Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer Page A

miles from mine, like I hoped it did.
    As if reading my thoughts, Jewel said, “Doesn’t Louise Vaughn’s son teach at the high school? He’s quite handsome, and JC seems to like him.” She angled a glance in my direction. “I’ll introduce you to him on Sunday.”
    Mortification singed my lungs. “Chet Vaughn would no more look at me than a . . . a . . .” I couldn’t think of anything ridiculous enough to finish the sentence.
    Jewel’s eyes twinkled. “So you didn’t notice anyone. I see.”
    I stooped to pick up Russell’s car and books and rubber ball. “It will take much more than a pleasing face to stir my affections. I’m happy on my own. And Principal Gray gave me a book of basketball rules to review, so I won’t require Bo’s help. If I get desperate, I’ll ask the boys’ coach.”
    â€œThe boys’ coach?” Jewel’s face brightened like that of a child at the candy counter. She bumped her shoulder against mine. “Is he handsome? Is he married? We could invite him to dinner!”
    I kissed my sister on the cheek and prayed that the boys’ coach was a doddering old codger far beyond the reach of my sister’s scheming.

12
    C HET
    The final bell of the day sounded. As I left the building, noticeably cooler air hit my face. I savored the change, thankful for the promise of winter’s arrival. With winter came basketball. Before long my afternoons would be spent in the gymnasium, and my Friday nights, if I had my way with the school board, in the town hall.
    Whistling, I turned toward home, eager to stretch my legs over the few short blocks.
    â€œChet!” Giles sprinted toward me, face red, breathing hard. When he stopped, he bent over, hands on his knees, gulping air. “I—need—to—tell—you. Tried—earlier—today.” He finally straightened. “I’ve enlisted.”
    The words slammed into me, leaving me the breathless one.
    â€œI report to camp in two weeks.”
    Bile rose in my throat. I swallowed it down, reminding myself why I’d chosen to stay here. I couldn’t leave Ma alone, even if she had declared she could take care of herself. And if I werecompletely honest, I knew my students needed me, too. At least Blaze did. No one else would push him to graduate.
    No, unless Uncle Sam required my presence with a draft letter, I’d remain in Dunn, doing what God had asked me to do. But that didn’t mean Giles had the same path to travel.
    â€œThat’s great.” My voice sounded flat in spite of my effort to be positive. “But isn’t this kind of sudden?”
    He shrugged, eyes faltering from mine. “Not really. I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”
    I shoved my hands into my pockets, knowing Giles was waiting for me to say more. But I couldn’t muster any excitement. I rubbed a hand across my forehead, wishing I could erase my frustration. No matter what, Brian Giles was my friend. I’d support him, same as I did Clay.
    â€œJust don’t go getting yourself killed over there, all right?” I said.
    He blinked, as if he hadn’t considered that possibility.
    I jerked my head in the direction of home. “Come to supper. Ma’ll never forgive me if I don’t give her the chance to fatten you up before you go.”

    â€œMa?” I walked through the front door, right into our main room. A shabby sofa. A pedestal table surrounded by three spindle-backed seats. And the gramophone.
    No sign of my mother. I ran up the stairs, calling again. “Ma!” I stood on the second-floor landing and scratched my head. It wasn’t like her to be out, let alone out at suppertime. Maybe she’d run out of flour or baking soda or some such thing and gone to borrow some from a neighbor.
    Muffled voices drew me back downstairs to the kitchen. Mawas chatting with Giles as