Fated Dreams (Book One In The Affinity series)

by Christina Smith

  “Are you going to tell me what you two were talking about or not?” Emma asked me after she took a sip from her drink. The straw squeaked as she moved it around the lid.

  “No, I’m not, I’m working. Now go enjoy your movie.” I waved them away. They laughed as they headed into the theater.

  Since my shift was over in an hour, I wouldn’t see my friends come out, a fact that I was relieved about. I knew Emma wasn’t finished grilling me about Lucas.

  At home, I watched a movie with my parents, a romantic comedy about a couple who met at a funeral. I guessed it was my mom’s pick, or we’d be watching a war movie. My dad was really into them.

  Alex was at a friend’s house, so it was just the three of us. I was lying on the soft blue suede couch with my feet on my mom’s legs. My dad was sitting on the black leather recliner on the other end of the couch. Both the sofa and the chair faced the big-screen TV my dad got for Christmas.

  The movie was good, but when it finished, I headed up to bed, where I replayed my conversation with Lucas. He wasn’t what I expected. From afar, he seemed aloof and antisocial. But the more time I spent with him, the more I thought he wasn’t really like that. And after our conversation tonight, I realized something else. The boy starring in my dreams almost every night wasn’t Logan…it was Lucas.

  Chapter Four

  Shopping

  I started my homework the next morning so I'd have the rest of the weekend free. After that was done, I wanted to relax before I had to go to work for my one-to-seven shift.

  My mom poked her head through my open doorway as I was finishing up my algebra. “Hey, how about a girls’ day today, shopping, lunch, maybe a manicure?”

  It was extremely tempting, but of course, I couldn’t. “Sorry, Mom, I have to work at one o’clock, remember?”

  “Oh, that’s right. Well, we’ve got time for a little shopping and an early lunch. What do you say?”

  “I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.”

  In the car, driving to the mall, my mom asked, “So what’s new at school?”

  “Don’t you already know the answer to that?”

  “I’d know how your grades are, but not about your friends, or boyfriends,” she replied with a laugh as she stopped at a red light.

  I groaned. “Sorry, Mom, but I’m not interested in discussing boys with you.” A horn honked, and we both glanced in front of us to see that the light had turned green.

  “Oops,” she said as she pulled away. “Come on, I’m old, and I need to live vicariously through you. You have to give me something. Do you still have a crush on Martin?”

  I flushed with embarrassment. “No, and please stop.” I desperately wanted to end this conversation before it began, but when I saw her pouting, I decided to give her something. “Fine, but you’ll be disappointed with my love life. I think Derrick and Emma are going to get together.” I leaned over to change the radio station.

  “It’s about time. Who made the first move?” She slapped my hand away and turned it back to her easy listening channel.

  “I did.” She raised one eyebrow but remained silent. “I got tired of all the flirting and the glances when the other one wasn’t looking. Plus, I think Derrick didn’t make a move because he didn’t want me to feel uncomfortable. I had to work last night, so I suggested they go to a movie without me. Since it was my idea, I’m obviously okay with it.”

  She smiled. “Pretty smooth, I’m impressed.”

  “Yeah, Derrick basically jumped at the idea, and offered to pick her up.”

  “Good, I’m glad, they’ll finally be happy. I saw all those dreamy looks they gave each other.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure the only ones that didn’t see it were Derrick and Emma.”

  We pulled into the busy parking lot, and my mom found a spot near the back. On Saturday, the mall was always busy, and today was no different. We weaved through the rows of cars, passing shoppers with their arms full of plastic bags.

  Once inside, we headed straight to the jewellery store. I picked out a silver rose ring. The tips of the petals were brushed with black, and it was so cool, I couldn’t wait to wear it. When I spotted a white gold necklace with a diamond star pendant, I knew it would be perfect for my mother. “Mom, come here, you have to buy this. It will look amazing on you.” I held it up for her.

  She put down a watch she was admiring and came over.

  “You're right, honey, it’s perfect.”

  Now that we were set with jewellery, we moved onto clothing.

  My mom saw some nice tops in a store window that she said would look awesome on me, and when I tried them on, I had to agree. I bought the tops, and we each bought a dress.

  All of that shopping made us hungry, so we headed for a restaurant I had never been to before. It was kind of fancy, more my mom’s style than mine. She was paying, though, so I didn’t argue.

  The hostess looked familiar. She was about my age, maybe younger, with light blonde hair, pretty blue eyes, and freckles. I thought she went to my school, but I didn’t know her name. We followed her to a table by the window, where there was a lovely view of the mall parking lot.

  After we were seated, we talked a little. Mom was relating some gossip about a teacher. And of course, she wouldn’t tell me who.

  The waiter approached from behind me, and when I heard his voice, I looked up. “Good afternoon, here are your menus.” He stopped speaking when he noticed me. “Oh hi, are you following me?” asked a very surprised Lucas.

  I was just as shocked as he was. “No, I had no idea you worked here. My mom brought me.”

  “I guess we have more to learn about each other.” His words seemed to shock him. His eyes went wide and he muttered, “Oh God, um…would you like some drinks while you look at the menu?” Even though he was speaking to the two of us, he didn’t make eye contact, looking everywhere but at us.

  My mother smirked at me and then turned her attention to Lucas. “Sure, I’ll have a glass of white wine. Sarah, what do you want?”

  I blinked at her, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “I’ll have a cola.” Why was my mouth suddenly so dry?

  He nodded and walked away.

  I took a sip of my water to quench my thirst, and read the menu, refusing to look at my mom.

  “Someone has a crush on you,” she said in a singsong voice, not looking up from her menu.

  “Don’t start.” The last thing I wanted was to talk about Lucas and have him overhear us.

  “Don’t start what? I don’t know what you’re referring to.” Her face took on a look of pure innocence. Yeah, right. “Wasn’t that Lucas Tate? He looks better without his glasses, don’t you think?”

  “Mother, be quiet, if he hears you, I will kill you,” I whispered. “So anyway,” I said louder, trying to change the subject. “Emma called my cell phone while you were trying on dresses. She said she had a great time last night and that Derrick held her hand during the movie. Isn’t that cool?” I didn’t wait for her answer, just continued to prattle on. “What are you going to order? I think I’m going to have the club wrap and a tossed salad.”

  “You’re babbling, you only babble when you’re embarrassed. Wow, your face is really red.” She was starting to irritate me, so I scowled at her. “And I’m done, I won’t tease you anymore,” she said, grinning. I heard her whisper something that sounded like, “This is so much fun.”

  I looked up at her, about to tell her to be quiet, until I noticed how pretty she looked. I had often thought she was, with her long, wavy, honey-blonde hair and her bright blue eyes, but when she smiled, her dimples came out, and her face brightened. When I was a kid, I used to think she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She might have aged some since then, but when she smiled, I felt like that little girl again, gazing up at her mom. I hoped to look half as good when I was her age. In spite of the fact that she was having fun at my expense, I smiled at her.

  Lucas came back with our drinks
and took our order. He didn’t say anything other than what he had to.

  It didn’t take long for him to return with our lunch.

  “How was the movie last night, Lucas?” I asked him as he placed my lunch in front of me.

  He looked relieved that I broke the tension. “It was really good, I love action movies. Have you seen it yet?”

  “No, I don’t go to the movies that much. I like to stay away from work when I don’t have to be there.” Feeling restless, I started jiggling the silverware. My mother frowned at me as my knife and spoon clanged together noisily.

  He nodded. “That makes sense. Do you work tonight?”

  “This afternoon at one o’clock, right after we’re done here.”

  “Yeah, but she only works until seven,” my mom added, after taking a sip of her wine. Could she be more obvious? “So Lucas, how’s your mother? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

  “She’s good. She and my father just got back from a small vacation.”

  “That’s great, where did they go?”

  “New York, but just for a long weekend.”

  “Oh, that sound’s nice, I would love to go and see a play. Did they get to see one on their trip?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t remember which one though. I’m not really into plays.” His feet shifted back and forth.

  “I love them. Sarah, we should go to one someday, what do you think?” My mother peered at me over the flowered centerpiece.

  “Sure, Mom, sounds fun,” I mumbled, leaning my elbow on the table with my hand resting on my forehead, wanting her to shut up and let Lucas leave.

  “Well, enjoy your meals,” he said before walking away and heading to another table.

  “You have good taste. I like him better than his brother. He’s never in my office.”

  I groaned. God this was so horrible. “Let’s eat.” I started to stuff my face to discourage conversation.

  When we were finished, my mom paid, leaving a generous tip. I waved to Lucas and practically ran out of the restaurant.

  “You do realize I’m never going out to eat with you again,” I said as I walked quickly ahead of her through the mall. Behind me, I could hear the sound of her laughter and the click of her heels on the floor.

  I dropped my mom off at home and then drove to work. It was a nice, warm, sunny day. But since I had to be indoors for the next six hours the weather was wasted on me.

  I was selling tickets today with a new guy named Zack, who started last week. He was friendly and good-looking, with light brown hair, brown eyes, and a crooked nose. He went to a different high school, one that was closer to where he lived.

  As we worked, we chatted, and when I found out we were the same age, we compared notes on the kids in our schools; it helped to pass the time.

  At home during dinner, my father and brother teased me about the boy my mom said had a crush on me. Oh, she was really going to pay. “Mom, he doesn’t like me. Just last week he wouldn’t even talk to me. When he did, he was rude.” I scraped the last of the spaghetti off of my plate.

  “Well, I guess he changed his mind. I can tell when someone’s interested, and it wasn’t just coming from him.” She grinned at me over her wine glass.

  “That’s enough, Maggie. She’ll never talk to you if you keep teasing her,” my dad said, giving me a wink.

  After I cleared my plate and glass, I leaned against my mom’s chair, glaring at her.

  “Fine, I’m sorry, Sarah. I won’t tease you anymore, today anyway.” She laughed.

  “Mother!” I started to protest, but she cut me off.

  “I’m kidding. I’ll try not to bug you. I promise.” She gave me a hug; I had learned a long time ago there was no point in fighting it because she’d just hold on tighter.

  “Fine, as long as you’re really going to stop,” I said when she finally released me from her grip. “Emma’s going to stay the night, okay?” Without waiting for an answer, I left the kitchen. I heard them yell it was fine as I headed up the stairs and into my room. I turned on my stereo to listen to my favorite CD and grabbed the book I was reading. After about an hour, I was really getting into the plot.

  Emma came in and interrupted me. She was carrying a bag of dill pickle chips, my favourite, and two sodas. “Should we watch a movie then gossip the rest of the night, or head straight to the gossiping?” She dropped the chips on the bed in front of me and handed me my soda; the can was cold in my hand.

  I grinned. “Gossip, definitely.”

  We ate junk food and talked late into the night. I had a blast. This was one of the parts of our friendship we couldn’t include Derrick in; he was too much of a guy for this. Emma went into detail about her night with Derrick. They hadn’t kissed yet, but she was sure it would happen soon.

  We fell asleep around one or two in the morning; I was too tired to notice.

  I was in my backyard, slow dancing in the moonlight. I was so at peace and happy. I’d never felt like this before. I didn’t know who I was dancing with, and I was afraid to look up, as if the movement would ruin the mood. We danced for a while, his warm, gentle hands softly rubbing my back, my arms around his broad shoulders. He lifted his head, which was leaning on mine as I looked up at him. Lucas smiled down at me, his hazel eyes twinkling in the moonlight, and said very softly, “I love you, Katie.” I jerked awake, sitting up in bed. Emma’s head lifted, and she squinted at me with sleep-filled eyes. “What?” she whispered.

  “Nothing, go back to sleep.”

  She closed her eyes, and I lay back down, but couldn’t go back to sleep. Why was I dreaming of him and why did he call me Katie?

  I must have dosed off sometime later because when I opened my eyes it was daylight. A quick glance at my watch told me that it was ten o’clock. I loved sleeping in on Sundays.

  “What time is it?” mumbled the lump under the covers. I sat up and kicked the large bulge of blankets. “Ow.”

  I laughed. “Ten o’clock, wake up.”

  She crawled out of the bed and stumbled behind me downstairs.

  “So, are you coming to lunch with Derrick and me or not?” Emma asked between bites of pancake, which was so saturated with syrup, I had no idea how she could taste it. My mom had already left for a visit at Derrick’s mom’s house, so I made breakfast, watching Emma hold her head up with her arm, still very tired.

  “Do you want more syrup? I see one spot that isn’t soaked.”

  She stuck her tongue out at me. “Shut up and answer the question.”

  I thought about it. “No, I’m going to stay here and have a lazy day.”

  She smiled, no doubt thinking of an afternoon alone with Derrick. “Suit yourself. Okay, I’m done eating now. I’m going to use your shower; he’ll be here in an hour. Can I borrow that cute blue dress you bought yesterday?”

  “How did you know I bought a dress? I forgot to show you.”

  “I peeked in your closet last night when you were in the bathroom. So can I, please?” she begged, clasping her hands together like she was praying.

  I laughed. “Fine, I haven’t even worn it yet, but knock yourself out.” I took a bite of my pancake, savoring the sweet maple taste of the syrup.

  She jumped up and down. “Yeah!”

  “But I want it back tomorrow,” I said after swallowing.

  “I promise,” I heard her say faintly, since she was already at the top of the stairs.

  I finished my breakfast and then put our dishes in the dishwasher.

  While Emma was in the bathroom getting ready, I picked up my book and started to read again.

  “God, I hate my hair,” I heard her mumble from the open doorway of my bathroom. I laughed softly to myself. She had no idea how pretty she was, and it was mostly because of her red hair. But every time I tried to tell her that, she ignored me.

  She shut the door to the bathroom so the hair dryer wouldn’t disturb me, and I started to read again. I was in the middle of a chapter when someone knocked on my door. �
��Is everyone decent?” Derrick asked.

  “Yeah, come on in.” I tossed my book aside and sat up, leaning against my pillows.

  “Hey,” he said, walking into my room. The bed squeaked as he sat on the edge, looking down at my T-shirt and yoga pants. “Why aren’t you ready to go?” He looked genuinely curious, as though he really wanted me to go with them.

  “I don’t feel like it. I thought you guys could use some privacy.”

  He frowned, raising an eyebrow. “So, how did you know?” was all he said, knowing I would understand him.

  “That you and Emma liked each other?” I asked, and he nodded.

  “Well, I have known you since birth, I know you better than my own brother. Emma and I haven’t been friends quite as long, but since kindergarten, I could pretty much guess what she was thinking.”

  My parents had been friends with Derrick’s parents since college. My mom and Derrick’s mom were inseparable, so when we were born, we had no choice but to follow in their footsteps. We grew up together; he was like a brother my own age. One I actually liked to hang out with.

  He gave me a thoughtful look and then said softly, “You are the best friend I have ever had, and I don’t want anything to ruin that, so if this bugs you at all, tell me.”

  I leaned toward him, grabbed his hand, and gave it a squeeze. “You’ve been holding back because of me. No, don’t deny it,” I added when he shook his head. “I want you both to be happy, and what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t let that happen? So what I am trying to say is, go for it, seriously.” We smiled at each other. “Well, that’s enough mushy stuff for one day, don’t you think?”

  “Oh yeah,” he replied, throwing a pillow at me.

  Emma finally finished, and they were headed out the bedroom door when she turned and came back in. “Who’s David?”

  I frowned at her. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”