by Sherri Renee
My face lit with a smile. I was so glad he hadn’t left. “Get in here,” I said, moving aside so he could. He climbed in and blew on his hands before rubbing them together. I took his icy fingers in mine and tried to share my warmth with him. “What are you doing here?” I asked. I couldn’t quit smiling at him.
“I saw your light come on.” He shrugged. “Do you mind?”
I shook my head. I turned out the overhead light and left the lamp on. I climbed into bed and patted the pillow next to me. “Sit down.”
He did but kept some space between us. “So, how much trouble are you in?”
I sighed and dropped my head back against the wall. “A lot, I think. We spent so much time on the many ways I could have been murdered we didn’t get around to my punishment.” I bunched my lips to the side and wrinkled my nose. “What about you? What did your parents say?”
He shrugged. “It’s probably different for a guy. I mostly got patted on the back and congratulated for knocking that guy out. My dad wanted to hear the details of every punch.”
“Must be nice,” I laughed, and he chuckled with me. He moved his hand closer until our fingers touched. My skin tingled where it met his.
His smile dropped, and he searched my face “How are you? I mean really?”
I gave a tired laugh. “You did hear me scream when I saw you in the window, right?”
His face softened into a sad smile.
“I don’t know how I am yet,” I continued. “Relieved to have everything out in the open? Scared Marvin has a target on my back?”
Matt moved his hand until it covered mine. I looked down at our joined hands. “You know if you weren’t there tonight, it’s possible I’d be in the hospital right now. Or worse. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I told you I’d be there watching out for you. Anyone else would have done the same if they’d seen what was happening.”
I shook my head before he finished. “You know that’s not true. Most people would have run the opposite direction when they saw a knife. But not you. You stepped right in there and took that guy on.”
Matt’s ears were red again, and I knew I’d embarrassed him, but it was true. He was a hero. My hero.
“Did you happen to see where Laurie went?” I asked. I hoped she was somewhere far away, safe from her uncle, but I worried she might not have been that lucky.
He shook his head. “Too much was happening. She didn’t leave until that creep was down, though. I think she wanted to be sure you were safe.”
My phone beeped. I darted a look around my room trying to remember where it was. It beeped again from my jacket pocket, and I hopped up to check it. I hoped it was Laurie because I wanted to know she was safe, too. It was Michelle, freaking out from all the rumors floating around. I guess a couple of those rumors had me laid out in a morgue.
I’m fine. I texted briefly. I’ll fill you in tomorrow. I knew she’d want to know more than that, but I wasn’t up for rehashing everything again. I switched my ringer off and dropped my phone on my desk. I didn’t want to talk to anyone else right now. I just wanted to enjoy being with Matt.
“That was Michelle checking on me.”
I sat facing him, taking in his sweet dark eyes and full lips. I leaned in and he met me half-way. The kiss started slow and gentle. Teasing. Testing. It quickly moved to something deeper.
My heart beat in time with Matt’s. He moved until I was laying on my back. His weight rested on his elbow beside me as he continued to move his lips over mine. Warmth spread through my entire body, starting in my chest and branching out to my fingers and toes.
I felt both so tense and so relaxed and safe at the same time. I lost myself in Matt, forgetting about the danger I might even now still be in and just enjoyed the feel of him next to me.
His hands moved over my body, driving away the last remnants of icy fear. I pushed my hand under his shirt, sliding my fingers over his taut stomach, and drawing a low moan from his lips, before moving to his warm back.
At some point, Matt laid beside me, and I curved into him. I loved the way we fit together so perfectly. He was so warm and smelled so good. I inhaled a deep breath and held it for a few seconds, just enjoying being so close to him.
Somewhere along the way, I drifted off. Same as last time, I didn’t wake when he left. I didn’t even crack my eyes open until almost noon.
My first thought was how good it had felt in Matt’s arms. I stretched and started to smile, but my second thought wiped the smile from my lips and replaced it with a ball of dread in my stomach. Laurie’s uncle was out there somewhere, and he wouldn’t be happy we’d messed up his plan. I didn’t know who he’d focus his anger on, but I knew I was on his radar.
I got my phone. I had about a zillion voice messages and even more texts as word had spread of my involvement with things last night. I didn’t have any messages from Laurie, though. I was still mad at her, but I was growing more worried about her by the second. I understood she’d done what she had to to survive.
I scanned through some of the messages from Michelle. Apparently, there was a huge school meeting about whether to cancel prom or not after the scandal from the game came to light.
Her last text, just over an hour ago, was filled with hearts and smiley faces. She said prom was on and still thought she could convince me to go. She had no idea. I was happy for her, but prom was the farthest thing from my mind.
Chapter 37
There was a soft knock at my door, and I tucked my phone under my pillow. “Come in,” I called.
Mom peeked in, giving me a smile when she saw me. Dark circles lined her eyes, and I felt guilty knowing they were there because of me. Otherwise, she looked good dressed in a bright sweater and navy slacks. It looked like she’d been up for hours. Which she probably had considering how late it was.
She opened the door, and I saw Dad stood behind her. They both came in and Mom sat on the edge of the bed and took my hand while Dad went to look out the window. I held my breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice the window was unlocked. He didn’t and came to stand beside Mom.
They were acting really strange. “Is everything okay?” I asked even as my mind sought the worst things that could possibly have happened. I sat up straight, panic surging through my veins. “Is Matt hurt? Laurie?”
“Shh,” Mom said with a reassuring smile. “I’m sure they’re okay.” She drew in her lips and looked up at Dad.
“The police were here earlier,” he said. He put a hand on my shoulder as I started to shake. “It’s okay, honey. They found Marvin Wiley’s body early this morning.”
I only knew one Marvin. “Laurie’s uncle?”
Mom nodded. Her smile was small but still in place.
I shook my head. “They found his body? So he’s dead?”
I looked from one face to another, and they both nodded.
“The police said they connected Marvin Wiley with a lot of shady deals in the area. Their thoughts are one of those deals went bad.”
I swallowed, my emotions in such a jumble I didn’t know what to feel. I grabbed handfuls of the comforter, and I held tight. “So, it’s over? He won’t be coming after me?” I felt guilty for being happy a person was dead but that was the emotion that was shining through.
“It’s over. Not for George and some of the others involved with the steroid usage, but for you it’s finished.”
I threw myself into Mom’s arms. One more time tears poured from my eyes but this time they were tears of relief.
Mom brought me a grilled cheese sandwich. My favorite comfort food. The buttery smell made my stomach growl eagerly, and I dug into it right away. I didn’t realize I was so hungry, but I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d eaten more than a bite of food. When I finished the sandwich, I wiped my fingers on a napkin then dug my phone out from under my pillow.
Still nothing from Laurie and nothing from Matt, but five new texts from Michelle along with
dozens from other kids, some who I hardly knew.
I needed to call Michelle soon so she could stop worrying about me, but I had something else to do first. I closed my eyes and tried to picture where Laurie might be. Was she on the run? Had the police found her or maybe her uncle before he was killed?
I didn’t know if she’d even get it, but I composed a text to her, telling her that I knew she helped save my life last night and how much it meant to me. I added a line at the bottom mentioning her uncle had been murdered during the night. I didn’t want it to come across crass, but I wanted her to know she didn’t have to look over her shoulder for him anymore.
I reread my text to her and hit send. I hoped our paths would cross again someday. I wanted to thank her in person for risking her life for me. Next on my list was a call to Michelle. After reassuring her I really was alive and okay, I didn’t get another word in for a full ten minutes. She filled me in on all the rumors going around before doing her best to convince me I had to go to prom.
“It won’t be the same without you there,” she said.
I laughed at her. “You’ll be so wrapped up in Danny you won’t even know I’m there.”
She released a long sigh. “I’m not sure if he’s going.”
“What?” I yelled sitting up straight. “Why not?”
She blew out a heavy breath. “With the game blowing up the way it did last night, his future’s uncertain. He along with all the players had to take a drug test. Now he’s worried his college won’t want him anymore. He’s pretty down.”
“The college has to understand he had no part in anything that happened. Maybe I can talk to them.”
“I’m sure they’ll make a decision once they have all the facts. I’m with you. I don’t think they’re going to hold his teammates’ poor choices against him, but he’s not too sure.”
Neither of us said anything for a minute. “I’m sorry,” I finally said. “I wish I’d handled things differently so no one would have been hurt.”
“Oh, no! Don’t you dare try to claim responsibility for any of this. If you want to point a finger you aim it right at George’s oversized chest.”
“I know.” I leaned back and shut my eyes. “I can’t help replaying everything in my mind and trying to find a better outcome.”
“Don’t.” Michelle’s voice was firm but kind. “You couldn’t have done anything that would have made last night turn out differently. Don’t beat yourself up about things that were far beyond your control. You were a victim in this.”
“I know you’re right. I just don’t know if I’ll ever stop feeling guilty.”
“That’s why you need to come to prom tonight! We’ll own the dance floor and forget all our problems.”
For a split second, she almost had me swayed. “I don’t think I’m up to facing everyone yet. You know there will be questions all night. And half the school probably hates me for costing them the game.
“Kristen,” Michelle’s voice held a note of warning.
“Just because we know I wasn’t responsible doesn’t mean everyone else will see it that way.”
Michelle didn’t reply right away. “Well, if you change your mind I’ll save you a spot on the dance floor.”
“Deal,” I told her. “Now you better go. You have to get ready.”
“Hey, Kristen?” Michelle said softly.
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad you’re okay. You don’t know how sick I was last night when you and Laurie didn’t show up in the locker room and then there were all the sirens and everything.”
“I know. I was pretty sick myself.” I forced a small laugh. “Go get ready. Send me lots of pictures!”
After I hung up I opened the closet door and stared at my perfect dress. My heart felt heavy. I’d pictured tonight so differently over the years. Who could have ever guessed I’d be where I was right now, in the center of a huge scandal.
I imagined if they took a vote for least popular tonight, George and I could probably claim that title easily. I closed the door on the dress and promised myself I’d get rid of it soon. Looking at it was a painful reminder of what I was missing out on.
A long hot shower worked the kinks out of my neck and back and washed away some of the funk I was in. I put on my favorite fuzzy pink sweatpants and an old t-shirt and wrapped my wet hair in a pink towel on top of my head.
I ran downstairs to see what was for dinner. I was still starving. The doorbell rang as I walked past. I thought about ignoring it but decided I’d have to start facing people sometime. I pulled the door open and my jaw dropped. Matt stood in the open doorway dressed in a black tux and held a small plastic flower box in his hand.
He smiled that cocky smile of his but looked a little nervous. “A little birdie told me you might need a date to prom tonight.”
I forced myself to close my mouth. “Michelle?”
“Maybe,” he said, but his smile widened.
I moved aside so he could come in and shut the door.
“What do you say?” His eyes locked on mine. “Will you do me the honor of being my date tonight. I seem to remember you have a dress all ready to go.”
I twisted my hands together, tempted. I remembered my hair was wrapped in a towel. “I’m not ready.” I patted the towel self-consciously.
“I can wait.”
“How will I face everyone?” I bit my lip. “I’m sure I’m the most hated girl at school right now.” I stared at my socks.
Matt grabbed my chin and tilted my head until I was looking at him. “If they have a problem with you, they can talk to me. You didn’t do anything wrong and they’re going to have to figure that out real quick.”
“I . . .”
“Say yes,” Matt said, with a hopeful look in his eyes. “Say you’ll make me the happiest guy at prom tonight and be my date. I can’t wait to let the world know we’re together.”
I smiled at that.
“You should go.” I looked back to see Mom and Dad standing in the doorway smiling at us. Mom looked like she was about to cry.
“Okay.” I nodded. I didn’t need any more convincing. I took off up the stairs and called over my shoulder, “I’ll hurry!”
Chapter 38
The prom committee had reserved an old plantation that had been converted to an events venue. Matt found a spot in the lot across the street and parked while I stared at the beautiful old house. Welcoming golden light shone from every window. Fairy lights lined the walk and both the upper and lower porches.
Matt opened my door. I stepped out and took his hand. After everything I’d been through, I felt a little like a princess from a fairy tale ready for my happy ending.
“Ready,” Matt asked. He’d hardly taken his eyes off me since I’d walked down the stairs in my dress and heels. I’d managed to pile my hair on my head but let lots of curls spill down around my neck. I thought I looked okay, but the way Matt looked at me made me feel beautiful
I took a deep breath and straightened my spine. Michelle knew I was coming and had ensured me none of the cheerleaders blamed me for anything, so I knew I’d have at least a few friendly faces when we walked through the door. With that and Matt by my side, I thought I could make it through the night.
“Ready.” I nodded. By the time we got to the front porch, we could hear laughter and music spilling outside. No matter how much of a fiasco the game was last night, some people were still enjoying themselves.
Matt opened the door and we stepped into the opulent foyer and followed the music to a real ballroom. The lights were bright and the decorations were minimal because the room was so beautiful it didn’t need decorating.
The floor was highly polished wood. Three walls were painted white with brilliant gold accents. The forth wall was mirrored and reflected all the guests and the lights from the trio of chandeliers overhead. Bulbs shaped like flames lined each of the chandeliers, and I could picture the room with candles in place of those lights a hundred years ago.
It was all so amazing it gave me a chill. I smiled up at Matt, thankful he’d convinced me to come tonight.
“Are you ready to go in?” Matt asked softly.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. I could do this. With my arm linked in his, we stepped into the room. I was determined to make the best of the night no matter how people treated me. What I didn’t expect was the spatter of applause that started near us before growing to encompass the entire room.
Everyone stared at us and a few people cheered. My smile fell. I looked behind me wondering who everyone was cheering for. The music stopped mid-song. I looked over to see our class president, Alex Bruce, standing behind a microphone looking right at us.
“There are few true heroes in our schools today, but Forest Ridge has the honor of claiming two of them. Disregarding the risk to themselves, Kristen McDonald and Matt Brady helped stop a dangerous criminal who could have caused a lot of harm last night.” Alex lifted the glass of punch he held in the air. “Let’s give them both another round of applause to show them just how much we appreciate what they did for us all.”
The applause was deafening. I gave Matt a frightened look. He was a hero, sure. But me? I felt like such a fake. Matt gave me a reassuring look.
Apparently understanding my look he bent close to my ear. “You could have let Laurie tell her uncle you weren’t with George anymore, but you didn’t. You let the focus, and danger, stay on you so others would be safe. You’re absolutely a hero.”
Overcome with emotion, tears filled my eyes as I looked around from one smiling face to another. I held my fingers under my eyes and blinked hard trying to save my makeup. I shook my head, but let out a teary laugh. I’d been so nervous everyone would be mad at me, and here they were clapping and cheering.
Michelle broke through the crowd, followed by Jules and Kara. They looked gorgeous in their shimmering dresses. Michelle wrapped me in a fierce hug and held tight. The music picked up where it left off, and people got back to their conversations and dancing.