Play It Again Read Online Free Page A

asked.
    “You’re a chip off the old block, you know that?” Dad said. “When I was a kid, I remember getting so sick whenever I had to do anything in front of other people. I had a terrible case of stage fright. I couldn’t even stand up in the classroom. All the kids would laugh at me…. It was bad news. Puke city.”
    “Puke? Gross, Dad. You? Really?”
    “You bet. So I guess you can chalk this one up to genes, Maddie. Blame your old dad for your case of nerves. Sorry, kid.”
    Madison reached over and touched his shoulder. “I don’t mind, Dad. Not really. Besides, now I’m stage manager.”
    They arrived at Dad’s downtown Far Hills loft just in time to see the last innings of a baseball game between the Mets and the Braves. Next to computers and collages, Madison loved baseball. She got that from her dad.
    “Did you see that?” Dad yelled at the television set. “That was a strike! What? Is the ump blind?”
    Madison was setting the dinner table for two while “Finn’s Fantastic Meatballs” heated up in the oven. It was really just Swedish meatballs with noodles, but Dad named all his recipes. He even baked Madison Muffins once. They were supersweet.
    “Hey, Dad, I forgot to ask—can you help me with my computer assignment tonight? I have a test coming up.”
    “Double play!” Dad yelled at the television. Then he turned to his daughter. “Did you say ‘test,’ Maddie? Didn’t school just start?”
    “Yeah, well. Time flies when you’re in junior high. Will you help?”
    Dad laughed and walked into the kitchen. “Of course I’ll help.” He kissed Madison’s head. “I’m really proud of you, young lady. Have I told you that lately? You are a bright, smart …”
    “Dad,” Madison moaned. “Don’t start. Please.”
    “Start what? Isn’t it acceptable for a father to be proud of his little girl?”
    “Yeah, but you get so sappy. You and Mom both do that. Anyway, sit down. Dinner’s served.” Madison set the serving dish on the dining room table. “Oh and for the record, Dad, I’m not a little girl.”
    Dad laughed. “I know that, honey,” he said. “Believe me, I know.”
    When the baseball game ended in overtime, they finally logged on to Dad’s computer. It was fancy, streamlined with a flat-screen monitor edged in polished steel. Dad always had the highest-quality equipment. Plus he upgraded a lot.
    “Let me quickly show you my new Web site,” Dad said as he punched a few keys. When the computer turned on, a photograph appeared.
    Unfortunately it was Stephanie, Dad’s new and annoying girlfriend.
    “Oh,” Madison said, staring at the screen. “It’s her.”
    Just then, the screen dissolved into another picture. This one showed Madison and Phinnie. It was taken last year during a snowstorm.
    “It’s not just her. Look, Maddie.” Dad punched a few more keys. “Most of my screen savers are photos of you.”
    Madison watched as the picture of her and Phin in the snow dissolved into her school photo from last year, which then dissolved into a photo of Dad on water skis, and then into a photo of Madison waving from the inside of Dad’s car.
    The screen finally dissolved for the last time into wavy lines, and Dad’s site booted up. A giant blue logo appeared with the words FINN FRONTIERS .
    “That’s my new logo,” Dad said proudly. “For my newest venture. You like?” Dad had started and stopped a whole bunch of businesses in the past ten years. Mom called him a snake oil salesman sometimes, but Madison wasn’t sure she knew what that meant, exactly.
    “Wow, that’s neat-o,” Madison said. The logo rotated around and around, leaving a trail of blue “dust” on the screen.
    Madison was prouder than proud that her dad was so “with it” where his business was concerned. She didn’t know any other parents in her class into technology and social media the way he was.
    “Let’s tackle your technology homework now,” Dad said, exiting his company’s