by Megan Sparks
First published in 2013 by Curious Fox,
an imprint of Capstone Global Library Limited,
7 Pilgrim Street, London, EC4V 6LB
Registered company number: 6695582
www.curious-fox.com
Text © Hothouse Fiction Ltd 2013
Series created by Hothouse Fiction
www.hothousefiction.com
The author’s moral rights are hereby asserted.
Cover designed by Jo Hinton-Malivoire, original concept by www.spikyshooz.com
All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
ISBN 978 1 78202 039 4
1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2
A CIP catalogue for this book is available from the British Library.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including photocopying or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright owner.
ebook created by Hothouse Fiction Ltd
With special thanks to Lisa Fiedler
For my Coffee Club girls – Margaret, Mary and Corrinne. When life has me skating in circles, you’re always there to help keep me on my feet!
Chapter One
To Annie, Liberty Heights seemed to be melting into a huge grey puddle.
Everything that had been so lovely about the Illinois winter – those crisp blue skies and the blankets of pure white snow – was now morphing into a slushy, drab mess. Even walking home from high school along the pleasant Main Street felt dreary and bone-chilling.
“Ugh,” Annie muttered, stepping over an icy patch. “How long until spring?”
Her best friend, Lexie, laughed. “Forever. Or at least that’s how it always feels at this time of the year.”
Annie felt a twinge of homesickness. That didn’t happen much any more. After living there for five months, she thought of Liberty Heights as home now, but this bleak day had her longing for the early spring warmth of London, where she’d grown up. Hyde Park was probably already carpeted in daffodils. She pictured her mum in the tiny garden of their flat in Kensington, coaxing the newborn crocuses out of the earth.
OK, so Mum had never been much of a crocus coaxer (she was a workaholic lawyer – far too busy for hobbies like gardening) but it was still a nice image.
They covered their heads with their hands as they passed under a jagged row of icicles that dripped from a roof edge. “February can be a real drag,” said Lexie.
“Yeah,” Annie grumbled, taking in the paper hearts that decorated the windows of the Main Street shops. “For lots of reasons.”
Not long ago, she’d been dating Tyler Erickson, the captain of the soccer team and the coolest boy in school. At first, she’d thought he was perfect, but as their relationship went on, she came to realize that other than gorgeous green eyes, a hot body, and a killer smile, Tyler had little to offer. He hadn’t been supportive – not when it really mattered – and the relationship had ended badly. Annie was pretty much over Tyler, but now that the whole world seemed obsessed with Cupid, she couldn’t help wishing she had a valentine. Someone to send her flowers or share a romantic dinner with...
No! Annie shook her head. She refused to let the fact that Valentine’s Day was coming up get her down. Grim weather and romantic greetings card occasions aside, Annie really loved living here in Liberty Heights.
It had been almost six months since her parents’ separation, the event that had prompted Annie’s dad to return to his hometown in America. He’d decided to open a British-style tea room in Liberty Heights. Some people were surprised that Annie chose to go with her father instead of staying in London with her mother. It wasn’t that Annie didn’t love her mum; she’d always been proud of Philippa’s work ethic and her success as a lawyer. It was just that Dad had always been the stay-at-home parent – the one who drove Annie to gymnastics, cooked dinner, and put the cold compresses on her forehead when she had a fever. So it just seemed natural to go with him and support him as he pursued his dream. The first weeks had been difficult, and she still missed her mum, but for the most part, Annie didn’t regret moving at all.
She’d made a brilliant best friend in Lexie, who was funny, artistic, and totally unconventional. Dad’s café, Rosie Lee’s, was thriving, and Annie was really getting the hang of being an American teenager. Not a typical one, though ... not by a long shot.
Because Annie was a roller girl! She’d discovered her local roller derby team early on and hadn’t looked back. When she was playing derby she felt like she was right where she belonged. So what if some kids at school thought roller derby wasn’t a real sport, and considered the people who played it freaks? Annie loved it and that was all that mattered.
The girls had reached Rosie Lee’s now. Even from the pavement Annie could smell the delicious aromas of pies baking and coffee brewing. But today, Annie would have preferred staying outside in the freezing gloom.
“Oh, c’mon,” Lexie said, reading Annie’s mind as she pulled open the door. “It’ll be fun.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” Annie said. “You’ll be the one behind the camera!”
“And you’ll be the pretty face in the newspaper ad,” Lexie reminded her. “Just pretend it’s a professional photo shoot and that you’re a famous supermodel.”
Annie’s dad was planning to run a Valentine’s-Day-themed advertisement in the Liberty Heights Gazette and he’d asked Annie and Lexie to help him out. Annie would be featured in the ad, and Lexie, with her artistic eye, would photograph it.
Together, Lexie and Dad had put together an idea for the advert, including some elaborate costuming, designed and sewn by Lexie. Unfortunately, they’d kept it all a secret from Annie. They’d called it a “surprise” but Annie was wary. Knowing Dad and Lexie, this was going to be something crazy and over the top, and they’d probably decided that keeping the details from her would be the only way to get Annie to do it.
“I had my mom drop off the costumes this morning,” Lexie explained, nudging Annie through the door.
“Sometimes having a super-creative best friend has its drawbacks,” Annie said. “Just tell me this ... is it worse than the Queen Elizabeth outfit Dad made me wear at the grand opening of Rosie Lee’s?”
“Oh, it’s way better!” Lexie said, giggling.
Somehow, that did little to reassure Annie. Lexie went over to the coat pegs and removed an oversized garment bag, but before she could unveil Annie’s costume, Dad came bustling out of the kitchen. He was dressed up like ... the jack in a deck of playing cards?
“Oh, no!” Annie covered her eyes with her hands. “Please tell me this isn’t happening.”
“He’s the Knave of Hearts!” Lexie announced proudly. “You know, from Alice in Wonderland.”
“Hearts,” Dad repeated, pointing to the giant red felt heart sewn onto the front of his white satin tunic. “For Valentine’s Day. Get it?”
“Yes, Dad. I get it.” Annie sighed, eyeing his outfit. He wore a ridiculous blond pageboy wig, with a floppy red satin hat perched on top. The white tunic flowed down to – oh, no! – a pair of pantaloons and glittery tights! On his feet were red felt slippers with pointy toes that curled up.
Annie had the fleeting thought that she might be able to borrow those tights to wear to a derby bout. Then it hit her. “Woah. If you’re the Knave of Hearts, then I’m going to be—”
“Ta da!” cried Lexie, tugging the bag off the hanger to reveal the costume.
Annie actually gasped.
“Your gown, Your Majesty,” said Dad, sweeping into a low bow. “A dress
fit for the Queen of Hearts.”
Lexie was beaming as she held up her handiwork. Annie had to admit it was fabulous, with its black sequined bodice, dotted with glittery hearts. The puffed sleeves were red and white striped and the red satin skirt billowed out like a huge bell. A red velvet cape trimmed with faux fur and a jewelled crown finished off the ensemble.
“It’s amazing,” said Annie, trying to sound enthusiastic. She knew Lexie must have spent hours designing and sewing this masterpiece. But wearing it in the newspaper for all to see? That was a terrifying proposition. Since splitting up with Tyler, Annie had been trying to keep a low profile. And this was definitely not the dress to do it in.
“Righty-o, ladies,” said Dad, putting on his ridiculous cockney accent as he placed a plate of freshly baked goodies on a table. “Take a moment to sample me luverly wares. Then we’ll knuckle down.” He turned to smile at Lexie. “A cup of coffee for our stylist-slash-photographer?”
“Yes, please.”
“Can I have a cup of tea?” asked Annie, sinking into a chair.
“What else is new?” Lexie giggled. “I guess you can take the girl out of England, but you can’t take England out of the girl.”
Annie gave her friend a small smile and reached for one of the treats. Dad had baked heart-shaped tarts filled with tangy berry jam. One bite went a long way towards taking her mind off her newspaper appearance. “These are delicious, Dad.”
“They really are, Mr Turner,” Lexie agreed, tasting one.
“Save some for the shoot,” said Dad, returning with the hot drinks. “And the customers!” The girls took a moment to enjoy their snack as a handful of customers came and went. Dad told each of them to keep an eye out for his advert in the weekend Gazette; he promised there would be a coupon for Valentine’s treats.
Wonderful, thought Annie, imagining people gawking at her in the Queen of Hearts costume. And the worst part was that on Valentine’s Day, she wasn’t going to be the queen of anyone’s heart.
* * *
Several minutes later, she was dressed in the red and black gown, which reached the floor even though Annie was five foot eleven and a half. She’d pulled her long, brown hair into a loose bun and Lexie had done her eyes in sparkly silver shadow. Annie had coloured her lips with dark red lipstick to create a haughty pout. All in all, she was happy to see she looked more glamorous than ridiculous.
Lexie posed them with a giant tray of tarts, ordering Dad to pretend to steal them, and telling Annie to give him her best “Off with your head!” look. Things got silly, with Dad stuffing three whole tarts into his mouth at once, and Annie posing dramatically with her hand pressed to her forehead as if it was all just too much to bear.
Lexie snapped shot after shot, laughing the whole time.
“If you two ever get tired of running a café,” she said finally, “you’ve both got a real future in theatre.”
Laughing, Annie removed her crown and checked the teapot-shaped clock on the wall.
“I’ve got to go,” she said. “Derby practice. Dad, can I have a lift?”
“Anything for the Queen of Hearts,” said Dad.
For a brief moment, Annie thought her dad was planning to drive her to the roller rink in his costume. And since there was always a fifty-fifty chance of their ailing truck breaking down, she panicked. She could only imagine what people would think if they saw the Knave of Hearts walking to the nearest petrol station.
Luckily, when she came out of the toilets dressed for derby, she saw that Dad had also changed back into his normal clothes.
Dad locked up, and they headed out to the truck.
“Lexie, can I drop you off on the way?” Dad offered, turning the key. The old pickup started with a horrible screeching sound.
“No thanks,” said Lexie, grimacing at the noise. “I think I’ve got a better chance of making it home on foot.”
Dad laughed and nodded. “I really need to get it into the garage to see about the fan belt. But I’ve been sort of pressed for time.”
And money, Annie added silently, slipping into the passenger seat. Even though Rosie Lee’s was doing a steady trade, the cost of starting it up had been high. Annie and her dad were far from destitute, but it was going to be a while before they could breathe easily when it came to unexpected spending.
“Thanks for all your help,” she called out of the window to Lexie.
Then she covered her ears as Dad put the truck into drive.
Chapter Two
Dad dropped Annie at the rink entrance.
“You wanna come in and watch practice for a bit?” Annie offered. “This is going to be the last one for a while.”
This thought sent a stab of sadness right to Annie’s heart. Technically, the season was over – and the Liberty Belles had won the league championships! But on the downside, Annie and the girls would be derby-free until the autumn. Today’s practice was a special one, called by Coach Ritter so the girls could get in one last workout, clear out their lockers, and say goodbye.
“I’d love to,” said Dad, “but I don’t think that would be advisable. I’m afraid if I turn off the motor, I’ll never get it going again.”
“I’ll get a ride home from Lauren’s mum,” Annie said.
“Good thinking.” Dad laughed, then waved and drove off. The truck growled menacingly.
Just as Annie reached the glass entrance door, she heard a familiar whirring sound. She turned to see Jesse, bundled into a thick hoodie and heavy gloves, his black hair hidden under a beanie, rolling up on his skateboard.
He smiled at Annie as Dad pulled out of the car park.
“That noise can only mean one of two things,” he said, hopping off the board and flipping it up into his hand. “Either Godzilla has arrived to devour Liberty Heights or your Dad’s pickup is in serious need of a fan belt. I almost couldn’t hear the Nirvana CD he was blasting.”
Annie giggled. “OK, first of all, the Nirvana CD is mine. And second of all, you’re right. It’s pretty clear that our poor old fan belt might have to be put out of its misery.”
Jesse laughed. “Sad but true.” He opened the door to the rink and held it for Annie. “If you want, I can take a look at it.”
“Really? You know about trucks?”
“I know about anything with wheels. Skates, skateboards, bikes, cars. I’m that guy.”
“Ah, well, if that guy could possibly fix our fan belt, we’d be very grateful. Thanks, Jesse.”
As Annie headed for the locker room, she thought about how thoughtful and sweet Jesse was. If she’d ever told Tyler her dad’s truck needed attention, he wouldn’t have cared.
Stop thinking about Tyler; he’s a big jerk.
In the locker room, Lauren, Sharmila, Holly, Carmen, Liz, and the other Liberty Belles were getting into their gear.
“So, Lauren,” Holly teased, “I saw you talking to a cute sophomore guy outside the chemistry lab this morning. Looked like some major valentine potential.”
Lauren gave an awkward laugh. “We were just talking about homework.”
“Yeah, right,” said Sharmila, waggling her eyebrows. “There was more chemistry happening between you two than there was in the lab!”
Lauren just ducked her head and focused on putting on her skates.
“Guess who I saw at the mall this afternoon,” said Carmen. “Kelsey. She was making a big deal about buying these stupid boxer shorts for her new boyfriend as a Valentine’s Day gift.”
At that, the entire locker room went silent and all eyes shot to Annie, who felt her stomach flip over.
Carmen frowned and looked from one grim face to another. “What? What did I say?”
“Kelsey’s new boyfriend is Annie’s old one,” Liz whispered.
Carmen immediately went pale. “OMG, Annie. I’m so sorry. I had no idea she and Tyler were going out together.”
Annie shrugged. “It’s OK. How could you know? They just started dating, like, five minutes ago.” Of cours
e, Tyler and I only broke up, like, six minutes ago.
Truth be told, the fact that Tyler was suddenly all up in Kelsey’s pom-poms did kind of sting. Annie’s history with the head cheerleader, Kelsey, was not a good one. Ever since Annie had turned down a spot on the cheerleading squad, Kelsey had made it her personal mission to make Annie’s life difficult.
“Besides,” Annie said, forcing a carefree smile, “I’m completely over him. And completely over Valentine’s Day. I’m boycotting it this year.”
Lauren laughed. “Boycotting Valentine’s Day. I love it.”
“Well, I don’t,” said Sharmila, just as Coach Ritter entered the locker room. “I like the idea of some hot guy buying me chocolate and swooning over me, even if it does only happen one day of the year.”
“Guys swoon over you all the time,” Holly reminded her.
Sharmila struck a pose and fluffed her hair. “True.”
Everyone laughed, even Annie. Sharmila had the looks of a Bollywood star, with her long black hair and striking green eyes.
“Well I’m certainly not looking forward to baking two dozen heart-shaped cookies for my daughter’s class Valentine Day’s party and helping Abby make twenty-four cards for her classmates,” Coach said.
“Why don’t you order the cookies from Annie’s dad?” Carmen suggested. “The ones he baked for our Christmas party were awesome.”
“I’m sure he’ll give you a derby discount,” Lauren added, “since you’re Annie’s coach and all.”
Annie smiled. She was sure Dad would be glad to help out Coach Ritter, but it had less to do with her being the coach and more to do with the fact that he had a pretty huge crush on her. They’d been out on a couple of dates, and Annie had even seen them kiss under the mistletoe back in December.
“I’ll place the order for you when I get home tonight,” Annie said.
“Thanks,” said Coach, visibly relieved. “Well, now that I don’t have to worry about cookies, what do you say we get on with practice? Remember, girls, it is really important to stay fit in the off season, so you’re in shape when next season starts.”
“I know,” said Holly, sadly. “But it is more fun to work out as a team.”
