Free A Lot to Tackle by Belle Payton

braids and her offbeat fashion sense, Kylie stood apart from the girls at school, but she didn’t seem to care. She loved fantasy fiction and competed in junior rodeos. Ava had never been around horses until she met Kylie, but now she looked forward to spending a day in the McClaires’ barn.
    â€œNow that football’s over, you can come here after school and Luciana can give you riding lessons,” Kylie offered. “By this time next year, you’ll be good enough to do a mini rodeo.”
    â€œI probably won’t be here next year.” Ava stopped brushing. She figured they’d stay in Ashland until the end of the school year, butwhat if they had to leave right away? What if the Tigers lost the game and everyone was so angry that her family was forced out of town? Her body swayed uneasily as she pondered this horrible reality.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Kylie demanded.
    Ava explained about Coach’s one-year contract. Then she told Kylie about her failed attempt with Mr. Whittaker.
    â€œYou can’t go!” Kylie cried.
    â€œI know,” Ava agreed. “But how do I make sure we stay?”
    Kylie sat back on her heels and thought. “Your dad’s job made you move to Ashland, so if you want to stay, your dad needs a job in Ashland. He doesn’t have to be a coach, does he?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Ava said. “All he’s ever been is a coach. His whole life has been about football.”
    â€œHe could run a sports store,” Kylie suggested.
    â€œAshland already has Rico’s Sports.” Ava thought some more as she began to braid Chester’s mane. “He likes to bake, too.”
    â€œHow about that cupcake store in the mall?” Kylie asked.
    â€œThat’s barely a store. It’s more like a hut with one teenage girl selling cupcakes.” Ava could notsee Coach, with his broad shoulders, squeezed in there all day. Besides, he hated the noise of the mall. “No, I guess he has to keep being a football coach.”
    â€œWhat about your mom?” Kylie asked. “It doesn’t have to be your dad. If your mom gets a great job in Ashland, then you can stay here.”
    â€œMy mom has a job, remember? She started her ceramics business. She’s been selling those blue-glazed pots.”
    â€œThat’s a problem. If you guys move, her job goes with you,” Kylie pointed out.
    â€œYou’re not helping!” Ava protested.
    â€œYour mom needs a new job that can only be done here in Ashland.” Kylie led Chester into his stall and closed the door. “I have an idea. Follow me!”
    Ava followed Kylie into the tack room. Worn leather saddles and bridles hung from hooks on the wall. Kylie picked up a folded newspaper from beside a basket filled with canvas work gloves. “Jorge always reads the Ashland Times .”
    Kylie opened the newspaper to the help wanted ads. “We’ll find your mom a job in here.”
    â€œBut I don’t know that she wants another job,” Ava said.
    â€œShe will if we find her the perfect one. Herfantasy job!” Kylie ran her finger down the list as she read aloud the choices. “Dishwasher? Receptionist? Housekeeper?”
    Ava shook her head. “Why would she want to give up ceramics to wash dishes? She hates washing dishes.”
    â€œShe doesn’t have to give up making ceramics. She just needs a second job in Ashland,” Kylie explained. “There are more here. Home aide for an elderly man? Plumber’s assistant?”
    â€œDo you really think unclogging toilets is my mom’s fantasy job?” Ava cried, looking over Kylie’s shoulder. “All these jobs are lame. Wait. What’s this one?”
    â€œâ€Šâ€˜Elementary school art teacher,’ ” Kylie read. “The position is a replacement for a teacher who is leaving to have a baby. The ad says ‘potential for permanent