The Upside of Falling

As the bakery closes for the night, Becca’s mom can’t contain her excitement and asks Becca about Brett. Becca insists that Brett is just a friend, although she briefly considers telling her mom that she and Brett are dating but “leaving out the fake part” (55). Her mom reminds her that she just wants Becca to be happy, and just because things didn’t work out for Becca’s parents doesn’t mean she won’t fall in love one day. Becca’s mom admits that Becca’s father came by to see the bakery when it first opened, which shocks Becca. At school the next day, Becca finds Brett’s football jersey in her locker with a note instructing her to wear it to the game tonight. Becca is reluctant to go to the game alone, but she complies and wears the jersey. Becca enjoys her first high school football game and is impressed with Brett’s performance. However, after the game, Brett is disappointed that his parents are nowhere to be seen. Brett drives Becca home, and he explains that his dad has “never missed a game” (63) until tonight, but his mother explained that his father had to stay in New York longer than expected.