Read Like This And Like That for Free Online

only player in the county with a better record than Gemma’s. Like Gemma she had been accepted to USC on a full scholarship. “Good game the other night,” Taylor said. “Give me a call if you ever want to practice at the Y sometime.”
    Gemma nodded. “Thanks. I will.” After Taylor disappeared down the hall, Gemma turned back to her friend. “ She’s the one with the height,” she told Maria. “And she always uses it to my disadvantage.” Although Taylor and Gemma were on the same team, they could get competitive when they weren’t playing against another school. With their well-matched skills, they kept each other on their toes.
    â€œSo you know my pain,” Maria said with a laugh. “Now let me see your love notes!”
    â€œOkay, check these out.” She handed Maria her Sidekick. For the last few days, Drew had been texting and IMing her short messages like, just thinking about u and wish u were here . He sent her longer e-mails at home.
    â€œThat’s cute, right?” Gemma asked, beaming.
    â€œThat’s adorable,” Maria confirmed. “But when are you two going to actually have a face-to-face?”
    Gemma shrugged. She wondered that herself. Between the lack of a photo and the lack of a date, Gemma couldn’t help thinking that maybe Drew was hiding something. Or wasn’t as into her as his messages implied. It didn’t make sense.
    After a stop at Maria’s locker, they headed to Gemma’s. As they rounded a corner they spotted Nick with a few of his teammates, throwing a football back and forth. “Oh great,” Gemma mumbled.
    â€œPay that idiot no mind,” Maria said.
    As Gemma fumbled with her locker, one of the guys threw the football in her direction. It bounced once and landed at her feet. Nick ran up to retrieve it.
    â€œHow ya doin’?” he asked.
    Gemma sighed and said, “Fine, Nick. You?” She decided to take the high road on this one.
    â€œCool,” Nick said and shrugged.
    Gemma should have been furious with him because of that party fiasco. In fact, she should send him a bill for one ripped T-shirt. Instead she decided to just let it go. After all, she had Nick to thank for sending her to the website where she’d found Drew.
    Just then a guy in a brown uniform, carrying a huge bouquet of roses in a glass vase, rounded the corner. He stopped and stared down at the piece of paper in one of his hands.
    â€œCan you tell me where the office is?” he asked Nick. “I’m supposed to deliver these to someone named Gemma Williams, and I think the office is the only way—”
    â€œI’m Gemma Williams,” Gemma interrupted, confused. She stepped forward.
    The guy handed her the bouquet. “Then these are for you.”
    â€œWow, they’re gorgeous!” Maria exclaimed.
    â€œThey are beautiful,” her locker neighbor, Cindy Schull, said. “Now there’s a guy who knows how to treat a girl right.”
    As Gemma and other girls in the area gushed over her roses, Nick slumped back to his buds.
    â€œWho are they from?” Laura Keener asked, joining the circle of girls admiring the flowers.
    â€œI’m pretty sure I know,” Gemma said, unable to stop her grin. She reached into the flower arrangement and pulled out the card. “They’re from Drew.”
    â€œThis guy has perfect timing,” Maria said, winking.
    Gemma glanced over at Nick, and had to admit she was enjoying the peeved expression on his face.
    â€œWhat does the card say?” Maria asked.

    â€œ ’Just a little something to brighten your day’,” she read aloud. “‘I would love to go out with you tonight if you are free. Sincerely, Drew.’ ”

    Gemma gazed around the circle of envious girls and noticed Maria furiously texting something on Gemma’s Sidekick.
    â€œHey!” Gemma exclaimed. “What are you