The Big Bang by Linda Joffe Hull Page A

money would allow us to do some really tight spells,” Heather said.
    “As in?” Tyler and Eva said in unison.
    At least no one said
jinx
.
    “Maybe we could make weed pop up in the community flower beds,” one of the Goths said.
    “I was sort of thinking it could be cool if we made the model of the playground sink, just like Mr. Pierce-Cohn says it will,” Lauren Trautman said.
    “That’s an awesome idea,” Tyler said.
    Lauren smiled in his direction.
    Eva tried to ignore the hollow feeling that seemed to be growing by the second.
    Other than the high-pitched squeal of electric drills, the room fell silent.
    “What do you think, Eva?”
    “I don’t know.” She shook her head. “But, I wish they’d stop that damned drilling so we could figure it out in peace.”
    ***
    “I have cameras set up at the entrances, exits, and high-traffic locations throughout—”
    Frank nodded along as if he were listening while the installer from the security company rattled off the specifics of operating the system. His thoughts, however, were on Hope.
    He shouldn’t be so bugged that his apology wasn’t enough for her to apologize in return, and he couldn’t seem to let go of the niggling feeling he’d somehow pissed her off. Luckily, she wouldn’t continue to harbor whatever it was she was feeling for long. Thanks to Laney Estridge’s comment about Hope getting involved in something bigger than herself, he’d come up with a
give and it shall be given to you
solution for whatever strain stood between them.
    Banking that she’d show up for the Saturday afternoon aerobics class, he planned a strategic hello for the moment she passed the playground diorama, whereupon he’d teasingly shake a finger in her direction. “I haven’t seen your name on anything having to do with the Memorial Weekend playground dedication festivities.”
    This time, her look of contrition would be unmistakable. “To be honest, I didn’t consider getting involved because…”
    “No worries,” he’d say and smile benevolently. “I understand completely.”
    “I’m sorry,” she’d say, a stray tear travelling down her face.
    “No need to apologize.” He’d look straight into her clear, deep blue eyes.
    “I’m just not myself these days. You have to forgive—”
    He’d hold up a hand. “Just tell me you’ll agree to look over the playground design before it’s finalized.”
    “Wow.” She’d look down so he wouldn’t see her blush. “I’m honored.”
    “From everything I hear, you’ve got quite an eye for both indoor and outdoor design.”
    The attitude of her gratitude would charge the air around them.
    Frank smiled expectantly and looked toward the front door of the rec center in anticipation of her imminent arrival while the security installation technician prattled on. “We just need a decision on final placements for the interior surveillance cameras.”
    The front door swung open.
    “Where would you suggest?” Frank asked.
    Hope, dressed in snug workout pants and a sweatshirt, entered the building.
    “We should place a camera in the fitness hallway in case of vandalism or theft.”
    She passed the diorama without a glance and continued on to the drinking fountain.
    “Great.” Frank took a conversation-ending step in Hope’s direction.
    “And another one in that blind hallway outside the second floor restrooms.”
    “Sounds like a plan.”
    Before he could take another step, Tim Trautman flew past both of them and stopped directly behind Hope.
    As Hope bent over to take a drink, Frank was left with his unspoken plan and an unfortunate view of Trautman’s backside instead.
    ***
    Tim Trautman managed a split second inventory: toned quads, nice slice of tan lower back peeking out between her red workout top and waistband, perfect little butt. God, how he’d love to cup his hands around those round cheeks and…
    Hope looked up from the water fountain and turned toward him.
    With her hair pulled back into a