Rachel's Valentine Crush by Angela Darling Page B

Grandma Nellie repeated. “What do you mean?”
    â€œLike . . . not like a little kid anymore,” Rachel tried to explain. “Like somebody who’s old enough to go to a concert. Or a dance. Or a party on a school night.”
    Grandma Nellie’s eyes brightened. “Well, which is it, honey? A concert or a dance or a party on a school night?”
    Rachel couldn’t help smiling back. “Grandma Nellie, it’s all three!” she said. And then the words came tumblingout as Rachel told Grandma Nellie all about Brody’s big concert, the Valentine’s Day dance, and the private party at the Chocolate Bar.
    â€œAnd your whole class is invited?” Grandma Nellie asked. “And the concert tickets are free?”
    Rachel nodded.
    â€œOh, Rachel, you have to go!” Grandma Nellie said at once, clapping her hands enthusiastically. “What an experience! And Brody Warner is such a nice boy. His mother used to drive me to my doctor appointments after I broke my ankle. The Warners are good people, there’s no doubt about that.”
    â€œBut . . . what about Dad?” Rachel asked.
    Grandma Nellie waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Don’t worry about your father. Tell you what—there isn’t supposed to be any snow tomorrow, so he’ll definitely be home for dinner. We’ll make a special meal . . . maybe chicken stew? And you can make his favorite dessert—an apple pie! We’ll have a lovely family night and then, after dinner, you can ask permission. And I’ll be right there to help you convince him. Not that I think he’ll need it, sweetheart.”
    â€œReally?” Rachel gasped. She leaped up and threw her arms aroundGrandma Nellie. “Thank you, Grandma Nellie! You’re the best!”
    â€œOh, honey, no need to thank me,” Grandma Nellie replied as she hugged Rachel back. Then, smiling, she pushed Rachel’s hair back from her face. “You really are growing into such a lovely young woman. So mature and responsible. Don’t think I don’t know how much you do around here . . . for everybody. And life is getting so exciting for you. I can’t wait to see what happens next!”
    â€œMe neither,” Rachel said. Grandma Nellie’s enthusiasm was infectious, just like Taylor’s. Rachel could hardly believe how hopeful she suddenly felt. Even if Rachel couldn’t convince her dad to let her go to all the upcoming events, he would surely listen to Grandma Nellie.

chapter 7
    â€œWE’RE HOME!” MR. WILSON CALLED OUT the next night as he walked through the door, carrying Robbie on his shoulders.
    â€œHey, Dad!” Rachel exclaimed as she poked her head out of the kitchen. She was wearing one of Grandma Nellie’s aprons. “I feel like I’ve barely seen you for days.”
    â€œMe too, kiddo,” Mr. Wilson said, smiling at Rachel. “We’ve had a pretty rough winter so far. It’s good for the bank account, but bad for family time. Luckily, we should have clear weather for the rest of the weekend, at least.” Then he paused and sniffed the air. “Wow, what smells so delicious?”
    â€œI can’t tell you,” Rachel said mysteriously. “And don’t come into the kitchen until I say so!”
    Leaving her dad in the entryway, Rachel hurried back to the stove. “He’s home,” she said to Grandma Nellie.“How much longer until dinner?”
    Grandma Nellie lifted the lid off the pot and tasted the broth. “The stew is ready,” she replied. “And it’s delicious!”
    â€œI’m worried about the pie,” Rachel said anxiously. “What if the crust is dry? Or the apples are mushy?”
    â€œThe pie is going to be perfect,” Grandma Nellie declared. “You did a great job on it, and I should know. I’m a pie expert, after