A Charmed Life

by Jenny B. Jones

  “You shouldn’t be walking around out here like this,” Stewart says to me. “Alone and all. You never know what might get a pretty thing like you.”

  “Thanks.” Ick.

  A short man in a dirty Metallica T-shirt limps over to the Ferris wheel control. “Oh . . . um, hey, boss.”

  Red Fritz pierces him with an icy glare. “What have I told you about leaving your ride?”

  Luke takes the opportunity to drop his keys to the ground.

  “Oops.”

  “I know, boss. I, um, had to go to the bathroom real bad and there wasn’t anyone around to cover.”

  Luke yanks on my shoe, and I find freedom. Thank you, Lord. I totally owe you one.

  Stewart turns his attention back to me as Luke picks up his keys. “How long had you been standing there—waiting?”

  “Just got here, Stewart.” My voice rises an octave. My heart still thunders like a wild stallion in my chest. “Yep, just found the Ferris wheel.”

  “I could give you a ride. On the house.” The short man attempts a smile for Red. “If that’s okay. Then I’ll shut it down for the night.”

  Stewart jerks his head toward Luke. “Is this your boyfriend?”

  Luke pulls me to his chest. “It’s complicated. We’re still working out some kinks.” His hand digs into my rib cage. “Right, Bella?”

  “Right.” Get me out of here. “Just can’t seem to stay away from each other.” I pat his chest.

  “Then by all means, take a romantic spin around a few times.” Stewart’s eyes have me snuggling even closer to Luke. “I’d hate to get in the way of true love.”

  “No, that’s okay.” I look up at the tall ride and swallow. “We’re just going to go back to the big top and finish up.”

  “Nonsense.” Red smiles, and I notice a few back teeth missing. “Fire her up, Will. Bella here is the one who found Betty. Stabbed. Dead.” His tongue peeks out as he punctuates each word. “I guess the least we can do is give her and her boyfriend a ride.”

  “He’s not really my—”

  “Great.” Luke pulls me toward the entry ramp. “Thank you.” He presses a kiss to my cheek as we walk. “Play along or we both lose our jobs.”

  “I heard them talking,” I say through gritted teeth.

  Luke grins and waves to the three carnival workers. “Imagine that. You eavesdropping.”

  Will runs up ahead of us and holds open the door to the seat. “Hop in.”

  I freeze in my steps and feel Luke’s hand pressed to my back. “Um, maybe we could do this another night. I should get back to the circus.”

  Luke’s tone is pseudo-friendly. “But Red and Stewart are watching us to make sure we get that ride we wanted.”

  I step one long shoe into the cart and take a deep gulping breath.

  “Okay. Okay.” I can do it. But if this thing stops at the top and dumps me out onto the cold, hard concrete, I’m going to be so mad.

  I fumble my way into the seat and plaster my body as close to the wall of the cart as I can get.

  Luke throws an arm around me again and pulls me close. “Eyes are watching us,” he says under his breath.

  The man named Will locks and secures us in, then slaps the cart. “Here we go! You ready? This one goes pretty high!”

  “Oh. Great.” Why couldn’t I have eavesdropped near a kiddie ride? A little choo-choo train would’ve been nice.

  Will runs back to his post and yanks on a lever. The entire ride chugs and shivers.

  “Try to look like you’re not repulsed by my very presence,”

  Luke says.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Lean my way.”

  “I’m good.”

  He lets out a huffing breath. “Bella, you’re—” I watch his face change from frustrated to bemused. “It’s not me, is it?”

  “Nuh-uh.”

  I clutch the handlebars until I can feel my nails tear into skin.

  Luke’s chest shakes with his laughter.

  “This is not funny,” I hiss. “What kind of dumb story was that?

  We met at the county fair?” We’re going up. So not good. I want my mom. And a parachute.

  “Are you afraid of heights?”

  “No.” Just rides that involve heights.

  “Then why are your eyes closed?”

  “I’m praying?”

  His laugh is softer this time. “Bella, they’re watching us. I don’t know why, but they are. I’m pretty sure Stewart Fritz is considering carving out some time in his schedule to stalk you, so if you could help out in any way, that would be great.”

  “What do you want me to do?” My voice is whinier than Robbie’s when he gets a Superman video taken away.

  “Just lean in my way.”

  I pull my shoulder off the wall and put my weight on Luke. He takes my hand in his and holds it tight. “You’re shaking.”

  “Your powers of deduction are red-hot tonight, Chief.”

  “They’re still watching. I don’t think they believe you came out here to meet me.”

  I tuck my head into the space beneath his shoulder and study the fairy tale motif on the ride. “How did you know where I was?” Okay, seriously. We’re at the top now. I squeeze my eyes shut again.

  “I followed you.” His chest rumbles where my ear is pressed. “I knew exactly what you were up to. And if we’re not careful, they will too.”

  “They want Betty’s dog for some reason—and not for the show. Red told Stewart to put her to work, then kill her. What kind of people do that?”

  “Not nice ones. That’s why I don’t want you messing around here. Bel, open your eyes. You look like you’re a flight risk. Can’t you dig down deep and find some acting skills in there? Just get your mind off how high we are.”

  “Just get my mind off it?” I squeak. “How?”

  Luke leans his head down, turning his body slightly. “Remember when we were chased by some football players out at the lake last fall? Remember our plan B?”

  My eyes pop open just in time to see Luke’s face hover over mine. His smile is slow and lazy.

  “Plan B?”

  He nods. “Just for the sake of our cover, you understand.”

  “But we’re broken up.”

  “Break over.” His nose brushes mine. “Kiss me like you mean it.”

  I open my mouth to protest, but his lips capture mine. His arms pull me tight. I’m vaguely aware of Will hooting in the background.

  I sigh and just give in, letting his warmth surround me. He changes the angle of the kiss, and I follow. My hands work their way up his neck to his face, and all visions of plunging to my death fade away.

  Luke pulls back, his eyes searching mine. “Still scared?”

  Of him or the Ferris wheel? “Yes.”

  My heart stutters at his roguish grin. “Then we should continue”—he kisses each cheek—“for the cause.”

  “For the cause.” I thread my fingers through his dark hair, loving the way it curls slightly at the ends.

  Luke’s head lowers, his mouth a breath away from mine. His eyes roam over my face, my hair . . . the ground below?

  “They’re gone.” He drops me so fast, my head smacks the back of the seat. “Stop the ride, please,” he calls.

  I sit up straight, mentally counting to five.

  “You okay?”

  I straighten my wig. “Perfect. You?”

  Some of the arrogance leaves his face. “You were a pretty good sport.”

  “Sometimes we do what has to be done.” I sound like my grandmother.

  Luke brushes a piece of rainbow fuzz from my cheek. “Admit it, you miss me.”

  I move in close. Closer. “Luke?”

  “Yeah?” He draws out the word, leaning in.

  “You have clown lipstick on your face.”

  chapter ten

  Any peace I found in my Wednesday morning quiet time has long since evaporated.

  “Luke, I would have never thought to p
ut that sentence there. It makes the article so much better!”

  Ashley Timmons sits right next to our editor and coos over every single thing he says like it’s the winning number to the Lotto. You know, just because I don’t want to date the guy doesn’t mean that I want to see other girls throw themselves at him. Especially her. It’s so unclassy. I mean, where’s her self-respect? Her dignity? Her—okay, if she doesn’t take her hands off his shoulder, I’m going to grab that halo of blonde hair and yank until I see roots.

  “I think that would be a great idea, Ashley,” Luke says, snapping me out of my dismal thoughts. “And I know just the person to help you with it.” He swivels in his seat to face me. “Bella? Would you come over here please?”

  I watch Ashley’s face fall as I approach. “Yes?”

  “I was telling Ashley about the carnival, and she wants to do a feature on Cherry Fritz.”

  “Uh-huh.” How much did you tell her? Did you mention your lips were locked with mine on the Ferris wheel? Because I’d hate to dampen her little crush.

  Luke rolls up his shirt sleeves on forearms tanned from soccer.

  “Since you know Cherry better than I do, I want you to introduce Ashley to her tomorrow night before the show.”

  “Yeah, Bella.” Ashley smiles prettily. “I hear you work as a clown. That must be a little embarrassing to have the whole town see you like that.”

  “Luke didn’t seem to mind Monday night.” I send him a saucy wink. “I suppose I could introduce you to Cherry. She’s kind of a private girl, though. And she’s been through a lot lately, so, you know, go easy on her.”

  Ashley’s laugh is light and airy. “That’s cute—your advice. I’ve been working on a newspaper staff for three years and won five national awards.” Her smile never falters. “You’ve been writing for how long?”

  Lord, you’re going to want to move her out of my way, for the sake of her health and general well-being. “I guess I shot up in the ranks at the Truman High Tribune so fast, it seems like I’ve done it forever.

  At least that’s what our advisor, Mr. Holman, says.” Take that, you she-devil.

  “And before coming to Truman, Bella had a regular gossip column at her old school,” Luke says, his face a mask of innocence.

  “Advice column,” I spit out. “And helping hundreds of girls with their problems did prepare me for a lot of things—like writing.” I lift a haughty brow. “And learning to read people. I can pretty much size up a person in minutes.”

  Ashley holds her assignment to her chest. “Luke, I’ll see you at my house after school.” Her smile is total movie star seductress.

  “Kyle said to tell you he’d be a little late getting there for your afternoon run.”

  Oh, and I’ll bet you can think of all sorts of things to pass the time. “Speaking of super fun get-togethers,” I say to him, “Dolly wanted me to invite you to her house tonight after church. She’s having a birthday party for Cherry and wants anyone who can make it to be there.” I glance at Journalist Barbie. “But if you have other things to do—”

  “I’ll be there.” His eyes bore into mine. “In fact, Ashley, what are you doing later this evening?”

  What is he thinking? “I believe Dolly wants Cherry to be surrounded by friends and family only.” And not girls with fangs.

  “It would be the perfect place for Ashley to interview Cherry.”

  “Another great idea!” Ashley claps her hands. “I would love to come. Luke, pick me up at seven fifteen.” She gives him a playful punch in the shoulder. “You’re going to love my new dress.” She saunters away, and I barely resist the urge to stick my finger down my throat and make those mature little gagging noises.

  “It’s strictly business,” he says.

  “I didn’t say a word.” I look down at my editor.

  “Just remember—you’re the one who broke it off.”

  Pull yourself together, Bella. “And I meant it. I’m sorry your pride is still so wounded.” I pat his back. “It will heal in time. At least that’s what all the boys tell me.”

  Luke stands up to his full six feet. He takes off his glasses, giving me the full effect of his ocean-blue eyes. “All those boys, huh?”

  “Right.” I nod. “A whole line of them. I could fill a notebook with all the hearts I’ve left broken.”

  His grin is tigerlike. “There’s been Hunter who, I will remind you, cheated. Oh, and lied to you repeatedly. And then there’s been me, who you’re afraid will treat you like Hunter. You remember me, right? The guy who kissed you on the Ferris wheel last night?”

  I struggle to swim through the spell Luke’s weaving and find something coherent to say. “Oh . . .” I swallow. “Yeah?”

  “Yep.”

  No, I will deflect his über-hot words. Time to fight dirty. Time to fight with sass. “Actually, I just remember feeling pukey on that ride.” I pause to consider. “Or was it your attempt at a kiss? I believe it was.”

  “You don’t believe that for a second.” He leans closer to me. “I know exactly what you do when you’re lying. You give yourself away every time.”

  “I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about, and it offends me that you would suggest I am anything but the very virtue of honesty.” At least fifty percent of the time.

  “You twist your hair.” He reaches out and stills my hand, my fingers curled around my locks.

  I wrench my hand back. “I twirl my hair because you make me nervous—it’s hard to act all friendly to you when you’re obviously still not over me.”

  He tosses his dark head back and laughs. “Oh, but don’t you wonder, Bella?” The air sizzles around him. “Ashley and I will see you tonight. We can’t wait.”

  After church, I ride to Dolly’s with Budge and Ruthie. My mom, who gets starry-eyed anytime there’s a party to organize, is already out there, no doubt making sure every detail is just perfect. She’s been really distracted lately, so having Cherry’s birthday to plan has been just what she needed.

  “Youth was awesome tonight, wasn’t it?” Ruthie asks from the front of Budge’s hearse. Yes, my stepbrother drives a hearse, as in a vehicle formerly used to haul dead folks to their final earthly destination. But it is handy for cramming in lots of people, which we’re doing tonight.

  I stare out the window and watch a dark, rainy Truman pass by.

  “It was okay.”

  “I thought it was interesting too. Dude, why didn’t you tell me youth group was so good? I would’ve gone a long time ago.” Budge eyes me in his rearview. “I’ve totally been missing out on Little Debbies and mochas.”

  “It’s true.” Ruthie skips a song on Budge’s screamo CD. “Nights we have Oatmeal Cream Pies seem to be especially inspirational. What didn’t you like about it, Bel?”

  “I don’t know. I guess my mind was just on other things. It seemed kind of irrelevant to me.”

  “Um, it was about trusting God.” Ruthie bobs her blue hair to the music. “I think that pretty much covers everyone. Besides, you got some issues.”

  “I do not.”

  “Yeah. I knew it from the first time I met you.”

  “Right back at you.” The first time Ruthie introduced herself, she asked me to find out who was passing around pics of her making out with someone who was not her boyfriend, and I agreed just so she wouldn’t beat me up.

  “Nah, I mean for real. You don’t trust anyone.” Ruthie nudges my stepbrother. “Budgie, did you know Bella’s also afraid of carnival rides?”

  He sighs and turns into Matt Sparks’s driveway. “Add that to the list of her insecurities.”

  “My—my—what?” I should’ve walked. Ten miles in the rain wouldn’t have been that hard. “You’ve had your girlfriend a matter of weeks, Budge, so I don’t think that makes you any expert. I’m merely a cautious person, as life has taught me that—”

  “Dude, I love this song.” Budge cranks it up and plays drums on the steering wheel.

  “Me too!
” And Ruthie sings the chorus to “Lizards: They’re Not Just For Breakfast Anymore.”

  At Budge’s honk, Matt runs out of the house. He climbs in the back, next to me.

  “Welcome to the Death Mobile,” I say. “Let’s go pick up Lindy and Bo.”

  “What?” Matt snaps his seatbelt. “Bo Blades is coming?”

  “I heard they went out Friday night—after the track meet.”

  Ruthie wiggles her eyebrows. “They’ve been seeing each other like a week.” She sighs and grabs Budge’s arm. “Do you remember our week-a-versary?”

  “Do I ever.” He pats her knee and stops at a four-way. “I took you to the Dairy Barn for ninety-nine–cent burger night. Seems like it was just yesterday.”

  “It was last month!” This romance crap is about to make me yak all over myself. “Can we just talk about something else?”

  “I agree.” Beside me Matt fumes. “People just rush into relationships these days. What happened to being friends and taking things slow?”

  “Budgie’s pretty much my BFF,” Ruthie says. “And believe me, we’re taking things slow. Right, poopsie bear?”

  He stops in front of Lindy’s house. “Sure thing, muffin top.

  Nothing but first base for us.”

  Ruthie cranks around in her seat. “No homeruns in this ball-game of love.”

  “Oh my gosh, stop! Ew!” I shove open my door and jump out so Lindy can get in the seats behind me.

  “Hey, guys!” Lindy sails out of her house, pulling a smiling Bo Blades by the hand. “Bye, Dad! And I promise I won’t break curfew tonight.”

  “What?” I hear Matt mutter. “She broke her curfew?”

  “Very roomy.” Bo stares in wonder at the hearse as he climbs in.

  Budge grins. “Just one of the many perks.”

  “Plus a nice, chemical pine smell.” Ruthie inhales. “It’s just like I’m in a fake forest.”

  “Nothing but the best for my girl.”

  I sink into my seat as we back out, listening to both couples whisper and giggle.

  I roll my eyes. “I should have taken my own car.”

  “I wish you had,” Matt mumbles. “I would have paid you to run me over.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “Just ten more minutes and we’ll be there.” I nudge him with my elbow. “Are you okay?”