by Megan Sparks
But Annie could see from the look on Dad’s face that he was suddenly missing one British citizen in particular. “If your mum were here she’d certainly get our financials in order,” he said softly.
“Maybe.” Annie frowned. “But she’s not here.”
After her parents separated, Annie’s American-born Dad had decided to leave England and return to the United States. Annie had been given the choice to remain in London with Mum, or try life in America with Dad. It had been the most difficult decision of her life, but ultimately she’d chosen to go with Dad. Throughout Annie’s whole life, it was always Dad who had really been there for her. Mum loved Annie and Annie loved her, but she was always busy at her law firm.
The truth was, Annie missed her mother a lot, but this wasn’t the time to wallow in that. Dad needed to get his confidence back and thinking about his failed marriage and his ex-wife, thousands of miles away across the ocean, probably wasn’t the way to do it.
On the other hand, Annie felt a little tingle of hope. If Dad missed Mum – and maybe not just for her business skills – that could mean there was a chance they’d consider trying again. Of course, that would require Mum taking her nose out of her law books and legal briefs long enough to miss him, too.
Dad was still looking wistfully at the mural. “It was a gamble, taking you away from all your friends and bringing you to America. I hope I didn’t make a mistake.”
“You didn’t,” Annie assured him. “Going to an American high school is amazing. It’s like being in a teen drama! Honestly, sometimes I think I’m going to walk into the cafeteria and see the cast of Glee or 90210. It’s been really fun.”
“Good – as long as you don’t turn into a drama queen yourself!” Dad joked.
Annie had enough real-life, Liberty Heights High drama queens to deal with already. But she didn’t mention that to her father.
“And you didn’t take me,” she reminded him, slapping her hand on the white tablecloth. “I chose to come. And here I am. So let’s not be gloomy about it. Let’s figure out a way to make it work!”
Dad sat back in the chair and blinked at her. Annie knew he was surprised by her assertiveness. Frankly, so was she. The old Annie had been more quiet and reserved, and a lot less confident. The old Annie might have turned and ran the minute the cheerleader captain, Kelsey, looked at her sideways. The old Annie probably would have already accepted defeat and begun packing her bags to head back across the ocean to London.
But the old Annie wasn’t a roller girl!
Annie popped up from her chair and put one hand on her hip, affecting the persona of a cranky, wise-cracking diner waitress.
“You done here, pal? We got other customers waitin’ for this table, ya know. Meatloaf’s the blue plate special tonight. Can’t keep them regulars away when that one’s on the menu.” She chomped on her imaginary chewing gum. “So you ready to pay, or what?”
Dad faked a frown. “Well, since I know the chef personally, I thought this might be on the house.”
“Oh, fine.” Annie rolled her eyes and pretended to fluff her imaginary beehive hairdo. “Just be sure you leave a decent tip. You think I woik my tail off in this joint for the fun of it?”
Dad quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple of notes.
“Jeesh,” she huffed, sweeping up the bills from the tabletop and tucking them into the neckline of her shirt. “Two whole bucks. Ain’t that generous? I’ll try not to spend it all in one place!”
With a clatter, she gathered the plates and cutlery from the table, balanced them on her palm and held them high above her head as she sashayed off towards the kitchen. She could hear Dad’s laughter following her all the way to the sink.
Annie was pleased at having made Dad laugh. He needed some distraction from all the pressure. As she ran hot water over the chocolate smudges on the plate and brushed the crumbs of tart crust into the drain, she thought about the two dollars Dad had “tipped” her. It gave her an idea.
Why couldn’t she really bring in a little extra money? She was fourteen years old, after all. She should be contributing. And not just by working for free at Rosie Lee’s – by actually earning some extra cash.
So what could she do? Between school, homework, and her roller derby practice schedule, she’d need extremely flexible hours. And she knew that here, anyone under sixteen wasn’t allowed to work at night during the school year. This was going to take some serious thought.
She dried her hands on a paper towel and returned to the cosy little dining area where Dad had gone back to his invoices and bank statements. He was attacking his paperwork with new resolve and she didn’t want to bother him. So she went back to the table where she’d left her algebra homework and sat down.
But she couldn’t concentrate on her assignment.
She had to find a way to earn some extra money until the shop got off the ground...
Read Hell’s Belles to find out what Annie does next!
Other titles from the Roller Girls series – Hell’s Belles
Annie Turner’s roller derby team, the Liberty Belles, is finally on a winning streak. Full of confidence, the girls plan a Halloween bout with the High Rollers, their tough and cheeky arch-rivals. There’ll be costumes, gruesome make-up and plenty of trash talk to look forward to. But when Annie’s crush asks her to a Halloween dance on the same night, she finds herself torn between her girls and her man.
Will Annie’s first American Halloween turn out to be more ‘trick’ than ‘treat’?
In a Jam
Life couldn’t be better for Annie Turner. Not only is she going out with the dreamiest boy she’s ever met, but her roller derby team is riding high in the league. But OF COURSE, just when things seem to be working out, it all starts falling apart. Annie gets left on the bench at a big bout, her best friend can’t stand her boyfriend and her mum wants her to quit the team!
Will Annie listen to her heart? And what is it saying, anyway?
Boot Camp Blues
Annie Turner is single again and it really kind of sucks. It doesn’t help that her ex is now going out with a cheerleader! But she’s also confused by her new feelings for skater boy Jesse. They’re just friends ... aren’t they? Meanwhile, Annie and her roller girls are each desperate to make the cut for an all-star team. Tensions run high as the teammates compete against each other for roller glory.
Will the stars in Annie’s eyes get in the way of her friendships?
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