My Life with the Walter Boys [Published Version Sample]

Chapter 3

Normally I worked out on one of the treadmills in our family's gym, but the Walters didn't have a gym-or even a treadmill, for that matter. Running outside would have to do. The sun was creeping into the sky, and a cool breeze swept across my neck as I stepped out onto the rickety, wooden porch. The morning dew sparkled on the lawn as I sat down to tie my shoelaces before stretching.

As I stretched, butterflies knotted up in my stomach. I couldn't tell if they were left over from my nightmare or if I was nervous about my upcoming day. The prospect of going to a new school made me feel sick. I had only been in the Walter household for a day, and so far it was awful. I couldn't imagine going to a public school with hundreds of boys-eleven plus Parker was bad enough.

It was already nearing the end of the school year, and I was positive that I wouldn't make a single friend. I found myself wishing it were already three in the afternoon, so I could shut myself in my room and curl up under the covers.

Just as I was about to take off, the screen door screeched open as George stepped out. Will and Cole were right behind him, and they were all dressed in work clothes: jeans, old T-shirts that had faded from white to cream, boots, and hats to protect them from the sun.

"Morning, Jackie," George said and tipped his hat at me. Will waved and offered me a friendly smile.

"Morning, Mr. Walter, Will," I replied.

"You're up early," Cole grumbled as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"I could say the same to you."

Cole scowled. "Chores," was all he said.

"The boys have some work on the ranch to get done before they head off for the day," George told me. "If you're going for a run, you might want to wait for Nathan. He'll be out in a second."

"Okay, thanks," I said as the three stepped off the porch.

As I waited for Nathan, I watched them head in the direction of a barn that was barely visible in the early morning light. At one point in their walk, Will playfully shoved Cole, who tripped and fell over into the grass. I covered the smile on my face with my hand.

The screen door screeched again, and Nathan stepped out. When he saw me, he beamed. I was trying to remember which boy he was when I noticed the guitar pick necklace. Right, the musician.

"You like to run?" he asked me excitedly, without a good morning.

"I like keeping in shape," I told him. "I wouldn't necessarily say I enjoy running."

"Okay," he said and laughed. "Do you want to join me on my attempt to stay in shape?" He seemed genuinely eager about it.

"Sure, I don't mind," I said. "Actually, I'm surprised that you want me to come with you. Everyone seemed pretty mad at me last night." I felt my cheeks burn at the memory of the spaghetti flying through the air, but Nathan just grinned. He was going to look so much like Cole when he was older, but he wasn't anything close to being as intimidating.

"Of course I want to run with you! And besides, I thought it was funny. Don't let Jordan get to you. He's just a prankster."

"I'll try to keep that in mind," I said as we headed down the steps.

"Want to follow my normal route?" Nathan asked me.

"Lead the way."

***

After my run, I went to the kitchen to get some breakfast before anyone else woke up. I thought it was the perfect way to avoid another catastrophe. Of course, my plan backfired. Katherine was sitting at the table in a pink, fuzzy bathrobe, drinking coffee and reading a book. To make matters worse, Katherine's oldest nephew was there too. He was standing at the kitchen counter and eating a bagel in his boxers. Good morning, six-pack! The only thing I could do was stand there and gawk like an idiot.