Free Game of Hearts by Kathryn J. Bain

both know they won't fit you."
    "Not now. But I'm sure I'll grow into them." She let out a deep breath.
    "Hey, you've lost some weight because of our walks. You probably won't be able to wear them too much, at least not without a belt."
    "Glad to know I was that fat to begin with."
    I gripped the steering wheel. I needed to get off the subject of weight and big clothes, or I'd put my foot in my mouth for sure.
    The sun tried to sneak through the clouds. A rainbow shone in front of me. Could it be a sign my pot of gold sat up ahead? "So what are you doing your science project on?" I pulled into the driveway and shifted into park.
    "What project?"
    "The one you and Scarlett were discussing earlier."
    "I don't know." Sarah paused. "I hate doing oral reports. You gotta get up in front of everyone. I feel so self-conscious standing there, like I'm naked or something."
    "I think you're supposed to picture them naked, not yourself."
    She let out a laugh. "The idea of picturing Mr. Hall naked is just sick, Mom. Besides, you gotta interview someone regarding your subject."
    "How about heart disease? We can contact someone at the American Heart Association or a doctor who specializes in it."
    "When will I have time to do that? It's due in two weeks, and it's not like you'll help."
    "I'll help. In fact, one of Mr. Howard's clients is a cardiologist. I've spoken with his nurse quite a few times." I glanced over at Sarah. "How about I call her and see if you can interview her sometime next week?"
    "I guess. It would just be easier if we had the internet and PowerPoint."
    "I'm sorry, but I can't get you a computer or software with PowerPoint. You'll have to use what's on my computer. Or maybe you could go to Victoria's and borrow hers."
    "I don't think so. She's too busy trying to be the beauty queen of the school." Sarcasm came across in her tone. Silence fell between us until Sarah finally spoke. "You said you would get me an outfit this weekend."
    "Yes, I did."
    "Instead, if this works out with the nurse, maybe we could go to the arts and craft store and get a model of a human heart?"
    "There should be a coupon in the paper this Sunday. If you'd rather do that, then that's what we'll do."
    "At least then I'll have something new that didn't come from a discount store."
    ****
    We'd been lucky enough to get an appointment to see the cardiologist's nurse on Tuesday. Sarah would still have plenty of time to finish her project. I waited while she spoke to Nurse Melanie about how disease can destroy the heart. They pointed at the plastic model Sarah had put together from a kit. Sarah took notes as Nurse Melanie walked from one chart to another.
    "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" She pushed back loose strands of hair that had fallen from her bun.
    "I think that's it. I've got a lot of notes."
    "If you need anything else, give me a call."
    "Thank you for allowing us to take up so much of your time." I rose from the plastic chair. "If there's anything we can do to help, let us know."
    "You can tell me where your daughter got that cool shirt, so I can get one too." Melanie gestured to Sarah's cut-together top. A smile came over my daughter's face and her eyes shone.
    "Sarah made it herself. Didn't you?" Pride came through in my voice. "She came up with the idea when I couldn't afford to get her new clothes for school."
    Melanie grabbed the side of the shirt where the extra fabric had been sewn in. "I love it. Could you make me one? I'll give you the two shirts to use. I'll even pay you for your time."
    "Sure I can." Sarah beamed. It had been a while since I'd seen her smile like that.
    Melanie walked us to the front door. "You do the books for Mr. Howard's office, don't you?"
    "Yeah," I said.
    "We've been looking for someone on a part-time basis. If you're interested, I'll let the doctor know."
    "I sure am." I pulled out a business card I'd made on my home computer and handed it to her.
    The car started right up with no problem. If I