It's a Love Thing

  After the third or fourth dance we finally took a break for some refreshments. Lucas was immediately swarmed by nearly every female in the room. Who could blame them really? One blonde was particularly forward, shoving me out of the way to lay a hand on his arm as she spoke.

  “You were really something out there? Care to give it another whirl?”

  The way she was batting her eyes I was surprised she could see him at all. Lucas glanced over her shoulder at me looking . . . nervous? Terrified? I had to suppress a laugh.

  “Um . . . no . . . thanks.”

  “Well, if you change your mind.” With a flip of her long hair, Rapunzel evaporated back into the crowd.

  “Sorry about that . . . I didn’t . . . I mean . . .” Lucas fumbled and I couldn’t hold back my grin any longer.

  “What are you apologizing for?”

  “Her. That. I didn’t mean to . . .”

  “What? She wanted to dance with the best dancer here, why wouldn’t she? Besides, none of that was your fault.”

  “So that didn’t bother you?”

  I shrugged wondering if maybe it should have more than it did. I had never been easily bothered by things. Did that make me a pushover? I didn’t think so.

  “What if I had said yes?” he inquired.

  “Share the wealth,” I shrugged again. “I mean, what girl doesn’t want to dance with Prince Charming at the ball? As long as you didn’t start making out with her or something.”

  Mother of pearl . . . I did not just say that out loud. Someone please tell me I did not just say that out loud. Lucas’ goofy grin told me that I most likely had. Crud donks.

  “Unbelievable,” he murmured, a smile still lingering on his oh so yummy looking lips.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Never mind. Care to join me back on the floor?” he offered his hand again and I accepted.

  We danced the night away, barely pausing to breathe or get more refreshments before we were back out there on the floor again. Before I knew it they were announcing the last song of the night and I was genuinely distressed. I wished the night would never end. Who would have guessed?

  As the last song came to an end and people began clearing out around us, Lucas leaned toward me and I forgot how to breathe all over again. If this was going to become a regular thing then I was going to have to look into getting some kind of portable respirator just in case of emergency. Not that I was complaining; it would definitely be worth it.

  Only millimeters remained between our mouths when my eyes slipped shut. I waited for the touch, the taste of him, but it never came. Instead he sighed and his breath caressed my parted lips. More than anything I wanted to lean forward and get the show on the road, but I had received so many mixed signals from Lucas since I met him I just couldn’t be sure. If someone was going to bridge that gap it would have to be him. He didn’t. Instead he straightened and offered me his arm. Such the proper gentleman. I could strangle him.

  The entire ride home I was on cloud nine anyway, humming away to the last song we had danced to. I couldn’t help but notice the smile on Lucas’ face as well. If I didn’t know better I’d say he had a good time tonight too. I was just about to ask him when my phone chirped in my purse. Probably mom wondering if we were home yet since she had to go back to the office after dinner. I dug through my bag and flipped it open. JASON was sprawled across the screen. Lucas glanced down at it and his smile quickly slipped into a scowl. I clicked on the text and read ‘Please call me. It’s important. I miss you.’ A deep growl emanated from Lucas’ throat. It would have been sexy if it wasn’t so intimidating.

  “What does he want?”

  “Me to call him.”

  “And will you?”

  “I don’t know, Lucas. He said he was sorry about the club.”

  “And what, that’s it? He apologizes and you just forgive him?”

  “No, I don’t know. I mean, he screwed up sure, but if he’s sorry . . .”

  “Unbelievable,” Lucas snapped as we pulled into my driveway and he slammed the car into park.

  “What do you have against Jason that makes you hate him so much?”

  “Besides what he did to you the other night?”

  A warm spot formed in my stomach and radiated outward to encompass my entire gut. Either I was touched by his words or I really needed to use the bathroom.

  “Yeah, besides that.”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “And you can’t tell me, right?”

  “Right. Let’s just say we’ve been at it for a long time now.”

  “At what?”

  “At . . . this,” he shrugged, looking suddenly exhausted.

  “What, fighting over girls?” I teased.

  “Sort of.”

  The warm feeling withered and died. Apparently the bathroom was not necessary. Shoving the door open with more force than was technically necessary I jumped out of the car.

  “Wait, that didn’t come out right,” he said, climbing out as well.

  “What didn’t? That you’re only interested in me because I am . . . was with Jason? Do you two have some kind of running tally of how many girls you’ve managed to steal from each other? Who’s winning?”

  “It’s not what you’re thinking.”

  “Oh, really? Then explain what it is to me.”

  “I . . .”

  “Can’t,” I interjected, already knowing this tune by heart. “How convenient.”

  I stormed across the driveway and up the porch steps, slamming the front door behind me. So much for my perfect fairytale evening. I hated this town and everyone in it. Where the hell was my mother when I needed her? Oh, that’s right, at work. Shocker.

  *****

  How could I have been so stupid, to actually think that me, the new girl with no friends, could actually manage to have not one but two hot guys interested in her? What an idiot I must have looked like.

  Throwing myself face first onto my bed, I pulled a pillow over my head and resolved to never move again. Looking back I could see how it could have all been a game to Jason, but Lucas . . . he seemed so genuine, like he actually cared. The guy should move to Hollywood. Even still he had my heart fooled. The stupid thing actually hurt missing him.

  My resolve turned out to be pretty firm and I actually stayed planted to my bed for most of the next day. It didn’t hurt that I had absolutely nowhere else to go anyway and no one to talk to. By dinnertime though my stomach had a new resolve all its own, and that was to be fed. My stomach won the battle of wills. Again. It was a persistent little bugger.

  The kitchen was dark since the sun was beginning to set so I flipped on a light and started rummaging through the refrigerator. I really wasn’t in the mood for pizza again, but the empty fridge and bare cupboards had other plans. I was just sitting at the table with the phone to place my order when the doorbell rang. I made a mental note to rip that bell off the wall as soon as possible. Well, whichever one of them it was out there I had no desire to see him. The bell rang again, followed by a quick knock. It didn’t sound like whoever it was was getting the hint.

  Dragging myself up off the chair I headed down the hall, fully prepared to slam a door in someone’s face, but when I opened it there was no one there, just a bowl of chili. Sitting on the deck table. A bowl of chili . . . what the hell? Steam was still rising from it and it smelled fantastic. I glanced around but there was no one in sight. A little creepy. When I scooped up the bowl a piece of paper fluttered to the ground from underneath it. In elegant lettering it read ‘Thought you might like something other than take out –L’

  Lucas. What was he, a mind reader or something? Alright, so I’ve seen Snow White as a child just like every other little girl and I was fully aware of the dangers of eating the poisoned apple, but chili tastes so much better than some dumb apple . . . and pizza. Slipping back inside, I devoured every last bite. As I rinsed the bowl I wondered idly if I would have done the sam
e if it had been from Jason instead. After his little stunt at the club, probably not. But why would Lucas bring me food? More leftovers, I presumed. Sheesh, good looking and a master chef, what a combo. So not the point, I thought, shaking off pointless daydreams. I hated him. I hated them both, and that was that. Yeah right, who was I kidding?

  For the next two days I stayed primarily in my room or the kitchen, avoiding the entire west side of the house altogether. Each room on that side had a view of Lucas’ house and just seeing it was enough to tweak my chest. As much as I hated to admit it, I missed him . . . a lot. But he was a jerk. He had proved it time and again, so what was my deal? On the other hand, what kind of jerks check up on you at nightclubs and then tuck you into bed and bring you dinner to your door? Hell, what kind of jerks can waltz? Damn him for making this confusing.

  The day before, when I ventured outside just long enough to check the mail, there had been another note sitting on the table. It just read ‘I’m sorry –L.’ What was I supposed to do with that? Forgive him just to let him wheedle his way back in and tear my heart apart again? I didn’t think so. Hadn’t he warned me not to do that very thing with Jason? My heart might have had other ideas though. It was already starting to soften towards him despite my brains frantic warnings. Stupid. I was oh so stupid.

  On the fourth day when the doorbell rang I could hardly stop myself from running to answer it. My heart had had enough waiting; it wanted to see him. Apparently playing it cool was not in the books. But it wasn’t Lucas who was standing on the porch when I opened the door; it was Jason.

  “What do you want?” I asked, making no attempts to be even slightly pleasant.

  It had taken him almost a week to even bother to show up at all. He still hadn’t even really apologized for the club, forget the fact that I now knew about his little contest with Lucas as well. He had a lot to answer for.

  “Hey,” he said with a grin.

  Really?

  “What?”

  “Can we talk?”

  “No.”

  I started to shut the door but his foot held it ajar.

  “Just for a minute,” he pleaded.

  I glared at his foot but he didn’t seem to take the hint.

  “Listen, I’m sorry about the club alright? I’ve been trying to think of a way to make it up to you. I tried calling but you didn’t answer.”

  “Still can’t find the phone,” I lied.

  “Oh, well I’m glad I took a chance and stopped by then. Please talk to me for a bit.”

  “Why should I?”

  “Because I’m sorry. Because I’m fun. Because you like hanging out with me,” he listed, arrogantly.

  “It wasn’t so much fun last time,” I pointed out.

  “Yes, you’re right. That was out of line and I’m really sorry. I was drunk and I wasn’t thinking. It’s not going to happen again.”

  Darn right it’s not.

  “I’m glad you made it home alright.”

  “Yeah, no thanks to you.”

  “Yeah. I really messed up that night. I have apologized, though . . . repeatedly now. Don’t you think I can get a second chance?”

  “I don’t know, Jason.”

  “Come with me, there’s something important I want to tell you.”

  “What?”

  “I won’t tell you unless you come with me.”

  “Where are we going,” I relented, having lost the energy to argue anymore.

  “You’ll see,” he said with a grin.

  Oh great. The same techno music blared from the speakers when he turned on the car and we pulled out of the driveway. Neither of us said anything as we cruised through town and turned onto some back roads. I had never seen this part of town before and had no idea where we were heading, I just hoped it was close enough that I could walk home if I had to. Before he stopped the road went from gravel, to dirt, to some point where I wasn’t even sure it was actually a road anymore at all. But when Jason did finally put it in park we sat in front of one of the most gorgeous views I had ever seen in my life. In the distance mountains spanned the horizon and below them was an enormous meadow full of sunshine and wildflowers. It looked like a freaking postcard, like it couldn’t possibly be real, but there it was. It took my breath away.

  That is until I remembered who I was with. This must be some kind of make out spot. Was I seriously parking with Jason? What did he expect to happen here? If making out was anywhere on that list he must have permanent brain damage from the drugs and alcohol. Luckily, I had no such disability.

  “What are we doing here?” I demanded, turning my gaze from the fantastic view, to face him, unfortunately also not a bad view. Grr.

  “This is my apology.”

  “For what, the club or your little game?”

  “What game?”

  “Lucas told me about your games?”

  “Oh, really? And what did Lucas say exactly?”

  “Enough. He told me how you two compete for girl’s attentions. It’s sick.”

  “Is that’s what he said?” Jason laughed. “Lucas, always such a stickler for the rules.”

  “So there are rules to your game?”

  “Sweetheart, there are rules to every game.”

  “So you admit it?”

  “Why not, you seem to have it all figured out.”

  I couldn’t believe it. He didn’t even seem to care that I knew all of this, not in the least apologetic for it.

  “Take me home,” I commanded.

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re sick. This whole situation is messed up. Were you ever even interested in me at all?”

  “Of course I was. I still am . . . very interested.”

  Well that ship had most definitely sailed.

  “Tough. Take me home.”

  “Now, now, no need to get feisty. I have a proposition for you.”

  The only thing a proposition was going to get him was a swift kick to the groin.

  “I would like us to be friends,” he offered.

  Alright, not what I expected.

  “Friends?”

  “Yes. Jenna, Kyle, and I enjoy your company and we would like it if you would keep hanging out with us. I have apologized for my behavior,” most of it anyway, “and if you cannot find it in your heart to forgive me completely and get back what we had, then I would like to at least be able to continue to spend time with you.”

  “I don’t know, Jason,” I answered honestly. After last time I wasn’t sure I would ever feel comfortable around them again.

  “Your mother works at the museum right?”

  “Yeeeah,” I answered slowly, confused by the abrupt change in conversation.

  “I enjoy the museum. In fact I know several people who work on the board there. The board of directors oversees your mother’s employment there, doesn’t it?”

  “I think so.”

  “Hmm . . . I would hate for them to see how upset it would make me to have to see you all around town and not be able to spend time with you. They are so fond of me; they just may do something reckless to get you out of town where you can’t hurt me anymore.”

  “Hurt you? Are you kidding me? Did you just threaten my mother’s job if I don’t agree to be friends with you?”

  Was this guy for real?

  “Mel, I would never threaten you or anyone else. It was just an observation of a potential future I would like to avoid.”

  “You son of a . . .”

  “Mel, please, just come hang out with us tomorrow night. We’re going to the movies again. It’s on me.” He handed me a ticket stub. It was for some old film and dated over a year ago. “Come on, just do this one thing. It’ll be fun. I promise. You’re making a big deal out of nothing. You’ll see.”

  Not knowing what else to do I tucked the ticket stub into the pocket of my jeans without giving him an answer. He didn’t seem to need more of one. He grinned from ear to ear and turned the car on again. Apparently our little chat was
over now. Techno music pounded in my head, drowning out even my own thoughts until we pulled into my driveway. Jason dropped me off without even bothering to put the car in park. As soon as I shut the car door he was gone again . . . until tomorrow night anyway.

  *****

  I trudged up the front steps and rooted around in my bag for the house keys. Before I could even get the door open, Lucas was on the porch behind me. How did he move so fast?

  “Not now,” I growled at him, stepping inside and trying to swing the door shut behind me.

  “What were you doing with him?” he demanded, pushing his way in behind me.

  “What do you care, afraid you’re gonna lose some points?”

  “Mel, please. I get that you’re angry but shouldn’t you be angry at him too? You don’t know what’s really going on here.”

  “Oh, like that’s my fault?”

  “No . . . it’s mine.”

  “Yeah, it is . . . and I am mad at him too,” I clarified.

  “Then what were you doing with him?”

  “Talking.”

  “About?”

  “None of your damn business.”

  “Mel, please.”

  “Why do you even care?”

  “I just do,” he stated and then proceeded to stand there and stare at me like he wasn’t going to budge until he got an acceptable answer.

  “He wants to be friends,” I relented.

  “And what did you say?”

  “I told him I’d think about it.”

  “And what are you going to say?”

  “I hadn’t decided yet, but it’s not like I have much of a choice.”

  “Why? Why do you feel like you don’t you have a choice?” he asked, angrily.

  “Because . . .”

  I trailed off, feeling stupid for ever opening my mouth in the first place. Being blackmailed into friendship wasn’t something I was particularly proud of.

  “Because why, Mel?” he asked, softening his tone.

  The genuinely concerned look on his face did it.