Red Heart Tattoo (21 page)

It had taken months for her to recall the details of that terrible day. Although she vaguely remembered
mentioning that she’d seen two boys to Roth, her brain still hadn’t put their behavior into sequence. But when blogs and accusatory words showed up on websites that focused police attention onto the boy she loved, Liza’s memories fell into place completely. If they’d never put the blame on Roth, Liza might never have remembered their actions and self-satisfied smirks while Edison was falling down. She might not have put it together.

Liza’s stroll had brought her to the front door of the Ink Spot, and now her heart was going crazy. She still had an opportunity to turn and retreat. She prayed for courage. This was it. The big moment. Would Roth welcome her? Would he be polite but standoffish? Would he be indifferent? She fixed a bright smile on her face, took a few more deep breaths. It was amazing what a girl would do for love.

Liza opened the door.

Lurlene McDaniel began writing inspirational novels about teenagers facing life-altering situations when her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. “I saw firsthand how chronic illness affects every aspect of a person’s life,” she has said. “I want kids to know that while people don’t get to choose what life gives to them, they do get to choose how they respond.”

Lurlene McDaniel’s novels are hard-hitting and realistic, but also leave readers with inspiration and hope. Her books have received acclaim from readers, teachers, parents, and reviewers. Her bestselling novels include
Don’t Die, My Love; Till Death Do Us Part; Hit and Run; Telling Christina Goodbye; True Love: Three Novels;
and
The End of Forever
.

Lurlene McDaniel lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.