Boy of the Week

by Emily Camp

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “Say what you want, but that Jack guy likes you.” Evan leaned back on the sofa as if this was already his home.

  It’d been two days since the snowstorm. Jack had gone home shortly after waking, the roads were clear enough. But Greg and Evan still hadn’t left. Evan was really starting to get on my nerves just like a brother would.

  “He likes someone else.” I said, attempting to do my homework, but he didn’t seem to take the hint.

  “Yeah, run that by me again.”

  I wished I hadn’t told him about that conversation. I sighed and looked up. “He said he needed to step up his game. I asked him for who, he just smiled when I asked do I know her.”

  “That’s because her is …” he wound his finger around and pointed at me, “you.”

  “He’s a senior and super smart.” Like a smart guy would ever want me.

  “That means he’s not dumb, and you’re hot.”

  “Ew.” I shook my head. “That doesn’t sound right coming from you.”

  “We did date before our parents decided to play house, remember,” he said. “Admit it, you think I’m hot, too.”

  “I …”

  “Relax.” He nudged my shoulder.

  “We can both agree that we’re good looking, it doesn’t mean we want each other.” He took the pencil from my hand. “My point is, smart boy wants you.”

  I felt my face flush. I didn’t realize how much I wanted it to be true.

  “Aannnd you want him,” Evan smirked.

  “Do not.” I ripped my pencil from him.

  Evan chuckled.

  “Come on, Ev, we’re leaving.” Greg’s voice seemed to come out of nowhere. I thought they were never going to leave.

  Evan nodded, smiling at me the entire time as he rose to his feet. “Bet you?”

  “I’m not betting.”

  “Because you know you’ll lose.” He shoved his feet into his Jordans.

  “Whatever.” I turned my attention back to my homework. That did no good because homework made me think of Jack and how I kind of needed his help with this.

  ***

  “Go all the way back by the fence.” Gavin motioned, squinting his eyes in the bright sun, the football poised in his hand. The snow had almost melted. We were out here playing in slush, but I hadn’t spent much time with Gavin since my mom started dating Greg again so when he asked me to throw the football with him, I did. Especially since this was keeping me from my homework.

  I jogged through the melting snow to the fence. I didn’t even expect him to be able to throw it that far. When he flung the ball in the air and it came whizzing toward me, I lifted my hands, which were freezing. The ball stung when I caught it.

  “Whoa. I did it.” He cheered and began bouncing up and down.

  I was more impressed that I caught it than with his throwing skills.

  “Did you see that?” He turned when the back door opened.

  Mom smiled, “Great job.” Then she turned to me. “Kacey, you have company.”

  “I do?” I wasn’t expecting anybody.

  Jack appeared behind my mom. He waved.

  “Did you see that, Jack?” Gavin hurried toward him.

  I made my way to them, tossing the ball to Gavin.

  “I did, that was impressive.” Jack’s hands were shoved in his pockets.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “Thought I’d stop by and see if you needed help with homework.”

  I wrinkled my nose.

  “Speaking of homework, Gavin, you still need to work on yours,” mom said.

  “What?” Gavin’s shoulders slumped.

  “Even star athletes need to study, right Jack?” My mom patted Jack’s shoulder, even though Jack wasn’t a star athlete.

  “Yeah.”

  Gavin then began to grumble as he stalked toward the house.

  “See what you started,” I said.

  “I don’t know what was more impressive, his throw or your catch.”

  “Speaking of which, my palms are still stinging.” I shook my hands.

  “I think you could give your boyfriend a run for his money.”

  “Dylan and I aren’t official.” I wasn’t sure if that’s what I wanted now either, because it took him an entire day to even text me after the sledding party at Cody’s. He hadn’t even noticed I was missing.

  I went inside, Jack followed, “If you’re so athletic why were you failing phys ed?”

  “Not that it’s your concern, but I don’t like getting sweaty at school.”

  He smirked.

  “What?” I said.

  “You guys want hot chocolate?” My mom said before he could reply. She was standing over the coffee pot. No doubt Gavin had her making some for him. I knew all the stall tactics there were when it came to putting off homework.

  “Sure.” I said, because like Gavin, I didn’t want to get started on mine either.

  “Is your homework done yet, Kacey?” My mom winked at Jack as if they shared a secret joke.

  “I’m getting to it.”

  “You just miss me in Educational Support.” Jack tilted his head and gave me a sideways smile. He was joking, but he didn’t know how right he was.

  I made my way to the kitchen table, where I sat beside Gavin.

  Jack sat on the other side of him. Things were so easy with him and my family.

  “Have you decided on a college yet?” my mom asked.

  Jack shook his head. “Applied and got into several, but still don’t know where I want to go.”

  “You still have some time.”

  “Can I play my game,” Gavin asked.

  “No.” My mom said then went back to pouring the hot water in the mug.

  “Hope it’s not spiked this time.” Jack nudged me with his elbow.

  “Somehow, I doubt that.”

  “But Jack’s here.” Gavin flopped back in his chair.

  “He’s doing homework with Kacey.”

  Gavin moaned as if he was in pain and flipped sideways in his chair.

  My mom delivered our drinks then said, ‘C’mon, Gav, let’s go work on yours in the living room.”

  “But it’s so boring.”

  “Better to get it over with then.” She said, toting their mugs as Gavin slunk behind her.

  “You need help with geometry?”

  “Actually, I do.” My book had been open on the table. My sad attempt at it there for all the world to see. I knew he was judging me.

  “Perfect timing then, huh?” He took a sip from his mug.

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” I said.

  He reached his long arms out and pulled the book closer. He picked up my pencil.

  “Here we go,” I said.

  “You know, I can see the resemblance between you and Gavin.”

  “But it’s so boring.” I flopped back into my chair dramatically and let my arms dangle at my sides.

  He laughed and then got serious. Of course, as he always took homework seriously.

  I couldn’t complain when I had a completed and correct homework assignment sitting in front of me. Now I had the rest of the night to do whatever I wanted. Gavin had finished his and was fighting with mom upstairs about taking a bath.

  “So … that’s it.” Jack said as I closed my books.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Kacey.” He said just as I zipped my pencil and eraser in the front pocket of my backpack.

  “Yeah.”

  The empty mug scratched across the table as he turned it in circles. “You remember when I told you I needed to step up my game?”

  “Yes.” Why did he insist on reminding me of this? I plastered on a smile and nudged him. “How’s that going, anyway?” I stood up with my empty mug. I needed to act like it didn’t bother me.

  “Not sure,” he said following me.

  “Does she know you like her?” I rinsed my hot chocolate and sat it in the sink.


  “I’m not sure about that either.”

  I took his mug from him, and rinsed it. “Why don’t you know?”

  “I think she does, but …”

  “Did you tell her you like her?” I turned around and gripped the counter behind me.

  “No.”

  “Maybe that’s where you should start.” I tapped him on the chest then walked back to the table.

  “What if she doesn’t like me?”

  “Who is it?” She’d be stupid not to like him. Sure, he was a little rough sometimes, but he was cute and he could be sweet. How great would it be to date a smart boy. I found myself feeling jealous of this girl.

  He shrugged.

  “Does she go to our school?”

  “Yes.”

  I looked at the ceiling, trying to think of girls. “Maria?” I hoped it wasn’t but I had noticed them talking.

  “No,” he said flatly.

  “I cannot help you if you don’t tell me.” I motioned toward him.

  His chair scraped as he sat down beside me. “Did I ask for your help?”

  “Jack, you’re an expert at everything. I’m an expert at starting relationships. I’ve had quite a few.”

  “Quite a few that haven’t worked out.” He found the need to remind me.

  “My point is. I know how to get the guy.”

  “I’m not trying to get a guy.” His eyebrow quirked up.

  “Stop stalling and tell me who it is already.” I bumped my shoulder against him.

  “It’s …” He took a deep breath.

  “Spill it, Lanyard.”

  He shook his head and scratched the back of his neck. “You.”

  “We’re not talking about me.”

  “No, Kacey, it’s you.” His face turned pink and he looked away mumbling something to himself.

  “I …”

  “I like you,” he mumbled, but still didn’t look at me. “And I’m doing this all wrong, aren’t I? You’re … you know what? I should go.” He stood and headed toward the door before I could even respond. He hadn’t even given me a chance to. So unlike Jack.

  I hurried after him. “Wait.” My heart beat quickly in my chest. “I like you, too.”

  “What about Dylan?” He turned toward me.

  “Honestly, I’ve liked you for a while now and I should have taken my own advice, but I didn’t think you felt the same way.”

  “I thought you knew. New Year’s Eve.”

  I shook my head.

  “I kissed you.”

  I shrugged. “It’s tradition.”

  “That was my game.”

  “Needs a little work.” I thought back to the quick peck that came out of nowhere.

  I stepped closer to him, peering up. “Now would be a good time to kiss me though.” Because I wanted to prove to him I was a better kisser than what he got. I hadn’t even had the chance to kiss him back that night.

  He smiled and bent toward me. His soft lips pressed against mine and I could feel it in my toes. He smelled so good and tasted like hot chocolate. I could have hooked my arms around his neck and held him to me if it weren’t for the footsteps coming down the stairs.

  “Jack.” My mom turned the corner just as we’d disconnected. I didn’t even get to bask in the afterglow of that kiss. “You’re still here.”

  “I was just leaving.”

  “That’s okay.” She said as she shuffled into the kitchen. “You don’t have to leave because I’m here.”

  His dark eyes met mine behind his glasses. He smiled again and my stomach did flips. I couldn’t believe this. Addi wouldn’t believe this. Then I remembered, Addi and I no longer talked.

  “See you tomorrow.” He opened the door.

  “Yeah.” I wanted to kiss him again, but my mom was in the other room now. This time I wouldn’t be able to hear her footsteps. I watched as he walked toward his car. His hands in his pockets. He turned toward me every few steps, smiled. My belly flipped each time he did.

  I closed the door once his car was out of sight, I leaned against it and squealed.

  My mom came in with a big smile on her face. “I saw that one coming.”

  I guess the one good thing was, if I couldn’t talk to Addi, I could talk to my mom.

  Chapter Thirty

  “What does Landry got that I don’t?” Dylan leaned against the locker by mine. He’d been badgering me all of study hall today. The irony was that when I was dating Dylan I was stuck in ES with Jack. Now that I was with Jack, I was stuck with Dylan.

  “A 4.0.” I said without looking at him.

  “You like smart guys now? I can be smart.” He held his arms out wide.

  “Like I said, you and me make better friends.”

  “Yeah, I’ve used that line before.”

  And it wasn’t the first time I’d used it either.

  “I spent all break talking to you and I get blown off for a nerd.”

  “At least I didn’t break up with you by text.”

  “You didn’t even break up with me because you didn’t give me another chance.”

  “And you deserve another one, why?”

  “You know … whatever.” He cursed under his breath, shook his head and stalked off.

  I knew he’d be mad at me, but I figured he’d ignore me until he got over it like he did when we broke up. I’d dated Dylan, I knew what was there. I knew he was all handsy and how awkward things got after he tried to put the moves on me. I didn’t know if he intended to do the same again, because maybe he thought I had more experience after Cody.

  Addi and Tyler walked past me. Addi stared straight ahead with her nose in the air. Tyler’s arm draped around her shoulders like he owned her. He turned and winked at me with his slimy smile. I knew it wasn’t good for me to hate someone like this. He had her brainwashed. My best friend in the entire world and I couldn’t share anything about Jack with her. I wanted to talk to her so bad. My hands itched to text her every night before I fell asleep, but I wouldn’t be the first one. She’d said some terrible things to me because she believed that slime ball. She needed to apologize.

  “Need a ride?” Jack stood at my locker. His backpack already on his back, looking just as cute and put together as he did when he picked me up before school. It didn’t even bother me when everyone glared at us like we had three heads when we climbed out of his car this morning.

  “What about wrestling practice?”

  “Cancelled. Some of the wrestlers have ringworm.”

  I winced. “That’s gross.”

  “Hazard of the game,” He shrugged.

  I stepped back. I didn’t need any worm or anything like that crawling under my skin.

  “Don’t worry, the athletic trainer checked me. All clean.” He stretched out his long arms and pulled up his sleeves. “It’s easy to get rid of. We should be back to practicing like normal tomorrow. By the way, we have a meet here this week. You should come.”

  I’d never been to a wrestling meet before. “Gavin might like it.”

  “Yeah, he’d love it.” He started to reach for my bag, which was super sweet of him, but yet, kind of awkward.

  “I got it, thanks.”

  He nodded and we strode down the hall. His hand on my back like this morning. As we passed by Nolan, he gave Jack a thumbs up and a wink. I glared at him. He knew we didn’t do anything he said we did. His smile faded and he turned. Then he was laughing again with his friends. Jerk.

  ***

  I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the gym with Gavin and my mom. I couldn’t believe my mom wanted to come when I invited Gavin. It was like Jack was her third child all of a sudden. She’d never taken an interest like this in any other boy I’d dated.

  The stands had way less people in them than a basketball game would and there seemed to be no organization of which fans sat where. Just sporadically sitting around on the bleachers. In the middle of the gym floor lay a couple mats with big circles in the middle of them. On these
mats were guys, in t-shirts and athletic shorts or hoodies and sweats stretching. I looked for Jack but didn’t see him. Then noticed him jogging on the other side of the gym in his hoodie and sweatpants. He had to be roasting.

  “We’re going to get seats,” mom said.

  Jack saw me and waved before jogging toward me. He lowered his headphones around his neck. “Did you bring it?” He asked while running in place.

  I pulled the pink razor out of my bag. It was the only color I had when he called and asked me to bring one. I handed it to him by the handle. “Thanks.” He was out of breath and sweat poured from his forehead. “I’m not allowed to wrestle tonight if I don’t shave.”

  There was a little bit of stubble on his chin. I didn’t see how that would hurt anything. “Aren’t you hot?” I asked taking in the wrestlers casually stretching on the mat.

  “I was a pound over. Gotta sweat it off.” He patted the bulldog logo on his chest.

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Landry.” His coach shouted.

  “Gotta go.” He leaned in and gave me a quick peck before jogging off. He really needed to work on his timing. I mean I liked the kissing when he’s leaving me like going home from my house. But standing here in the middle of the gym with parents, wrestlers, and coaches watching. That was another thing entirely.

  When I found my mom in the stands she was grinning. Of course, she saw and approved.

  I made my way to my mom and Gavin, settling in beside her.

  “When’s it going to start?” She leaned over to me like she was going to whisper but it wasn’t a whisper.

  “When it starts, I guess.” I’d never been to one of these things.

  Jack disappeared into the locker room and it felt like forever before he came back out. I stared at my phone, checking my social media to see if there was anything interesting going on. I wished I would have taken a picture of Jack so I could post it.

  “I’m hungry,” Gavin whined.

  “You ate cereal before we left the house.” My mom said, digging in her purse, finding a pack of peanut butter crackers and handing it to him.

  “But I want pizza and a pop.”

  “Pizza?” She looked at him.

  He nodded, his hair flopping in his eyes.