Talk Derby to Me

“I love derby,” I reply, slipping on my shoe. “It's probably the only thing that loves me back.”
***
Ah, Mari... It took me a little to warm up to this prickly and unconventional heroine, though my heart was breaking for her (and her Mom).
Seeing Evan slowly work his way behind those walls Mari has built up to protect herself was equally excrutiatig, endearing, and - at times - quite hilarious. Though, to be honest, Evan's grand-gesture speech made me tear up.
Kudos for Albie, who had the BFF part down pat and always had Mari's back, no matter what.