Chapter 14
On the day of the basketball home opener, Carter picked Avery up at her house to take her to school. He honked the horn, and she trotted out of her run-down house in jeans, a thin white v-neck t-shirt, and a black jacket. After opening the door, she hopped into the passenger’s seat and smiled at him.
“So what’s the plan?” he asked, backing the car up.
“A little ass kicking, a little nudity, so a pretty normal Friday night,” she replied.
Avery rubbed her hands together, already feeling the nerves. This was one of those things that people dream about doing, and she was actually going to do it. None of the schemes she’d ever concocted were this elaborate. It didn’t escape her either that the whole thing could easily go off in her face, which she knew from experience wasn’t pleasant.
“I’ve actually got some news and a present. Which do you want first?” Carter asked, and Avery shuffled her legs as she contemplated.
“What kind of girl do you think I am? I want the present!”
Reaching into the back seat, Carter grabbed his duffel bag and tossed it on her lap. She gave him a funny look and then opened it up. Wrapping her hand around the big plastic container, she gazed at the red label and its strange Chinese characters.
“So this is the Gongdong?” she gasped, shaking the jar and laughing.
“I just figure it would be a shame for the team to have all the fun when their asshole parents and friends are so close they can taste it. You probably didn’t know this because you’ve never been to a basketball game before, but your friend Eri runs the concession stand since she’s the president of Key Club. Maybe you can put this stuff to good use.”
“Oh my God, that’s brilliant!” Avery cheered, full of astonishment. Already this was going to be one hundred times better than she had ever thought possible. Taking both jars, she hugged them to her chest. “What a perfect present! Ok, what’s the news?”
“Ms. Downing was stalking me after practice again the other night. She said she’s going to give you “F’s” on your report card from now on so you can’t get into college.”
“I’m going to kill her!” Avery snarled.
“No, but that’s not the news. She’s going to be working the game as the first aid officer. I told her we’d have a talk about getting together after, but I’m sure you’ll make short work of her by then,” Carter explained.
“First aid officer? That could work,” Avery nodded. Everything seemed to be coming together. Now all that was left was to make it happen. Carter pulled into the school parking lot, where other students were heading for the doors. After he put it in park, they sat in silence for a moment.
“Just put the duffel bag in my locker after dropping off the jars in yours,” Carter advised.
“Ok,” she said, taking deep breaths and shaking her hands.
“Are you ready for this?” He looked over at her, and she turned her eyes to him. They started to lean closer, Carter’s head jerky and hesitant. Avery puckered her lips. Her eyes were open, watching his face contort into a strange grimace. Finally, their lips grazed each other. Avery even put her hand on his upper thigh. Carter immediately pulled away, and when nothing happened a sheepish grin struck his face.
“Hey, ok! Progress!” Avery applauded. When she raised her hand, Carter gave her a high-five, only to reach for his junk and take another breath to cool down.
Loose Lips Sink Ships Page 26