“What?” Cat blinked before recalling their conversation. He’d said there were things she didn’t know about him. “Oh, that. We didn’t get around to discussing it.” Not to mention anything else. Like what would happen when he went to college. Like where her writing career might take her. All conversations for another day.
“Let me guess. You were too busy kissing. So, is he good?”
“Obviously, I’m not going to tell you that,” she said, though she couldn’t help but nod, which seemed to please her friend.
“Like, how good?” Nikki continued just as the bell rang. Their art teacher gave them a dark look as they packed everything up and spilled out into the corridor. “Okay, this conversation is on pause until tomorrow. Because right now I have a date with my own very hot boyfriend. Who, for the record, is an excellent kisser.”
“Have fun.” Cat waved as Nikki jostled her way through the crowd and launched herself at Parker, who seemed remarkably up for the challenge.
“Hey.” Alex was at her side, his head slightly titled as he gave her a smallest of smiles. It might not be as over the top as Nikki and Parker, but with someone like Alex, who normally tucked himself into a space so small no one could get near him, it sent Cat’s heart into overdrive.
“Hey,” she replied as his index finger trailed a soft line along the hem of her shirt. It was a micro move, barely visible to anyone watching, and yet it captured her attention completely. Something private. Something just between us.
“How was your day?”
“Let’s see, I was grilled by Nikki, and then I was grilled by Nikki again. Oh, and then…”
“This is why I don’t have any friends,” he said as they began to walk, his arm nudging hers, sending her slightly off course.
“You’ve got me.” She nudged him back.
“Yeah, but you were there, so I don’t have to tell you what happened,” he countered.
“That I was,” she said as they reached the newsroom. “And this is where I leave you. Mackenzie called an emergency meeting after the fiasco of the first edition.”
“What was wrong with the first edition? Not that I read much of it apart from your article.”
“There was a font catastrophe, four typos, and an incorrect quotation from the school secretary, which has led to an influx of emails from concerned parents.”
“Try and stay out of the firing line,” he advised before walking away while still facing her. It wasn’t until a couple of seniors complained that he was going to cause an accident that he held up his hands in defeat and turned away from her.
Mackenzie was already on the warpath as Cat stepped into the newsroom. It took all her acting ability to wipe the smile off her face and focus on what her editor was saying. Especially when, as far as she could tell, her life was pretty much perfect.
Chapter Ten
Alex rolled his shoulders to shake off the stiffness of the day. He’d just finished a double shift, and now all he wanted to do was go home and eat something that didn’t come out of a vending machine or have peaches in it.
In the parking lot, some of his coworkers were complaining about a new system, but Alex didn’t bother to join in. In another year, he’d be gone and the factory would be a thing of the past.
And the plan’s still on track.
It was early Saturday evening, and the streets were deserted as he drove back to the garage. Waiting at the bottom of his stairs was Cat. Against the dying light of the day, her dark hair was falling around her shoulders, and his eyes were drawn to the stretch of skin where her T-shirt didn’t quite meet her waistband.
“Hey.” He climbed out of his car and jogged over. She immediately got to her feet, and her arms snaked around his waist. His mouth found hers, and the despair of the canning factory was replaced by sunshine and vanilla. She deepened the kiss, and Alex let out a soft groan before reluctantly pulling away. “This is a surprise.”
“A good one, I hope,” she said shyly as her hands trailed along his shirt. His pulse flickered.
“Always. What happened to your girls’ night in with Nikki?”
“Parker’s folks wanted to meet her, and after helping her change outfits ten times, I dropped her off and came here to see if you were home.”
“Nikki’s loss is my gain.” He took her hand, and they walked up the stairs to his apartment. A familiar panic hit him, but he pushed it down, because dating Cat was easy.
He couldn’t remember a time when anyone but Birdie or Joe had thought he was worth the time of the day. That she was smart, funny, and totally gorgeous made it even better. In his defense, staying away hadn’t worked. It had just left the way open for Bennet Miller to stroll in and totally destroy her.
And the fact I’m lying to her?
A problem for another day.
“Good,” she said as they stepped into the apartment, and she flicked the lights on. It was still the same shit hole it had always been, but somehow with Cat standing in there, he didn’t seem to notice as much. She put her laptop down on the table and pulled up her streaming service. “Because I thought we could continue with your movie education. This is one of my favorites, though you might think it’s a bit weird.”
“Weird as in subtitles and a circus clown who smokes cigars and sees imaginary bunny rabbits, weird?” He shrugged off his jacket and joined her on the sofa. Not that he really cared what movie they watched. Just being with her was enough.
“Weird because it’s not very girlie. I’m talking Die Hard. Have you seen it?”
Seen it, loved it, and ready to watch it as many times as she wanted.
“You really are kind of perfect, you know that?” He grinned.
She swiveled, her eyes solemn as her fingers trailed a line across his face. “So are you. After all, you don’t even like M&M’s, which means there’s more for me. But first, tell me what you think your best quality is, Mr. Locke?”
“Really? Now?” Alex groaned. He’d had several more emails from the Summerset Trust about the scholarship, and Cat had taken to randomly throwing him interview questions to help with the preparation.
“Is that your final answer?” She raised an eyebrow, though her mouth was upturned into a smile. He leaned forward and kissed her and then coughed.
“My best quality is my focus and attention to detail, and I can give you several examples…”
She nodded, encouraging him and then rewarded him by wriggling onto his lap and kissing him thoroughly before they finally started the movie. He might’ve seen Die Hard a hundred times before, but now he understood just why John McClane was prepared to go so far to save his wife. Caring about someone was contagious.
…
He was a senior, but stood apart from everyone else. He was all danger and sharp edges as he moved, panther-like, through the room, cutting through the crowds like a butter knife. Annette’s pulse thundered. She was only a junior, but his gaze plundered hers, drawing her closer. When he reached her, he didn’t speak. Words weren’t necessary as his lips crashed down on hers—
“How’s the new article going?” Mackenzie said. Cat quickly minimized her document and tried to make her face look like she’d been busy with important newspaper work. She wasn’t exactly sure what that looked like, but hopefully not like she’d been writing soppy things about her boyfriend.
My boyfriend. My really, really hot boyfriend.
She wasn’t going to get sick of saying that anytime soon. Or, writing about it. Whoops. Focus.
“I finished it twenty minutes ago. It should be hitting your inbox right about now.”
“Well, good.” Mackenzie nodded. As always, her hair was perfectly in place and her expression was unflustered. Cat had to admit, despite her abrasive personality, Mackenzie got things done. “I’ve been wanting to speak to you.”
“About the foil leaves? I swear I counted them properly last night. They should all be there,” Cat said. She’d been in the hall last night working on the leaves while Alex had b
een behind his partition welding the metal tree.
“No, about the newspaper. I had my doubts but you’ve proved me wrong. I’m impressed.”
“Oh.” Her mouth dropped open. Mackenzie wasn’t big on compliments.
“Which is why I’ve decided to mentor you to take over my role next year.”
“Seriously? That would be amazing.” Technically, Mr. Lucas, the English teacher had the final say, but if Mackenzie put her forward, he could hardly say no.
“It will be hard work, but I think you have what it takes. If you’re serious about journalism, it will be good for your college applications,” she said just as one of her friends appeared in the doorway. It looked like she’d been crying. Mackenzie let out a deep sigh. “I have to go. Georgina’s been waiting to hear if she made the Summerset Trust short list. I’m assuming she hasn’t. I don’t know why she’s upset. I got my letter last week, and I told her the good news comes first. Late letters are never a good sign.”
“You made the shortlist?” Cat said with interest. “That’s great. Alex did, too.”
Mackenzie pivoted back around. “Alex Locke is applying for the Summerset Trust scholarship?”
“Um, yeah.” Cat frowned. Mackenzie didn’t normally waste words. “Why do you look surprised?”
“Because I didn’t know he even wanted to go to college. He never comes along to any of our events or participates in school activities. I just assumed he’d go on working at the canning factory.”
Cat bristled. “Well, you assumed wrong. Just because he’s quiet doesn’t mean he’s stupid.”
“Obviously. Making the shortlist confirms that. Seems I really misjudged him.”
“You’re not the first.” Cat’s hands clenched. It had always bugged her that people didn’t understand him. But now that they were dating, it was more irritating when they couldn’t see just how amazing he was. “He’s not the guy people think he is.”
“I’m glad to stand corrected.” Mackenzie fished around in her purse and produced two tickets. “Because I’m on the committee, I got a few comp tickets for the ball. I’m not giving them out to everyone, but if Alex is on the shortlist, it will go in his favor if he attends. With you, of course.”
She stared at the tickets. So far, they’d spent most of their time at his apartment or at the local café where the music was good and the burgers were cheap, all of which she loved doing. But the idea of dressing up and going out with Alex made her heart pound.
Apparently, I’m more of a girl than I realized.
“Thank you, Mackenzie. For everything,” she said.
“Don’t thank me, you earned it. Now I’d better take care of Georgina before she does anything crazy like apply to Franklin Community College.” Cat opened her mouth to point out her mom had gone to the local college after her unexpected pregnancy had narrowed down her options. But far from being a joke, it had given her mom childcare and the education she’d wanted.
Then she shut it again. Like Mackenzie would care.
She spent the rest of the afternoon sorting out the newspaper layout before heading over to the hall where Alex was working.
“Hey.” He walked over to her, his blue eyes seeming to drink her in. She made a note to add that detail to her current work-in-progress.
“Hey, yourself. How’s it going?”
“Just finished. I was about to text Mackenzie and let her know it’s done. She’s arranged for the painting crew to come in tomorrow. Do you want to see?”
“Of course.” She followed him past the partition blocking off his area from the rest of the hall, and then gasped.
It was almost six-feet high, with thick ropes of steel springing out of the base, twisting and turning like a gnarled trunk before separating out into branches. Each branch was covered in hundreds of the metal leaves he’d painstakingly welded on. It invoked the rich damp soil of a forest as dull steel glowed underneath the spotlights Alex had been using.
“It’s art.” She walked around it, her hand trailing along some of the lower branches. The steel was cool and left faint black smudges on her fingers.
“It needs to be cleaned before it gets painted. But that’s someone else’s problem. I’m just pleased it’s finished.”
“I still can’t believe you made this. You need to sign it.”
“I don’t think people sign metal trees.” He reached out for her hand and dragged her toward him. “Though, if you’re offering a reward of some kind, I could be interested.”
“Are you trying to bribe me?” Her chest hammered in response to his touch.
“Only if it works,” he said as his mouth found hers. She stood on her toes to better reach him. It had been two weeks since their first kiss, and nothing had changed. Every time was like she’d stumbled into some magical land. He pulled away and grinned. “So, it did work. Nice.”
“You’re just lucky you look cute when you’re covered in grime,” Cat said as she reached into her purse and pulled out the tickets Mackenzie had given her. “And you’ll look even cuter when you’re all dressed up.”
The smile faded. “What do you mean?”
“Mackenzie’s given us tickets to the ball as a thank you. She also said it would be good for your Summerset Trust interview. They’re big on community involvement.”
Alex stiffened. “You told her about the interview?”
“Yeah,” Cat said before noticing the dark shadow across his face. “It just came up. I didn’t realize it was a secret.”
“It’s fine.” He walked over to where his tools where. Cat gulped and hurried after him.
“I shouldn’t have said anything, I forgot how private you are,” she said as a shadow of self-doubt crossed his face. Why hadn’t she just kept her mouth shut? “I’m sorry. We don’t have to go.”
“Do you want to?” His face softened.
“Kind of. We’ve worked like crazy on the decorations, it would be nice to see them in action. But it’s up to you.”
He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, the haunted look was gone. “Sure. If you want to go, then so do I.”
“Thank you.” She grinned as memories of dancing with him flooded her mind. “You’re going to love it. Just wait and see.”
…
“You really think it’s okay?” Alex stared in the mirror, trying to come to terms with what he saw. Gone were his jeans and T-shirt, replaced by a pair of heavy black trousers and a matching jacket. According to Donna, who owned the store, Vintage Delight, and was a friend of Cat’s mom, it was from London and was in immaculate condition despite being over fifty years old. It also had a price tag that didn’t involve selling a kidney.
“Are you kidding me? You look amazing,” Cat said after she’d forced him to walk out of the changing room and turn for her. Crap. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d tried on clothes. Normally, he just grabbed his regular size and was done with it.
It was daunting to study himself in the mirror and not recognize the guy staring back. Is it because of the clothes or the girl?
“Not too shabby at all.” Donna reappeared and made a clicking noise with her tongue as her gaze landed on his feet. “What about shoes?”
“I’ll definitely wear some.”
“Ones that aren’t boots with a steel cap inside?” Donna glanced over to where his work boots were sitting.
“I’m good,” he answered quickly, not bothering to add the only time he’d worn the dress shoes was to the funerals. Five, four, three, two, one. He forced himself to concentrate on the numbers. A habit he’d developed to stop his mind from going down that particular road. What’s done was done. He pulled out his wallet and peeled off some bills. “I’ll take it.”
“Decisive. I like that in a person. When you’re changed, I’ll bag it up for you,” Donna said as she took the money.
“Okay, did I miss something?” Cat’s brow wrinkled as if she was trying to solve a puzzle. “What’s the big deal about shoes?”
“Nothing.” He turned toward the dressing room.
“I didn’t mean to pry,” she said in a soft voice, and he winced. He hadn’t quite nailed the fine art of confiding. He stopped and glanced back over his shoulder.
“Birdie insisted I have them for the funeral. They’re still in the back of the closet.”
“Oh, Alex. That didn’t even occur to me. You could always get some new ones. Ones that don’t bring back painful memories.”
The scent of lilies combined with disinfectant caught in his throat. They hadn’t been able to afford a big funeral. Just one headstone, three carved names, and a priest. Birdie had been there, and some other people he didn’t know. But it didn’t change anything. His dad was still in prison, and the rest of his family was dead.
“They’re just shoes,” he said, dragging his attention back to where he was standing. “But thanks for your help. No point having shoes if you don’t have a suit, right?”
She looked like she wanted to say something else, before she finally shrugged. “Right. That’s the mantra I try to live by. Because no good could come from walking around naked.”
“You’re weird, do you know that?” He couldn’t help but laugh, grateful she could drag him out of the darkness.
Is that why I can’t stay away from her?
“Takes one to know one,” she said before shooing him back into the changing room. “Now let’s get out of here. I believe you promised me the best pizza in the world. Fighting talk if ever I’ve heard it. You know I’m a burger girl.”
“Get back to me after you’ve had your first bite,” Alex replied, enjoying the way her mouth turned up when she smiled. He walked back into the changing room and took one final look at himself in the mirror. He might not quite recognize the guy in front of him, but Cat seemed to like him. It was enough.
“What about a dress for you? Shouldn’t I be helping you?”
“Only if you want to experience the full force of Nikki’s wrath,” Cat said with a giggle. “For a tomboy, she’s got strangely focused shopping skills. We’re going out tomorrow morning, so you’re off the hook.”
The Heartbreak Cure Page 10