Page 18 of Wylder and the Secret Rockstar
“I know.”
Her smile turned sad. “Well, your brother was here this morning, but he and your father already left for Columbus together. Which means it’s just you and me. I’ll close up early, and we can go to the Main.”
“Sounds good. Want me to do the closing walk-through?”
Her mom brushed a hand over her cheek. “That would be great. Thank you.”
Wylder knew what do to on instinct. She’d closed the store a thousand times before. Walking each aisle to check for lingering customers and straighten merchandise allowed her time to calm down, to enjoy being in the familiar place without anyone forcing their expectations on her, without feeling the weight of disappointment. Her mom was good at making her feel loved no matter what she did.
By the time she reached the front of the store again, her mom was saying goodbye to the final customer and locking the door.
They walked across to the Main. Wylder’s pass from school allowed her to stay in town for two hours, but she had no intention of going back so soon.
The minute they sat down, the diner’s owner, Mrs. Callahan walked over. “Hello, ladies.”
Wylder’s mom smiled. “Evening. Could we please get our usuals?” She glanced at Wylder. “And two strawberry milkshakes.”
“You’ve got it.”
As soon as she was gone, Wylder’s mom pinned her with a look. “Now, dearest daughter of mine, why have you left campus?”
Wylder sighed. Her mom was not going to like this. She reached into her bag and pulled out the drop form. “I need you to sign this.”
Her mom read the paper, her lips drawing down. “Honey, why are you dropping music?”
“That’s the one you question? Not honors English?”
“Yes, because honors English is a no-go. I won’t consider signing for you to drop that one.”
Which was exactly what Wylder feared.
“But music? Give me a good reason to sign this.”
“I can’t do it.”
“Yes, you can. Next reason.”
“I don’t want to.”
She said thanks to Mrs. Callahan as she put milkshakes and burgers in front of them. “We all do things we don’t want to do. It builds character. But I don’t believe for one second you don’twantto play. Maybe this class will be good for you.”
“Mom.” Wylder sighed as she took a sip of her shake.
“Don’tmomme. My daughter can do anything. She doesn’t stop things because they’re hard.”
How could she explain it? Music physically hurt deep in her chest. And English… the problem was that didn’t hurt. When she saw Sebastian it did many other things to her, and she couldn’t handle it.
“Dad would sign the form.”
Her mom chewed a bite and swallowed. “You’re probably right, but that’s because he doesn’t know how to say no, that sometimes saying no is the kindest thing we can do. He was so proud when you got into an honors class.”
If she was being honest, she’d been proud of herself. Was she really going to let Sebastian ruin that for her? This was the first time she’d ever been good at school. “Okay, I’ll deal with English, but music, Mom? It’s because of Becks you won’t sign, isn’t it?” He put her in the stupid class.
She didn’t respond right away as she took another bite. “Your brother loves you.”
“A little too much.”
“There’s no such thing.”
