One of the Guys Read Online Free PDF

once.
    â€œWhat’re you doing?” Mom asks, leaning in the doorway. “Why aren’t you out with the guys?”
    â€œShould I be climbing trees or rock-skipping or something?” I set the empty ice cream bowl on my night stand, next to a forgotten pizza plate that’s starting to smell.
    â€œIt’ll get easier.” Mom plops down beside me on my bed. There’s a ketchup stain on the collar of her gray T-shirt that’s been there forever. “Change can be good.”
    I scoff. “Change sucks.”
    â€œWhy don’t we go grab a coffee?” she asks, brightening. “My treat.”
    â€œYou’re my mother. You’re legally obligated to pay for me until March 1.”
    â€œComb your hair, smart ass.” She slaps my shoulder. “You’re leaving this room.”

    A few minutes later, we’re driving down Shelburne Road on our way to Dunkin’ Donuts. My mom car-dances to an overplayed rap song. I try to ignore this by staring out the window, but I’m offered only crisp, green lawns and places that remind me of my friends. The bowling alley. The drug store. The movie theater.
    When I can’t take it anymore, I switch the radio to the country station. The beautiful sound of Tim McGraw fills the space.
    â€œI was wondering how long that would take,” Mom says, grinning.
    I wonder if this entire trip is some kind of test. “What’s the point of this outing?”
    â€œI refuse to let you drop into a hole,” Mom replies cheerfully. “You’ve sulked all week. I allowed that. Today, you move on. And smile.”
    â€œLadies don’t smile,” I grumble. “Ladies cross their ankles.”
    Mom frowns as we pull into the Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot. She cuts the engine, unclasps her seatbelt, and turns to me. “Give me the word then,” she says. “One word. And I’ll put you back in Burlington.”
    For a moment, a flutter of excitement, but this has to be a trick. I ask, “Are you serious?”
    She nods, pieces of her curly auburn hair breaking free from her ponytail. The older I get, the more I realize how much our looks differ. Her skin is flushed with colorful freckles while mine is pale and smooth. Her hair kinks into curls while mine is a sleek black. Her eyes? Dark brown, chocolatey. Mine? Light gray, the color of a darkening sky. Everyone says I look like my dad.
    â€œI want to go back to Burlington,” I say. I hold my breath. Please. Say yes. Set everything right again .
    â€œUgh! I can’t let you do that, Toni.” She shakes her head, smiling. Ha. I knew it was a trick, but I’m still disappointed. A simple yes would’ve solved everything. “Winston is an amazing opportunity for you. Burlington was stunting your growth.”
    Annoying. I don’t need to grow. I think I’m good as I am, thanks.
    Inside, we each order an iced latte—I inherited my mother’s taste in all things beverage—and choose a table by the window. I press my head against the glass and sigh dramatically.
    â€œHow did group go today?” she asks.
    Oh, that group and sharing feelings thing. My nightmare. “I’ve been transformed into a woman who eloquently expresses her feelings,” I say. “I’m cured.”
    â€œWe’re not trying to cure you…” Mom stops and takes a break from trying to raise my mood as she sips her latte in silence.
    When a red VW Bug arrives in the parking lot, I sit up a little straighter. My spirits raise. The Bug belongs to Ollie. I wonder if the guys have come looking for me.
    â€œWouldn’t you know it. Your gentlemen have arrived.” Mom sounds less than thrilled. “Which reminds me. Have you met any nice girls at school? It couldn’t hurt to have at least one female friend.”
    I’m not really listening. I’m watching Ollie and Cowboy climb out of the Bug, joking around,