Chapters (68)
- Cover
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- One
- Two
- Chapter One
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Chapter Two
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Chapter Three
- Ten
- Eleven
- Chapter Four
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Chapter Five
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Chapter Six
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Chapter Seven
- Twenty
- Twenty-One
- Twenty-Two
- Chapter Eight
- Twenty-Three
- Twenty-Four
- Twenty-Five
- Chapter Nine
- Twenty-Six
- Twenty-Seven
- Chapter Ten
- Twenty-Eight
- Twenty-Nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-One
- Chapter Eleven
- Thirty-Two
- Thirty-Three
- Thirty-Four
- Thirty-Five
- Chapter Twelve
- Thirty-Six
- Thirty-Seven
- Thirty-Eight
- Chapter Thirteen
- Thirty-Nine
- Forty
- Forty-One
- Forty-Two
- Chapter Fourteen
- Forty-Three
- Forty-Four
- Forty-Five
- Forty-Six
- Forty-Seven
- Chapter Fifteen
- The Following Summer
- About the Author
- About the Publisher
Why hadn’t Digger told her he’d talked to Alfie? “Did he answer them?”
Alfie took a ragged breath. When he finally spoke, his voice was flat. “As soon as I opened the door, he ran to his car and drove away. I waved for him to come back, but he didn’t.”
Ali’s jaw clenched. She was so sick of the Sloane Family Feud she wanted to scream. It was ridiculous that Digger hadn’t talked to Alfie!
“You didn’t tell me he was bringing us a party invitation.” It sounded like an accusation.
“I didn’t know until just before he left.”
Alfie’s forehead puckered. “I didn’t think we’d get one after last Sunday.”
They stopped at an intersection and waited for the light to change. Ali scowled. Why was she even hanging out with Alfie? Before, when she was sure the Sloanes would be reunited, she’d loved walking home with him. Now it just made her sad and frustrated. She wouldn’t do it anymore. Besides, she’d be moving soon and so would he. They’d never see each other again, so what was the point?
She didn’t try to hide her annoyance. “Inviting your family was the right thing to do.”
“Granddad was furious.”
“Whatever. Your grandfather needs to get over himself.”
The light changed, but Alfie didn’t move. “He’s not awful, you know. He’s sad.”
Ali’s patience plummeted. “Well, that makes two of us.”
“Why are you sad?”
“This stupid fog, the fact that I don’t have any friends, the fact that Gigi’s been sick. I’m sad all the time, and your big trouble is that my dad inconveniently left a party invitation at your house.”
Alfie leaned back, as if she’d slapped him. “I didn’t know Gigi was sick.”
It figured Alfie wouldn’t ask about her problems. He’d said he wanted to be her friend, but he sure didn’t act like one. “She was really sick with a bad cold and sometimes she gets confused. I’m worried about her.”
“But she seems okay. I mean, you’re having a party for her.”
Really, Alfie was too much. “How would you know? You don’t even know her! Guess what? Gigi is going to die soon, that’s why we’re having the party. All you care about is your precious grandfather. I did the right thing and went to see him. If you care as much as you say you do, you’d visit Gigi before it’s too late!”
ALI’S RULES ABOUT NOT LOSING FRIENDS
- Don’t pick a fight.
- Try to walk in their shoes for a minute, really understand them.
- Listen to them.
- Seriously, listen to them.
Alfie opened his mouth, then shut it. The light changed again, and he rushed to cross.