by GG Shalton
“Are you going to the hayride on Tuesday?” Trace stood close to me outside my car door.
“Yeah, I think all the cheerleaders have to go.”
“It’s tradition. Then we have a bonfire and hot chocolate as we get ready for homecoming next weekend. This whole town goes crazy with activities before the big game.”
“Amanda has mentioned it a few times.”
“The dance will be fun.”
My heart beat faster. “Um… I don’t know if I’m going to the dance.”
“Ariel, everyone goes.” He looked at me like I had two heads. “I’m sure your dad expects us to go together—I heard him mention it the other day when he stopped by my house. My dad already booked the limo. It’s a Hummer and sweet.”
“You mean we’re going as a group?” I said hopefully, not wanting to get our signals crossed.
He nodded. “The group will share a ride, but we will all have dates.” Looking down at me, he looked vulnerable. “I asked your Dad if I could take you.”
I tried to open my mouth to protest, but he put his finger over my lips. “Look, I know we are not a couple yet, but it’s tradition to have dates even if you’re just friends. I have a suit that my mom hates, but it’s black and grey. I’m sure Amanda will take you shopping. It’s not as big as prom, but close.”
I stood there in shock trying to understand what he just told me. Did he just assume I was going as his date? Even if I liked him, he didn’t even bother to ask me?
“What’s wrong?” He looked oblivious to any objection that I may have.
Was he being serious? I didn’t have time to deal with this. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. “Nothing. Just tired. I need to go home.”
He kissed my cheek before I could step away. “I’ll call you later.”
“Great,” I said, trying not to sound too sarcastic.
He didn’t seem to notice as he walked back to his car. I opened my car door and took off. I just needed to get home and make sure no one knew where I had been last night.
I was on edge as I walked through the front door. Amanda smiled as she sat with a book on the sofa. “Hey! Glad you made it back in one piece. “
“Yeah, but I must admit I don’t like camping. I’ll put the supplies in the garage. We didn’t use much—we shared with each other.”
“Oh, okay. Don’t worry about the supplies. Mikey can put them away later. Come sit with me.”
I noticed her rubbing her stomach. She looked tired. “I would, but I need to take a shower and catch up on homework.”
She smiled. “I understand. Your father was called out of town, so just pizza tonight.”
“Sounds great.” I smiled as I took off toward my room.
In my room, I closed the door and took a deep breath. By the time my father got home, my camping trip would be old news and I would be off the hook. I took out my phone and noticed a missed call from Jaxon.
I typed out a text.
Me: Hey! Sorry it took me so long to answer you back. I was talking to Paisley and she agreed to cover for me. I just got home and am jumping in the shower. Thanks for last night. I owe you.
Jaxon: You don’t owe me. I enjoyed it although you snore.
My mouth dropped open, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Me: Hmm. Are you complaining?
Jaxon: Never. You’re welcome to snore in my bed anytime.
Me: LOL. TTYL
Jaxon: Definitely.
I put my phone away and took a quick shower. After getting dressed, there was a knock on my door.
Robbie stood on the other side. “Can we talk?”
I nodded and let him in. He shoved his hands in his front pockets and stood by the door. Looking down, he shifted his feet as though he was contemplating what he would say next. “I saw you yesterday.”
“What do you mean?”
“I went to Creston to go to the movies with my friend John and his dad. And I saw you.”
I stared at him for a moment, then I looked down. “Are you going to tell my father?”
“No. But just making sure everything is okay.” He was hard to read, as he showed no emotion.
I eyed him suspiciously. “What do you want?”
“I don’t want anything. I’m not my brother, and I won’t tell. But your so-called friends may tell.”
I shook my head. “Trace agreed to cover for me.”
“You know he is a fraud.” He snorted and looked away, shaking his head. “But look, you’re my stepsister, and I will keep your secret.”
“Thanks, Robbie.”
Robbie nodded and opened the door. Turning back, he asked, “Are you with Trace?”
“No,” I said a little too quickly. “We’re just friends and barely that. There’s a lot about him that I don’t like.”
He smirked. “He and his friends think they run the school. I’m glad you’re not like that.”
“It’s a big school. He isn’t as big as he thinks he is.”
Robbie smiled as he closed the door.
Chapter 23
Ariel
I got to school late and saw banners advertising the homecoming dance. My stomach dropped as I thought about the weekend. I had missed cheerleading practice. Paisley wanted us all there early so we could get ready for the halftime show. I went in the back way and avoided the courtyard, coming up to the side of the art building. Jaxon was there, surrounded by some kids I didn’t recognize, though one guy had on a Northside T-shirt. A few girls were laughing with them, and one had her hand on Jaxon’s arm. I slowed down, and unable to move, I stood there as he whispered in her ear. Jealousy rushed through me, and it took everything I had to look away.
“Ariel?” I was startled and pulled my eyes away. It took me a few seconds to respond as I recognized my stepbrother in front of me. “Robbie?”
“What’s up?” he said, looking a little surprised to see me too.
“Nothing. Just going to class.”
“Are you slumming today?” He laughed.
“What?” I was trying to concentrate on our conversation but was distracted by Jaxon not far from us.
“I’ve never seen you come this way. Most of the cheerleaders are in the courtyard.”
“I, um—” I glanced over and saw Jaxon wrinkle his forehead, watching me. I quickly looked back at Robbie. “I was late and thought this was a shortcut.”
Robbie looked at a few of his friends standing behind him. “I got to go. See ya later.” I watched him walk away before I turned to leave.
“Hey, you.” I heard his familiar voice and looked toward him, unsure how to respond. Jaxon had walked up beside me. From the corner of my eye, I saw his friends watching him.
“Hey,” I said back, trying to put on a fake smile.
He broke his stare and looked at Robbie walking away. “Are you into younger guys?”
“He’s my stepbrother.”
He looked back. “Oh, I forgot. I haven’t ever seen you with him.”
I shrugged. “I told you we are not real close, but he isn’t too bad.”
“I couldn’t imagine having a stepsister who looks like you,” he teased. “Seriously, the poor kid must be having a tough time.”
I rolled my eyes. “We’ve just recently started to be civil. It’s good to have an ally at home.”
“I guess. My sisters were always trying to get me in trouble.”
“Jax!” We both turned toward Jaxon’s friends—a few girls and a guy in a jean jacket. They motioned him over. One girl stood with a hand on her hip. Her annoyance was evident.
He held up a finger to them and looked back at me. “I got to go.”
“Girlfriend?”
He huffed, looking a little shocked. “What?” He glanced over his shoulder then back at me. “N
o. That’s Tracy, and it’s a long story. She asked me to look at her car window. She can’t get it down.”
I nodded and tried not to look at the group. “Sure. See you around.”
I turned to leave, but I felt his hand on my arm. Looking down at his hand, I lifted my eyes and met his.
“Ariel?”
“Yes?” I said, trying to steady my voice and not give away my wariness.
“Let’s get something to eat after school.”
“I can’t. I have cheerleading practice.”
He raised his brow. “You can’t miss?”
I shook my head. “Homecoming is Friday and we have a special performance.”
He looked at me for a moment. “I forgot. I guess that means you’ll be busy this weekend.”
I looked at my feet. I didn’t want him to ask me about the dance, although a part of me wondered what it would be like to go with him. “I’ll be free on Sunday.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “There’s an art show about an hour from here on Sunday. Do you want to go?”
“I’d like that.”
He smiled. “Great. I’ll see you in class.”
I nodded and walked away. Unable to help myself, I peeked over my shoulder and saw him fist-bump the guy in the jean jacket as one of the girls smiled and patted Jaxon on the shoulder. A stab of envy went through me. I wanted to be part of his world.
Chapter 24
Ariel
We won the homecoming game on Friday. I opted to skip the diner and told everyone I would see them on Saturday. They may have been getting used to me ditching them because Paisley and Trace seemed okay with me going home. Of course, I heard Stephanie ask Trace for a ride and Paisley had plans with Bailey. A small part of me hoped that Jaxon would text me, but I didn’t hear from him.
I went to bed early and was awoken by Amanda for a quick breakfast. I knew that Saturday would be crazy as homecoming dance prep took over my morning. Amanda had picked out a silky grey dress I felt was way too short, but I guessed it was the style. She even hired a hairdresser to come to our house to do my hair and makeup, then she insisted that I wear her designer shoes. I felt out a place as the hairdresser put on fake eyelashes. It was a little over the top and my eyes felt heavy. But I didn’t complain and allowed Amanda to compliment me as I turned around in the hallway. She gave me small box wrapped in silver paper before we went downstairs.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Open it, silly.” She laughed as I unwrapped and opened the velvet box.
My eyes widened as I took out a beautiful diamond necklace.
“It’s from your father.” She gleamed as she unlatched it and put it around my neck.
“Wow. It’s beautiful.” I smoothed my thumb over it as I eyed the mirror. “But why didn’t he give it to me?”
She bit her lip. “He wanted to. You know your father isn’t good at giving gifts.”
I nodded, not wanting to protest. The necklace was beautiful. “Thank you, Amanda.” I hugged her, and she held me for a moment before letting me go.
“We should get downstairs. The others will be here soon.” I nodded as I followed her down the stairs.
Trace picked me up a few minutes later. He was wearing his grey-and-black suit and had his parents with him to take pictures. Amanda served wine and a cheese tray to entertain the adults, who were more excited than I was for the whole homecoming experience.
After the pictures, we were picked up by the Hummer limo, and the whole group went to take pictures by the lake and to a fancy dinner at Mario’s. Trace kept me close and seemed annoyed when I didn’t want to hold his hand and when I insisted on paying for my dinner.
Later that night, we went to the dance and Paisley had been announced homecoming queen and Trace won king. They both pretended they were surprised, but I knew they had been expecting it. Trace started drinking shortly afterwards with his friends. The more he drank, the more obnoxious and handsy he became until finally I hid in the bathroom for at least an hour. I lost him for a while, and later I heard he was doing shots in one of the empty classrooms. When I finally saw him near the end of the dance, he was so drunk he fell asleep in the Hummer. We had to drop him off at home first and help him walk inside. Dillon put him to bed. I told Paisley that I wanted to go home instead of the after parties, and they dropped me off too. Luckily, Amanda was asleep on the sofa when I got home. I shook her and told her I was going to my room and would talk to her in the morning.
I woke early on Sunday, thinking about Jaxon. I wasn’t sure what to wear to an art show but decided on a casual summer dress with a sweater in case it was too cold.
Amanda was waiting for me with French toast when I went downstairs. I grabbed some and told her I’d had a great time at homecoming before running out the door. I made excuses that I was hanging out with my friends, and surprisingly, no one asked me too many questions.
I’d agreed to meet Jaxon at the diner in Creston before going to the art show. He’d volunteered to pick me up, but I couldn’t imagine explaining that to my father. It was better to keep Jaxon my little secret. Although Paisley did ask me about him yesterday. I thought she may be suspicious, but she hadn’t figured it out yet. All she knew was that he’d fixed my tire once and was in my study group.
I saw Jaxon’s car as I pulled in the diner parking lot. He was waiting inside with his window down. A smile slid across his face as he watched me park, and he got out walking toward my car and opened the door for me.
“You look great. I like the dress,” he said.
I looked at my dress, happy with my choice. “Thanks.”
He walked me to his car and helped me inside. I felt almost nervous as we drove out of Creston toward the small artsy community of Wilcox. It reminded me of one of those picturesque antique kind of towns with a city hall connected to the fire station. Many booths were set up, and I noticed red-and-white tents with swarms of people going in and out of them. Paintings lined the streets, and wine booths were set up with cheese trays and flowers for sale.
“This is amazing.” I took in the atmosphere as he took my hand. I felt his calluses as his hand engulfed mine, and he made me feel safe. His biceps peeked out from under his shirt. For someone who didn’t play sports or lift weights, he was muscular.
“My art teacher told me about this fair last year. It was my first time and I made my brother come with me. He eventually got bored and stayed in the car, listening to music as I got my fill of art.”
I smiled. “I’m not bored, and I’m glad you brought me.”
We walked around all the booths and looked at all the paintings. Some of the artists had set up painting stations, and we watched them create portraits. One even offered to draw us together as a cartoon. Jaxon sat in the chair and pulled me onto his lap as the artist drew our portrait. He captured some of our features, although it looked a little ridiculous. I laughed at how big he made Jaxon’s cheeks, and I teased him mercilessly. Jaxon pretended to be mad at me, but I saw amusement in his eyes. We ate at the hot dog stand and shared an ice cream sundae afterward.
“You haven’t mentioned homecoming,” he said.
I stiffened. I didn’t want to talk about Trace. “There isn’t much to say.”
“That bad?”
“Bad may not be the right word. More like boring. I spent most of my night with Paisley and left early. It wasn’t much fun. Trace got mad at me because I didn’t want to dance, then he got so drunk he fell asleep in the limo.”
Jaxon stared at me for a few seconds. “Was he your date?”
The edge in his voice threw me a little off balance. I didn’t want to lie, but I also didn’t want him to think anything was going on with Trace and me. “It was more of a group date.”
Jaxon tilted his head, looking unconvinced.
Not wanting him to get the wrong idea, I touche
d his arm. “I don’t want to date Trace.”
Jaxon looked at my hand but didn’t move. “Then why do you hang out with him so much?”
I bit my bottom lip. He was right, but I didn’t know how to explain. “Our parents.” Shaking my head, I removed my hand from his arm and wrung my hands. “I told you that they’re friends.”
He brought my hand to his mouth and laid a soft kiss on top. “I don’t like him taking advantage of you.” Jaxon’s playful exterior vanished, and I noticed a glimpse of a hardened expression.
Taken aback, I sputtered, “I won’t let him.” He breathed deeply, and I wanted to change the conversation. “What did you do last night?”
The lines on his forehead relaxed as I saw some tension leave his shoulders. “I hung out with my friend Mason. He’s in the army and was home on leave. We actually ended up bowling with some of my brother’s friends.”
“Bowling?” I laughed as I covered my mouth.
He smirked. “Do you think that’s funny?”
“I do.” I snickered, trying to stop smiling. “I’m trying to imagine you in those funny shoes.”
He shrugged. “I’ll have you know that I won both games last night. Even with the funny shoes. I could probably beat you too.”
“I’ve never been,” I said causally.
“What?” He gasped and pretended to be shocked. “You can’t be serious?”
“Never been bowling,” I repeated.
“Oh, we are so going bowling this week. They have open bowling on Wednesday nights.”
“I don’t know. What if I beat you? I wouldn’t want to hurt your ego,” I said playfully.
He laughed. “I tell you what. Let’s set some stakes and make this more interesting.”
I lifted my brow. “Stakes?”
He nodded. “If I win, you have to spend the weekend with me—no Trace, Paisley, or parents. You’ll have to figure out an excuse.”
My heart beat faster at the possibility of spending the weekend with him. “What about work?”
“I’m off this weekend. I’m going jet-skiing with some friends of mine. One of them has an uncle who owns a marina. He can use a few of the jet skis on Saturday, and we’re having a bonfire. Mostly friends you don’t know—an older crowd, but they’re great guys. We used to hang out when I worked construction last summer.”