Free The Shore by Todd Strasser Page B

before turning around precariously.
    When Polly saw Avery, her heart leaped into her throat. Avery was approaching the counter carrying two packs of wine coolers, walking calmly and slowly as though she bought alcohol all the time. She put the wine coolers on the counter. Just as the guy behind the counter was about to ask for her driver’s license, she said, “Do you carry diapers? I had to leave the kids with my new boyfriend and I don’t want to drive all the way to the grocery store. I don’t trust him alone with them that long.”
    â€œUh, sure,” the guy said, pointing down an aisle.
    â€œGreat, thanks, be right back.” Avery turned and went to the diaper section, looked for a moment, and then selected a packageand brought it back to the man. “It’s not the brand I normally use, but I guess it’ll work.”
    The man started ringing up her items. “My wife used those for our kids and they seemed fine, never once had a leak.”
    â€œReally? Thanks, I feel better.” Avery glanced at her watch. “If only my boyfriend were that dependable.”
    â€œYeah.” The man chuckled as he rang up and bagged the wine coolers and diapers. “That’s twenty-one even.”
    Avery paid him and left the store. Polly’s heart was pounding; she put the soda bottles on the counter and paid for them without saying a word to the man. She grabbed the bag and rushed out of the store, nearly colliding with Avery, who was standing on the sidewalk several feet away.
    â€œCome on, let’s get out of here!” Polly gasped, in full-flight mode.
    â€œTake a breath and relax, Polly. We’re fine,” Avery said.
    â€œI can’t believe you did that,” Polly said. “Oh, my gosh, I thought you were going to get caught and then—”
    Polly realized Avery wasn’t listening. She was staring across the street at some storefronts and old buildings that were being renovated. She saw a habitat for humanity sign above the building, but nothing else stood out.
    â€œWhat are you looking at?” Polly asked.
    â€œOh, uh, nothing,” Avery said, turning back. “Hold on a second.” She walked up to a woman approaching with a child in a stroller.
    â€œExcuse me, ma’am? I bought the wrong type of diapers for my sister and I don’t have time to return them. Could you use them?”
    The woman frowned suspiciously as Avery produced the package of diapers. “Well, I guess,” the woman said. “But I don’t have any cash on me.”
    â€œOh no, no, I just want to give them to someone who can use them. Does your baby wear this size?”
    â€œActually, yes,” the woman answered.
    â€œThen here you go. Happy early Fourth of July.”
    Avery headed back to Polly. Behind her, the woman called, “Thank you.” Avery turned and waved.
    â€œCome on, we better head back,” Avery said to Polly.
    They began walking. After a minute, Polly said, “Where’d you learn to do that?”
    â€œOne day I had to go to the store for some pads and Curt asked me to try to buy him some beer. I was so nervous that instead of grabbing stuff for me, I grabbed the first thing that came to my hands and it was a package of diapers. By the time I realized it, I was approaching the counter. I figured I would look suspicious if I turned back, so I just put them on the counter with the beer.”
    â€œThat’s so funny!” Polly gasped. “So the first time, it was totally by accident!”
    â€œRight,” Avery said. “People never want to think that someone with a baby is in high school. The cashier let me buy the stuffand never carded me. Curt’s had me buy beer for him ever since. I always try to find someone I can give the diapers to.”
    â€œThat’s got to get expensive,” Polly said.
    â€œYeah. I’m going to need to get a job pretty soon, anyway,” Avery