Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall

Author:Casey Lyall
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2023-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

12

I burst through our front door, kicked off my shoes, and ran up the stairs. “Going to a sleepover at Marlo’s!”

Mom emerged from the bathroom, jolting as I whizzed past her on the landing. “How about ‘May I go to a sleepover at Marlo’s?’”

I paused in my doorway. “May I sleep over at Marlo’s? Pleeeeeeeeease?” Zooming over to the dresser, I started shoving clothes into a bag.

“Yes, as long as Sofía and Allison have agreed.” Mom came in to perch on the end of my bed. “You seem awfully excited for something you do on a regular basis.”

Uh-oh. That was her “What’s Lemon up to?” voice. I sneaked a peek over my shoulder. “Our new friend from Junior Forest Rangers is coming too.”

“Oh?”

Aha. Now I had her.

“Rachel, the girl I told you about yesterday,” I said. “We thought it’d be fun to immerse her in the full Lemon-and-Marlo-friendship experience.”

Mom hummed softly. “That’s great, sweetie. I’m glad you and Marlo are expanding your circle a little.”

Expanding our . . . “What’s that mean?” I muttered as I attempted to stuff my pillow into the bag.

“You and Marlo are very good friends.” Mom helpfully held the sides open so I could cram in the last corner. “But you don’t have to be each other’s only friends.”

I was tempted to pull out the chart Marlo and I had made in third grade, outlining exactly why we’re the perfect pair of friends, but that seemed counterproductive when her concern for my social skills was netting me a sleepover pass.

“You’re right,” I said. “Rachel’s cool. She’s already taught me a ton about science and nature.” I zipped the bag shut, slinging it over my shoulder. “Can’t wait to return the favor and teach her everything I know.”

A faint frown line creased her forehead. “What’s Rachel’s last name again?”

“Morris. Why?”

Mom headed out the door. “I should contact her parents and give them a heads-up.”

“Hah,” I called after her. Rachel would be so lucky to learn the ins and outs of my skill sets. I shoved a few more supplies into my bag and headed downstairs.

“See you tomorrow!” I hollered before dashing over to Marlo’s house.

Rachel was waiting on the front porch, a bag on her back and a tote box hugged to her chest. A tall man with deep brown skin and a shy smile mirroring Rachel’s stood beside her as he chatted with Sofía.

“Here she is,” Sofía said. “Lemon, this is Mr. Morris, Rachel’s dad.”

“The famous Lemon.” Rachel’s dad nodded. “Please call me Luke. I’ve heard so much about you and Marlo.”

“Daaaaaaad,” Rachel groaned under her breath.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he said, ignoring Rachel, brown eyes crinkling up behind wire-rimmed glasses. He reached out to shake my hand, and I returned it with three enthusiastic pumps. No more. No less. Learned that from Sully.

Mr. Morris—Luke’s lips quirked as he released my hand. “How are you enjoying Junior Forest Rangers?”

“It’s great,” I replied. “Feels like I’m really getting to experience nature. It’s good stuff.”

“Glad to hear it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.