Read Online The Playmaker (A Big Play Novel Book 1) by Jordan Ford - Free Book Online Page A

dashing out the next. I didn’t think senior year would be this busy.”
    I dip my head to hide the heat building on my skin. Tucking a curl behind my ear, I flick the remainder over my shoulder and shrug. “I’m picking up extra hours at the burger house, classes are busier, and I’m really trying to make the most of my year.”
    “Okay.” Mom nods, disappointment making her frown. Tipping her head to study me, she reaches for one of my loose curls and lovingly twirls it around her finger. She’s been doing that ever since I can remember. “My little Tori Jane…” She sighs with a smile that withers to a look of sadness. “What are you wearing?”
    I look down at the ripped denim shorts I made out of an old pair of jeans last night. I matched it with a short tank that shows off the summer tan on my midriff. Two long necklaces hang low, the large aqua stone and muted silver feathers pressing against my belly button.
    “They’re called clothes, Mom.”
    “I know that.” She rubs my arm. “It’s just so different than what you usually wear. What happened to my rainbow girl? You’re all about the blues and blacks now. I miss the vibrant colors, the tie-dye. Your look has always been so unique.”
    I want to say exactly and try to make her understand how much I want to fit in this year, but then she’ll give me her speech about individualism and make me feel bad for trying to fit the mold.
    “It’s okay to change my look.” I fiddle with my necklaces, making them clink together. “I’m allowed to try out a new style.”
    “Of course you are.” She grins, then looks me in the eye with her pale blue gaze. “As long as you’re doing it for the right reasons.”
    Her auburn curls flop over her shoulder as she tips her head again. Her gaze penetrates below the surface, trying to unearth a truth I will never tell her.
    “My reasons are good.” I force a smile that I hope looks genuine before kissing her on the cheek and spinning out the door.
    “Have a good day, sweetie,” she calls through the open door. “Let your light shine!”
    Two middle school guys who are walking past our house pause and shoot me an incredulous look before glancing at my mother. They snicker and I roll my eyes and stalk around to the side of the house to unlock my bike.
    “So humiliating,” I mutter as I spin the combination lock. Swinging my leg over the seat, I head for school, enjoying the feel of the wind ruffling my hair.
    I’ve decided today is going to be a good day, but that buzzy feeling I’ve been floating on for the last few weeks is harder to find when I have Mom’s words running on repeat in the back of my head. As long as you’re doing it for the right reasons.
    It shouldn’t be bugging me this much. My reasons are good. I want to get Colt’s attention and I totally have. Operation Fall for Tori is well underway and, so far, a raging success. He’s given me seven afternoons, two bonfires, and he even raised his chin at me when I walked past him in the hallway yesterday. It was subtle and no one around us noticed, but I did. My insides floated and sizzled for the rest of the day.
    I also want to make my year more interesting, and the Raiders’ bonfires alone have done that. Hanging out with these guys is a total trip. I’ve found it intimidating, overwhelming, thrilling, fascinating. Sure, they don’t feel like my kind of people, but I could learn to like them. And yeah, okay, I don’t love the tight, restrictive clothing either, but it’s getting me what I want, so therefore my reasons are good!
    I park my bike with a nod and chain it up next to Sam Carmichael’s BMX. Her ever-present smirk is in place as she checks out my grandma bike with the basket and my eyes glance over her I’m a cool skater girl who spends my weekends doing tricks on my bike and board bike. I can’t believe I’m intimidated by a junior, but come on, the girl looks like an elf from Lord of the Rings and has the attitude of