Free Sidetracked by Deb Loughead Page A

say.
    â€œNo doubt! So then this cop car came flying out of nowhere. I guess it looked like I was part of it all. Until they understood what was going on. They let me go once I explained I was trying to stop them,” Matt says. “Carter tried to tell them I was there all along. He’s such a knob!”
    â€œI saw those guys in the backseat. But I took off when I saw you with the cop. I thought you were involved with Carter and his friends. I just thought the worst when I saw what was happening, Matt!”
    I reach out and give him a quick hug. Then I tell him how Zenia came through for Justin at the dance.
    â€œWe actually did it. We stopped Justin from getting into trouble!”
    My brother shakes his head. “Wow, can you believe everything that has happened tonight, Maddy?”
    â€œNo kidding,” I say and pull the blankets back over my head to go to sleep. I sleep hard after Matt leaves my room and don’t wake until my clock radio blasts hiphop at 9:00 Saturday morning.
    Before I even open my eyes, I smell fresh coffee and hear home fries sizzling in a pan. Abuelo likes to give his two athletes a good breakfast. What a relief that I won’t have to face Mom and Abuelo with an awful story about their Mateo this morning. In fact, there’s no need to tell them anything, since nothing bad happened to either one of us.
    I stay in bed for a moment, thankful that things turned out last night. Carter and his crew are in for a huge wake-up call. And Kat and I are going to work things out at practice today. This morning, I actually do feel a bit like Little Miss Sunshine!
    In the kitchen, Mom, Abuelo and Matt are gathered around the table. Mom and Abuelo lean forward, listening to Matt tell them about last night.
    â€œOh, there she is, the other hero,” Abuelo says as I slip into a chair.
    â€œHero? How am I a hero? What did I do? Matt’s the hero—he’s the one who was trying to stop those idiots last night.”
    â€œAh, but you. You stopped Justin from being there with them,” Abuelo says, smiling.
    â€œThat was a good plan,” Mom says. “You two. What busy lives you lead. So much going on all the time. I’m so proud of both of you.”
    Matt has a half smile on his face. I decide he’s been hiding his secret life way too long.
    â€œMom, Abuelo, how about if Matt and I take you out for dinner tonight? Our treat,” I say. Matt’s eyes grow wide.
    â€œDinner? Really? You mean I don’t have to cook tonight?” Abuelo says.
    Mom looks baffled. “Where do you want to take us for dinner, Maddy?”
    â€œIt’s a surprise,” I say. “You’ll have to wait and see.”
    â€œAnd you’re coming too, Mateo?” Abuelo asks. “Even though you’re so busy?”
    â€œYeah,” Matt says. “But I’ll have to meet you there, okay?”
    Matt winks at me. I inhale Abuelo’s delicious breakfast so I can hustle over to the track and practice. I’ve made a decision.
    I am going to win on Monday!

chapter twenty-two
    On the way to the track, Matt and I talk about our dinner plans. He’s worried about how Mom and Abuelo will react when they see him behind the counter at Burger King.
    â€œWhat if they get mad at me,” he says. “What if they don’t like the burgers? What if they don’t want me to have a job because it cuts into my school and sports time? What if they don’t think I can handle it?”
    â€œQuit worrying, Matt,” I say. “You’ve been doing it for a few months already. Trust me, they’ll be proud of you. And the burgers will be the best Abuelo has ever tasted, because you cooked them!”
    Matt nudges my shoulder. “Sure hope you’re right, Maddy.”
    I can’t help thinking, I sure hope so too .
    Everyone is already at the track when we arrive. Everyone except Carter and his friends, of course. Justin and Zenia