They followed the redhead’s line of vision. Lucy nodded appreciatively at the object of the younger girl’s affection, “Drew Strauss, eh? She could do worse.”
“Do you think it will actually happen?”
Lucy returned the question with a question of her own, “Do you think he even knows she exists? I always thought that his taste skewed towards the Auxiliaries.”
Molly shrugged and said, “I’ve seen them talking…during the show of all things.”
“Then who knows? She could make us proud.” Bronwyn’s head turned away, two spots of red on either cheek.
Lucy continued, “So, any guys you aren’t telling me about?”
Molly paused for the slightest moment, and then shook her head, “Nope. Unless you count the thirty or so that we’re surrounded by.”
Lucy smiled and took a deep breath, “Sorry, no. What if I told you I might have a guy for you?”
“I might be interested.”
“Do you trust me enough to set you up on a blind date?”
Molly considered for a moment, “Well, let’s see. Your taste in guys is usually good, even if your timing can be a little off.”
“Thanks for that,” Lucy said sarcastically, “So, I’ll get back to you?”
Molly hesitated for a moment.
“He’s a cutie,” Lucy gushed in a weird phony voice.
“Okay – what do I have to lose?”
Throughout practice, Lucy concentrated on what exactly Wes and Molly were going to do on their blind date. By the last run through of the show (thankfully, no drops this time), she had come up with one of the most romantic evenings ever conceived and was a little jealous she wouldn’t get to be a part of it.
Mr. Izzo’s booming voice broke her thoughts, “Alright everyone, great practice today. We’ve just got to keep up the concentration. Next weekend is the first of our competitions and I want us to stay healthy and prepared so we can be ready for the big one at the end of the month. Don’t forget to turn in permission slips and deposit for the trip by next Friday!”
On Saturday afternoon, Wes was at the Karate household, working ever closer to paying off the damaged mailbox. He hadn’t seen Lucy, and, quite honestly, was glad that he hadn’t run across the cute brunette that day. Part of him wanted to call off the whole blind date thing, while another part of him was wondering who she would come up with. Knowing his way around by now, Wes went into the garage and got out the lawn mower, waving to the senior Karates who were having lunch in the kitchen.
From inside the kitchen, the maternal Karate yelled, “Lucy – I’ve been telling you all week. You need to clean out that car. It’s filthy!”
“I keep telling you, Mom, my car has a name and that name is Matt Damon.”
“Whatever. Mr. Damon will be spotless by the end of the day – inside and out – or Matt will stay parked in the driveway for the next two weekends. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Mom,” Lucy answered from her room rolling her eyes, but pulled on her bikini top, sunglasses, and iPod.
I might as well try and clear up this carrier tan while I can…just in case I have to wear a cute dress in a few weeks.
Lucy backed her car out of the garage and got out the bucket, soap, hose, and spare vacuum cleaner humming along to her iPod and started cleaning up. She started by pulling everything out of the back seat and then moved to cleaning the exterior.
Wes stripped off his shirt and wiped his brow, sweating profusely.
Maybe this is why people in my country don’t have big yards…
Yeah, yeah, I think you’ve earned a drink.
Wes turned off the lawn mower and walked toward the house. He had just turned the corner when he stopped in tracks. Lucy Karate was wearing a skimpy bikini top that showed off just enough curves, cut off shorts, and was having herself a wonderful time cleaning her car. Wes just watched for a few moments as Lucy danced around to the beat of whatever song she was currently listening to. As if he was on autopilot, Wes walked towards her.
Lucy was busy getting down to Shakira when she saw something in the reflection of her car. It was none other than Wes walking towards her.
Thinks he’s going to surprise me, huh?
Lucy didn’t think. She whipped around and turned the hose full force on her British classmate. Moments later, Wes stood, dripping in mute shock at what had just happened, while Lucy burst into devious laughter.
“Oh no you don’t!”
Wes took off after her, and while Lucy held desperately onto the hose, Wes picked up the bucket of soapy water and hurled it in her direction – landing a direct hit. Now it was time for Lucy to stand completely still.
“You…you…” Lucy squealed.
She turned the hose on him again and the pair ran around the car until Wes, now acclimated to the chilly water, advanced on Lucy and managed to get his arms around her, trying to hold the slippery girl still. Then things got very quiet. Lucy dropped the hose and looked up into Wes’s eyes – taken back by the intensity that was shining in them. They were both still breathing heavily from their flirtatious interaction. Goosebumps ran down Lucy’s arms and she pushed back a strand of the wet honey blonde hair that had fallen in Wes’s face.
“Thanks,” Wes said and bent down, fully intent on capturing a kiss from Lucy.
At that moment, Craig came barreling around the corner, “Wes!!”
Wes and Lucy sprang apart. Wes answered, “Yes?”
“My mom wanted to know if you wanted any lemonade.”
“That would be nice.” He swallowed heavily and turned around, “Did you want to—”
Lucy had disappeared.
Lucy walked around the corner of the house to turn off the hose.
Uh, what just happened back there?
We were just fooling around.
Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
Don’t start that.
Do I need to remind you that if Craig had been about two seconds later, he would’ve walked in on something completely inappropriate for his age?
Pfft.
Pfft, nothing. That was hot! Get back out there.
And what? Tell him that I’ve arranged the perfect blind date for him? I’ve already told Molly, and once they go on my super romantic date, they’re bound to fall in love.
Just from one date?
Well, at least serious like. I don’t want to stand in the way of that.
Your call, but that was pretty close to amazing back there.
Lucy closed her eyes and desperately tried to block out the image of Wes’s lips coming towards hers.
Wes followed Craig into the house, completely confused at what had just (almost) happened.
I was so close!
She was struggling.
She was flirting. She wanted it as bad as I did.
So what?
So why do I have to go through this blind date of hers?
Teach her a lesson. Call her bluff.
I think the easier thing would be for me to go back out there and finish what I started.
Half hoping he was there, and half dreading he was, Lucy crept back to her car and couldn’t tell if she was more relieved or disappointed that Wes wasn’t there. Now that Wes was gone, she was completely disinterested in finishing cleaning the car. The papers and junk from her back seat had gotten completely soaked. Lucy weeded through what was salvageable and threw away the rest. She finished drying her car and went inside, staying out of Wes’s sight until he left.
* * *
CHAPTER TWELVE: Blind Date
Lucy took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself to talk with Wes that Wednesday at school. She hadn’t built up the confidence to talk to him or trust herself around him until today, and hoped he would forget the last time they had been together she had been rather soapy and he had been half naked and…
That’s the kind of thoughts that keep getting you into trouble.
As her cheeks flamed, she stopped herself
– not wanting to face Wes all hot and bothered.
It was days ago! Why should I even still have a reaction?
Because now it’s just out there! That tension is going to need to be released at some point. The longer you let it go…
The longer I let it go, what?
All’s I’m saying is that someone’s going to need a crowbar to get the two of you apart.
Serenity now.
Before chickening out again, Lucy walked up and linked her arm through Wes’s, trying to ignore the jolt she got when she touched him.
Wes looked down at her, “Yes?”
Lucy said brightly, “I’m going to tell you about your date on Sunday night.”
“I’m listening.”
“You’re going to pick my friend up and take her on an evening she’ll never forget.”
“Is that so?”
Lucy was stalling and answered, “Yes.”
If you continue talking, there’s no going back. This is your last chance.
But I promised Molly!
I’m sure she would understand if you told her that you LIKED the guy you’re about to set her up with!!
Wes’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts, “How will it work?”
“Well, I checked her schedule and she doesn’t have anything going on Saturday evening, so I’ll tell her you’ll be at her place by 7PM.”
Wes watched as Lucy’s green eyes glaze over and she told him all the details of the world’s most romantic date.
Why do I have a sinking suspicion that this is Lucy’s dream date we are going to be going on, only Lucy won’t be there?
The football player closed his eyes and sighed as Lucy continued to go over the plans for the evening. He wondered who exactly Lucy was going to set him up. Part of him was still sort of wondering if this whole scenario might be an elaborate way to set her up with him.
Also, mate, you have to admit, this date sounds pretty intense. I think anyone involved would be in serious like after going on it.
I’ll keep that in mind.
“So, what do you think?”
Wes winked and said, “I won’t let you down. I think this is going to best blind date in the history of the world.”
That’s exactly what I’m afraid of…
Lucy didn’t trust herself to make a neutral comment, so she merely replied, “Maybe I can hear all about it when you come over to rake leaves on Sunday?”
Wes gave a vague nod of his head and disappeared with the crowd in the hall.
Lucy was uncharacteristically quiet as she drove Bronwyn to the game on Friday.
The redhead racked her brain to try and think of something to break Lucy’s mood. She asked tentatively, “Um, Lucy?”
“Yes?”
Bronwyn took a deep breath and swallowed, “Can I play your bass tonight?”
That question definitely got the Battery member’s attention. Lucy looked over at the girl, glad to see she was getting some well, attitude, and replied evenly, “You really think you’re ready?”
Bronwyn twisted her hands, “Well, you know, maybe just for a song in the stands or something…”
Lucy reached over and patted the freshman’s shoulder, “All you ever had to do was ask. Of course you can!”
Bronwyn was practically glowing she was smiling so bright.
In the stands that night, Lucy lived up to her promise and quickly instructed Bronwyn how to properly hold the bass mallets and where in the middle of the drum to hit. Lucy quickly glanced over her shoulder at the drum major podium.
Hmmm…this is a good opportunity.
Leaning over, she remarked quietly, “The most important thing about playing in the stands is to always keep your eye on the Drum major. We’re the heartbeat of this band and it’s vital that you are playing what the Drum major conducts.”
Bronwyn nodded solemnly. Lucy had to bite her lip to keep from laughing as she saw the light bulb go off over Bronwyn’s head when she realized Drew was going to be conducting Dr. Who. True to Lucy’s word, Bronwyn kept those pretty gray blue eyes of hers trained directly on Drew the entire song.
Drew was having a good time conducting that evening. It was late enough in the season that he was rid of his first season jitters and starting to really enjoy his role as Drum major. He kept a concentrated look on his face during the song when he really wanted to smile, especially when he noticed not Lucy, but one of the other girls in the section was keeping her eyes on him throughout the song.
While Bronwyn was busy playing to her heart’s content, Lucy went over to find Molly, who was dancing in the snare section between Ewan and Billy. Lucy motioned her friend over.
“What’s up?”
“You ready for that blind date?”
Molly glanced briefly back at the snare line, and then shrugged, “Sure.”
“How about tomorrow night?”
“What did you tell this guy?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, why does he want to see me so soon? I hope you haven’t convinced him I’m a model or something.”
Lucy shook her head, “It’s not that.”
It’s just if I don’t go through with this plan soon, I’m going to totally lose the confidence to and go on the blind date myself!
Lucy continued, babbling, “I mean, you know, Homecoming isn’t that far off and what if you totally hit it off with this mystery guy? Then you’d be able to go with him!”
Lucy cringed when she realized how absolutely fake she sounded, but hoped that Molly wouldn’t pick up on the tone.
Fortunately, her friend nodded, “That could be nice.”
Lucy sighed with relief, “So, if you could be ready tomorrow night around seven…”
“What should I wear?”
“You know your brown and yellow dress?”
Molly nodded, “Yup.”
“That should do.”
Molly’s eyes widened, “That dressy?”
Lucy nodded and affected the same fake voice as before, “You’ll be fine. He has your address and will be seeing you tomorrow night. I expect a call on Sunday to tell me how things went!”
“Sure.”
The song was coming to an end and Lucy went back to her bass drum where Bronwyn was grinning profusely. She commented, “Great job, B.”
“Really?”
“Sure! Just ask any time you want to play.”
“Thanks, Luce!”
As Lucy drove her home that night, Bronwyn thought that this was the best game she could ever remember. She sighed happily remembering how she not only got to play the bass drum, but how, during the half time show, Drew had commented, “Nice playing tonight,” and had winked. Plus, there was the positively jealous look on Tony’s face when he saw she was playing bass, while he was only on cymbals. It was like this perfect game, never to be topped.
Lucy looked over at the redhead and smiled.
At least one of us is happy…
The next evening, Lucy was a complete and total wreck.
You’d think that you were going on the date.
I…I….
Well, you made the bed, so now you better sleep in it.
During the day, Lucy had called every single person in her phone book, but it seemed everyone had plans for the evening. She glumly got on her computer and was happy to see Cartwright was also online.
bassgirl17: What’s up, dude?
Cartwright213: Nada. You?
bassgirl17: Do you have a few minutes to be sucked back into some bassgirl drama?
Cartwright213: Do I have a choice? ;)
bassgirl17: No comment.
Cartwright213: I’m just kidding. Go ahead.
bassgirl17: Well, I think you’d be proud of me this year so far. Instead of wrecking people’s love lives and generally causing havoc, I’ve been playing match maker to a few couples.
Cartwright213: That is a good step. So, other than things not working out with Sam, what could be wrong?
&n
bsp; bassgirl17: Well, the problem is regarding the last couple I set up; the thing is, um, I think I actually LIKE the guy.
Cartwright213: Which leads to the obvious question: WHY DID YOU SET HIM UP WITH SOMEONE ELSE?
bassgirl17: I don’t know.
Cartwright213: I’m not really buying that.
bassgirl17: Fine, I actually have no idea why I set him up with someone other than me. It’s like I convinced myself it had to happen and then I couldn’t back out. Something wouldn’t let me.
Cartwright213: How long has this crush of yours been with your friend?
bassgirl17: Tonight’s their first date, so, maybe two hours?
Cartwright213: So, technically, there is still a chance for you.
bassgirl17: Aren’t you the hopeless romantic?
Cartwright213: Be quiet – I’m on your side. Anyway, has Mr. Crush given you any indication that he likes you?
Lucy paused and looked at the screen. What exactly was her relationship with Wes? Technically, they weren’t even friends, but he was definitely more than her…gardener? Was that the word? There was an obvious attraction between them, but that could describe a lot of people she knew. Suddenly, the scene from the driveway replayed through Lucy’s mind. Wes’s arms had felt so right around her…and Lucy couldn’t deny that she had been mean to her brother the rest of the day for interrupting them…
Cartwright213: Hello? Has he?
bassgirl17: Umm…there’s a definite possibility.
Cartwright213: If there’s a possibility between the two of you, then why did he say yes to your set up?
bassgirl17: Because I basically wouldn’t take no for an answer?
Cartwright213: Maybe…or maybe you’re confusing the hell out of him. Have you ever considered, I don’t know, maybe just telling him that you like him? Believe me, I don’t know anyone whose day wouldn’t be brightened by having someone tell them they are liked.
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