NorthangerAlibiInterior

  “Well, I know one thing we can do,” I said as I snuggled closer to him.

  “What’s that?”

  “Get to know each other.” My hands drew lazy circles on his back. “You know, our likes and dislikes.”

  “Good idea.” He straightened up a bit. “You ask the first question, and then we’ll both answer it.”

  “Oh, um . . . I don’t know.” I pulled back a little to look up at him and then asked the first question that popped in my mind. “What’s your favorite color?”

  “Easy. Orange.”

  “Orange?” That surprised me. “Really?”

  “Yeah, I like it. It’s bold and friendly at the same time.” Tony stepped back and held my hand, then slowly guided me over to a bench against the wall. “So, what’s yours?”

  “Silver.”

  “Silver? Cool. That’s different.”

  “You were expecting me to say pink, weren’t you?” I laughed.

  “I didn’t know what to expect. But I like silver.” He cleared his throat. “Okay, my turn. What’s your favorite movie?”

  “Twilight.”

  He smiled and nodded. “Hence the werewolf fascination.”

  “Eew!” I bumped him with my shoulder. He retaliated by bringing his arm around me and pulling me up against his side. “For your information,” I informed him, “I happen to like the vampire. As a matter of fact, I think he’s the perfect super—” Oh my gosh! What am I saying? He’ll freak if he realizes I thought he was a vampire!

  “What? Wait a minute. You don’t like werewolves, but you like vampires? Isn’t that a little contradictory?”

  I sat up. “What do you mean? Werewolves and vampires are like night and day.”

  “Well, not when it comes to their food choices. Both prefer blood.” He shuddered. “Vampires sort of creep me out—they’re so cold and lifeless. At least a werewolf has a body and a heart.” He turned slightly to look at me better. “You really like vampires?” He said it like he thought it was a disease.

  “Well, I’m not in a coven or anything, but yeah, I like them.” He was seriously stomping all over a touchy subject. “So, what’s your favorite movie?” I asked, deciding to change the topic and get back to where we were.

  “I like Pirates of the Caribbean. All of them.”

  I nodded my head in agreement. It was my turn again. “Um, okay . . . what’s your favorite food?”

  “Bagel sandwiches.”

  “Okay, those are good,” I said. “I prefer nachos—with jalapeños.”

  “Favorite hobby? Mine’s volunteering at the Y. You are coming to the game, right?”

  “You mean tomorrow?” I smiled. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”

  “Cool. So, you?”

  “Hmm . . . I have a lot of hobbies, actually, but I think my favorite would be cooking.”

  “Cooking? No way.” He chuckled. “I’ve totally kissed the cook. So, what’s your favorite thing to cook?”

  I laughed. “Nachos.”

  “Oh, duh. Okay, your turn.”

  “What’s your favorite type of music?”

  Tony shrugged. “Anything. Everything.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Come on, give me a band, a group, a song—something.”

  “Nickelback. Do you know them?”

  “Nickelback? Uh, yeah! They’re awesome. Anyone else?”

  “Sure. The Beatles, Sting, Madonna, Elvis, Lifehouse, Bruno Mars, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Daughtry—I don’t know. It just depends on the song and my mood.” He shrugged again. “You?”

  “I noticed you didn’t mention any country stars. You do realize I’m from New Mexico, right? It’s practically all we listen to down there. So I have to say, like, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts—you know, all of them.”

  “You don’t like any rock or pop music, then?” Tony asked, looking uncomfortable.

  Great. He probably hates country. “Sure, um . . . Lifehouse and Nickelback, too. I like Christina Perri, and anything Selena Gomez sings. Oh! My sister Cass had this new single on her iPod, like a month ago, from this brand-new band, and it was really good. You have to listen to it. I wonder if she brought her iPod with her? I bet she did. When we get back, remind me to have you listen to it. She was telling me the lead singer wrote all the songs, and he’s starting to get national attention for it.”

  “Really?” Tony seemed interested. “What’s his name?”

  “What is his name . . . I can’t remember. But I think I remember the name of the band—it was something mean-sounding. Like, like North—Northfighting something.” I’m such a dork. Why can’t I remember the name?

  “Um, do you mean Northanger Alibi?”

  Eighteen

  Total Eclipse of the Heart

  “Yes! You know them? You’ve heard their music? Isn’t it good?” I gushed.

  Tony looked like I had just slapped him. I had never seen anyone so stunned before.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “We have to go.” He stood up.

  “What?”

  “I just noticed the time—I was supposed to be back ten minutes ago.” He pulled out his phone and started dialing. “Let’s get Nora, and then we’ll head out.”

  By the time Nora joined us, she was pretty ticked. “Tony, if I’d have known you were only going to be able to stay an hour or two, we’d have driven ourselves here.”

  “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t think we’d be here that long.”

  She stared at him as if his head was on backwards. “Are you kidding? This is a mall, Tony. A mall. Of course we’re going to be here a while. You know tha—” She stopped mid-sentence and glanced at me. “What? What happened?” she asked.

  “Happened?” I wasn’t aware I was making a face or anything. “What do you mean?”

  Her eyes narrowed in on Tony. “Something has happened. Spill.” She pointed her finger at her brother. “There’s no way you didn’t know we would be a while—that’s just an excuse, a very stupid excuse to get away from here. What’s going on?”

  Nora wasn’t the only one ticked. “Drop it, okay? Nothing has happened, or is happening.” He ran his hands through his hair and flicked a glance at me. That quick look spoke volumes.

  Oh my gosh! He does want away from me. Why?

  “Dang it! You kissed her, didn’t you?” She surprised us both by throwing that at him. “You kissed her, and now you’re regretting it.”

  “Nora!” The glare he sent her could’ve sizzled paint. “Shut up. Okay?”

  I’d heard enough.

  Tony was furious—too furious. Something was wrong, like she’d hit a nerve or something. Maybe he was regretting kissing me. One thing was for certain—I wasn’t going to stand around and listen to them battle it out. I grabbed my purse and spun on my heel. They didn’t even see me leave.

  “Why should I shut up?!” Nora was practically shouting. “You’re the idiot who went and kissed someone you hardly knew—someone who needs to know a few things about you before you basically commit yourself!”

  “What’s the big deal? It was just a kiss. I’m not going out with her or anything, so just lighten up.”

  Just a kiss? I walked faster. I really didn’t want to hear any more.

  “You know, Tony, if it was any other guy, I’d believe that. But since it’s you—and knowing your history with kissing—don’t you think you should get off it a bit and come down and talk to the girl? You know, share things, instead of running from them—”

  I turned the corner and was thankfully saved—the dull roar of the mall was the only sound I could hear. I didn’t usually run from things, either, but there was just something about this mall that made me really grateful to escape. And if there was ever a girl who needed to escape, it was me.

  “Whoa, Claire! Where’s the fire?”

  I was surprised to see Jaden bounding up to me. “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “I’m heading home. Boss let me go a little early. What
are you doing? Where’s your boyfriend?”

  “He’s not my boyfriend.” I walked faster, and Jaden kept step with me.

  “Did you guys have a fight or something?”

  “No.”

  “Yeah, well, you look mad.”

  “I’m not mad, okay?” More like livid, furious, hurt, upset . . .

  “Then why are you running away?”

  Does he have to be such a dork?

  “I don’t know, okay? I’m just leaving, that’s all.” My phone rang. It was Tony. Dang. I ignored it. “Jaden, could you do me a favor and drive me home, please?”

  He stopped, causing me to turn around and stop, too.

  Don’t make me beg. I just want out of here.

  He folded his arms over his chest. My phone kept ringing. “Are you saying you trust me to drive?” he asked skeptically.

  No. But it’s far superior to listening to those two fight. “Yes. As long as you follow the speed limit.”

  “Hmm . . . that’ll be hard. But I promise to try.”

  That’s better than nothing. “Okay, and I promise not to maim you as long as you don’t try to get us killed.”

  Jaden laughed. “Done. Let’s go.” He waved his hand at the entrance. “My car’s parked out here.”

  “Thanks.” I followed him through the doors. My phone stopped ringing, only to start up again.

  “Are you going to answer that?” he asked over his shoulder.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably not.”

  “Is he worried?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Do you care?”

  “Stop it. Okay? I really don’t want to talk about Tony right now—can we talk about something else, please?”

  “Sure,” he said. “Do I get a kiss when this is all over?”

  Ugh. I rolled my eyes. “On second thought, let’s talk about Tony.”

  “Good.” Jaden sounded smug, like he was hoping I’d say that. “So, how come I know that guy? Why does he seem so familiar?”

  Never mind. I don’t want to talk about him. “Um, I don’t know. You’re not the only one to recognize him, though—he seems familiar to a lot of people. But before you ask, no, I don’t know who he is. He won’t tell me.”

  “Ah! So that’s why you’re running.”

  I could see Jaden’s car up ahead. “No. That’s not why.” Okay, maybe a little. “I’m running because . . .” I’m running because I think I like Tony a whole lot more than he likes me. And that hurts.

  “Yeah? You were saying?”

  We reached the car, and Jaden unlocked it. In silence, I climbed in. My phone had stopped ringing. As soon as he shut the door, I sent Tony a text.

  dnt wry bout me. got a ride. headn home now.

  I turned off my phone so I wouldn’t have to read anything he sent right away.

  “You’re running because . . . ?” Jaden was nothing if not persistent.

  “Because I’d rather not talk about it right now.”

  “Oh, so we’re back to that again, are we?” He threw me an arch look as he started the car and put it in gear. “So, uh, when exactly do I get that kiss?”

  “You’re kidding me, right?” I crossed one leg over the other and turned to face him. “If I don’t talk, you’re gonna keep harassing me into giving you a kiss—until eventually you’ll steal one anyway?”

  Jaden smiled as he looked behind him and backed out of the parking space. “That wasn’t exactly my fantasy, but I’m not stupid—we’ll adapt to yours.”

  He’s such a dork. “Ha ha. Very funny.”

  “Don’t worry. If you think I’m just teasing you, I’ll prove it. I have never been more serious in my entire life. I’d kiss you right now if I wasn’t driving.”

  “And I will seriously kick your butt again if you try anything, Jaden.” I flipped my hair and looked out the window. “Believe me, that was just rule number one. There are at least thirty-five more that I know of, and they’re all just as painful as the last one.”

  “So basically it’s all down to if I like living dangerously or not?”

  I could hear the grin in his voice. I decided not to answer him—it was only egging him on more anyway. Instead, I focused on the passing scenery as we pulled out of the mall parking lot.

  After a few moments of silence, he tried another tactic. “Well, what did your boyfriend say to my werewolf comment?”

  I willed myself not to roll my eyes again. Instead, I took a deep breath. “Nothing, actually. It turns out he thinks werewolves are cool. He actually liked the idea of being one.”

  Jaden started laughing. “I bet that got you in a huff. I can’t imagine you thinking he was anything like me.”

  “No way. Just the opposite, actually,” I muttered as I traced the window ledge with my finger.

  “Well, that explains a lot.”

  I turned in time to watch Jaden shake his head in disbelief. “What does?” I couldn’t help asking.

  He was still shaking his head. “Why didn’t I think of it before? Of course you would’ve thought it. I mean, that’s why he gets the girl, right?” Jaden actually looked happy, like he’d discovered some secret.

  “What the heck are you talking about? Your brain jumps around too fast for me to follow.”

  “How old are you?” he surprised me by asking.

  “Sixteen. Why?”

  He nodded. “See, this is what I’m talking about. This is why you don’t lose your heart to somebody younger than you are, right here.” He pointed at me, as if he were talking to a whole crowd of people.

  “You are so weird, you know that?” I answered defensively.

  He really laughed then, like, threw his head back and laughed. “I’m weird? Me? Look who’s talking, princess.” He glanced at the road and then over at me. “You’re living in a book. Anything you have ever imagined or experienced is all in a book. A fictional story.”

  “Whatever. That’s just—”

  “So, does he know you think he’s a vampire?”

  My jaw dropped. “W–what?” My voice came out in a squeak. “Does who know what?”

  Jaden smirked and shook his head. “Don’t try to act all innocent. You and I both know you think Tony’s a vampire.”

  Not anymore. “No, I don’t!” I protested. “Not at all. There’s no way. His lips are—” I stopped on a gasp.

  “Ah, another light goes on. That’s why you’re not into my kisses anymore. Bella has kissed her Edward.”

  I huffed. “You think you’re so funny, don’t you? Really, I think you should consider becoming a comedian. You’ve got talent.”

  “Flattery gets you everywhere, baby.” His smug smile made my fingers itch to slap him.

  Violence is not the answer. Violence is not the answer. I took another couple of deep breaths. It didn’t work. I still wanted to kill him.

  “So, that leaves me as the best friend, doesn’t it?” Jaden shrugged as if this were all some joke. “That’s not a bad place to be, I guess.” He looked over at me, beaming stupidly. “You look a little uptight there, Bella. Oops. I mean, Claire. Want me to show you how to ride a motorcycle? Or wait! What else did he do? Oh yeah—I know some cliffs you can dive off. Of course, I’m not sure how deep they go—like, I’m not going to do it. There may be rocks and stuff at the bottom, but since you’re so depressed about Ed—er, Tony right now, I’ll be happy to take you there.”

  He acted as though he was going to change lanes.

  I wasn’t sure this was a better trade-off. The more I think about it, I should’ve taken the ride home with Tony and Nora. So what if they yelled at each other the whole way and acted like I wasn’t there. At least it was better than the alternative. Lucky me—now I’ve got a werewolf wannabe who is enjoying every moment of torturing me. Ugh! The worst part was, he had the upper hand, and he knew it.

  “I’m not depressed,” I mumbled.

  “What was that?”

  “I said, I’m not depressed.” I was louder t
his time. Much louder. I almost yelled it. “I haven’t known the guy long enough to be depressed.”

  “Really? Then why are you sulking?”

  “I’m not sulking, either! For crying out loud, will you just let up, please?” I put my head in my hands and leaned forward—or as far as the seatbelt would let me. It wasn’t the exact dramatic, dejected pose I was going for, but it was good enough.

  “All right.” Jaden took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’ll leave you alone.” He muttered something under his breath and then said, “I shouldn’t even be speaking to you after your stunt in Old Navy, but I can’t help myself.” He waited a few more seconds for me to say something. When I didn’t, he asked, “You want to talk about it?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Come on,” Jaden coaxed. “I’m your best friend, remember?”

  I snorted. Yeah, right.

  “So, imagine that I am. What would you have said to your best friend at home? I know you’re dying to talk to somebody right now, so spit it out. We have a twenty-minute drive, anyway. You don’t want to go the whole way in silence, do you?”

  Fine. I sighed and sat up, rubbing my hands on my legs. “You are like the pushiest person on the planet—you know that, right?”

  He chuckled. “So, talk already.”

  Nineteen

  Trusting a Wolf

  “Grr . . .” I took a deep breath and blew it out. “It’s not what you think. Tony doesn’t like me like you think he does.”

  “Oh, no. Guys definitely don’t kiss girls we like. Nope. We only kiss the ones who bug us.”

  “I wish.” Then, for no reason, I giggled. “No, okay, so he likes me—but I don’t think he wants to.”

  “Okay, now that I understand.”

  “Hey!” I shoved Jaden playfully in the arm. “You know you love me.”

  “Hmm . . . no comment.” He grinned and looked back at the road. “So, what makes you think he doesn’t like you?”

  “I don’t know. This whole him-being-somebody-famous thing—at least, I think he’s somebody famous—has really thrown me off. I mean, it was okay when he was just this vampire guy, which I know he’s not now.”