There she is. Mattie Gómez at the Boardwalk. I didn’t think she knew that kids from Poppy View Middle School hang out at the Boardwalk on Thursday nights. Every week until the Boardwalk closes for the winter, it’s a tradition to eat junk food, ride the scariest rides, and look for people we know.

“Isn’t that—” I say to Gaby and Rebecca. I’m about to point out Mattie when I realize she’s with her family. A woman with long ash-brown hair and glasses is holding hands with a gray-haired guy in a blue polo shirt. There are two boys, too. One of them looks to be about Tristan’s age. They’re heading toward the roller coaster, the older boy leading the way.

“Who?” Rebecca asks.

There’s something private about seeing Mattie with her family. “Never mind,” I say.

“Come on, Mercedes, let’s go to the arcade.” Gaby pulls me along, our matching bracelets clanging.

I’ve convinced my friends that the arcade is the best part of the Boardwalk. That way, I never have to admit that I hate rides. I just don’t like the feeling of being out of control. Besides, it’s a good place for them to spot boys from school. Gaby and Rebecca are starting to get “boy crazy,” as Cristina calls it. I don’t really care, personally. Boys can be cool and they can be dorks, just like everyone else.

“Look, there’s Joaquin at the Super Dance Shuffle!” Rebecca, who has a huge crush on Joaquin, says.

Her crush means she has to follow him and that means Gaby and I have to follow her. I don’t mind because I’m a champion at the Dance Shuffle. When I play, I always get a crowd around me. The more people watching, the better I do.

Tonight is no different. I jump on the blue and red squares and obey every pattern the Shuffle gives me. My hips are swaying, my hair is bouncing. People are clapping and I’m laughing. I end up beating Joaquin by fifty points.

“Why did you have to do that?” Rebecca whines. After Joaquin lost, he stomped off toward the beach with his friends.

“Who cares?” I say, slinging an arm over her shoulder. “Forget about the stupid boys. And anyway, it’s time to go meet your dad.”

We walk toward the other end of the Boardwalk for our ride home. Some older kids goof around but most of the families have gone home. Except one.

We’re almost at the Speeding Saucers (Tristan’s favorite ride) when I spot Mattie’s family again. Her parents are still holding hands. Gross. And the older boy is eating a funnel cake. Where’s the little one and where’s Mattie?