One day off from swim practice was enough. He had to be there to support the team, because, hey, he was on the team, and he wasn’t going to let Brad and Van Dyke edge him out. “Jason!” Dani’s voice echoed through the emptying hallway. “Wait up!” He turned to see his sister jogging toward him, her auburn hair swinging wildly. “I can’t drive you home until later,” he told her when she reached him. “I’m going to practice.” “I don’t need a ride. I just wanted to ask you a favor,” she said breathlessly. “I’m going shopping with Kristy for a dress.” “Okay. So what’s the favor?” “I need you to back me up tonight at dinner,” Dani said. “Kristy’s parents gave her a budget of seven hundred dollars.” “For what?” “The dress,” Dani said impatiently. “And I know Mom and Dad are gonna flip when I ask for that much.
