Read Online The Secret Crush by Tina Wells - Free Book Online

on her parts of the musical, she wanted to see what progress everyone else had made.
    Marcus and Conrad had posted a song they’d mixed for the soundtrack! Zee clicked on the clip. An amazing sound streamed through the computer’s speakers. “Cool beans!” Zee read Conrad’s description of how the boys had gone to the mall and recorded the sounds there. Then they put it all together in the school’s music studio.
    But as Zee logged off, her excitement faded away. She remembered what Landon had said about how much time Marcus was spending with Conrad. The music was incredible, but would Landon feel left out that Marcus and Conrad had recorded it without him? Zee felt bad for Landon.

9
Mother’s Helper
    â€œH ow was your afternoon, Zee?” Mr. Carmichael asked at dinner that night.
    Zee put a forkful of salmon in her mouth and looked at her mother. “Fine?” she said suspiciously, certain her parents had already talked.
    â€œWhat did you do?”
    â€œI worked really hard on my homework.” Zee spoke fast. “For all my subjects—except music. I even did extra credit for English.”
    â€œI’m glad that you did your schoolwork,” Zee’s dad continued. “But I think we need to have a talk.”
    â€œAbout what?” Zee asked.

    â€œYeah, about what?” Adam chimed in.
    Mrs. Carmichael looked at Adam with her this-doesn’t-concern-you face, then turned back to Zee.
    â€œIt’s not a good idea to give all of your attention to one thing.”
    â€œYou mean, like English?” Zee asked hopefully.
    â€œNo, I mean like the musical.”
    â€œBut I know I want to be a singer. And a songwriter,” Zee added. “And Mr. P thinks I’m really good.”
    â€œYour dad and I think you’re really good, too,” Mrs. Carmichael said.
    Adam held up his finger, then gulped down a mouthful of barley salad. “For the record, I think you’re really good, too.”
    â€œAwww…thanks!” Zee said, turning to her brother.
    Adam pointed back to their parents. “Pay attention.”
    â€œYou’re only twelve,” Mrs. Carmichael continued.
    â€œYou’ve got your whole life to become a singer,” Zee’s dad added.
    â€œIs this about the D plus?” Zee protested. “I promise it won’t happen again. I can handle all my classes and the musical. I can get back on track.”
    â€œWe’re worried about Landon, too,” Mrs. Carmichael said.
    â€œWhat about him?” Zee asked.
    â€œYou might be a little too focused on him as well.”
    â€œHe’s my costar!”
    â€œIs that the only reason?”
    Adam started making kissing noises, so Zee kicked him under the table.
    â€œOwww!” her brother cried out. “That’s the last time I compliment you.”
    â€œIf you’re going to rehearse with Landon,” Mrs. Carmichael continued, “it has to be in Mr. P’s classroom or here.”
    Zee’s cheeks started to burn. “But—” Zee began.
    â€œWe’ve talked about it and believe it’s the best solution,” Mr. Carmichael said. “We do realize there’s a lot to get done before the show—”
    Finally, Zee thought, they get it.
    â€œSo I’ll be helping out in the classroom,” Mrs. Carmichael said.
    â€œWhat?” Zee shouted.
    â€œSweet!” Adam said. “I should have popped some popcorn for this.”
    â€œWhat do you mean in the classroom?” Zee asked.
    â€œYou know.” Mrs. Carmichael stabbed her salad with her fork. “I’ll come and work with the students onwhatever needs to be done—building, painting, recording, anything. Even costumes!”
    â€œWhile I’m there?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    â€œI don’t know if Mr. P will like that.” Zee scrambled for an excuse. “He probably doesn’t want parents interfering with his