of willpower I have not to lower my gaze.
    I steel myself for unkind words, maybe a slam or two. But what they do is worse. They look right through me as if I’m invisible.
    Blowing out a breath, I maneuver around them and step outside. Warm air and sunshine greet me. Normally this would make me happy. Fall and spring are my favorite seasons. I love sunshine and blue skies. But today not even nice weather can bring up my mood. Determined to get home as fast as possible, I walk with clipped strides toward my car. A couple strolls past holding hands and staring at each other lovingly. A pang of jealousy jabs me in the gut. I’ve dated a lot of guys. Hooked up with even more. But I don’t know that any of them looked at me lovingly. Lustfully, yes. But lovingly, not so much.
    Before I can stop it, a tear escapes down my cheek. Mortified, I reach up with my free hand and swipe it away. But the minute I get rid of that one, another one follows. Crap. Blinking, I wipe my face again and again. When I hear footsteps nearing me, I clear my throat, dropping my head in hopes that my hair will shield my face.
    “Ashley?”
    Double crap.
    “Ashley? Are you okay?”
    Attempting to brush away the last traces of moisture, I lift my head and run a finger through my hair. Keeping my voice even, I say, “I’m fine, Emmy.”
    “You sure?” Emmy’s eyes are narrowed in concern. Taylor stands next to her, appearing more perplexed than worried.
    “Yes,” I snap. “Just my damn allergies kicking up.”
    “Oh.” Emmy bites her lip. “Cause you seem upset.”
    “The only thing I’m upset about is the fact that you won’t leave me alone,” I hiss. “Why can’t you mind your own business?”
    Emmy’s lips press into a hard line. Gone is the concerned look. Now it’s replaced by anger. “Well, don’t worry, Ash. I won’t make that mistake again.” She grabs Taylor by the arm, and they both glare as they slip past me.
    Listening to their footsteps behind my back, I shake my head. Why did I have to be so rude to her when she was trying to be nice? Peering over my shoulder, I watch them enter the coffee shop together, arm in arm. What I wouldn’t give