Between Hearts: A Romance Anthology

by Alexander, Erica

  When the music starts, everything else evaporates. Only my bandmates, the feeling of every emotion possible flowing through my veins, and I exist. With every crescendo, my heart swells and my lungs accommodate the powerful rush of air necessary to convey the volume of a sleigh gliding rapidly across snow-covered hills. I have to fight the smile that begs to spread across my face as the jazzy section of the song picks up, but there’s no way to tamp down my body as it sways to the beat.

  When the final song is over, the director motions for us to rise and take our bows. The standing ovation from the audience brings a wide, proud grin to my face. We nailed it.

  The curtain goes down and everyone on stage rushes into a flurry of activity as the band vacates the stage to be replaced by the choir. Over the cacophony of noise, quiet murmurings permeate the thick, burgundy curtains from beyond, where the audience members stretch their legs during intermission. As I hand my flute over to Alyssa before making my way to the risers on the opposite side of the stage, I can only hope that the second half of the show will go as well.

  The chorus portion of the concert is slightly harder to navigate. Though I love singing as much as playing, I have to face the crowd rather than read my music and my eyes are inevitably drawn to the one person who can break my concentration. So I avoid looking in his direction at all costs, instead choosing to focus on a point in the back of the auditorium.

  The only instrument that can never leave me serves me well, every note strong and sure, neither flat nor sharp—as long as my eyes zero in on my sister, who is cuddling in the back row with her boy toy. A strange feeling of jealousy coupled with displeasure nearly overcomes me as I study their physical intimacy with one another. They both look comfortable to be wrapped in each other’s arms, enjoying the music they hear as one rather than two bodies. Though I know their ease with each other will be short-lived, I can’t help but wonder: What must it be like to experience that with another person? To be able to let go and enjoy the moment?

  When the final note fades into oblivion, we take our bow and the curtains go down once again as everyone breaks to either grab their instruments or head out into the crowd for pictures and hugs of congratulations. Alyssa appears by my side as soon as I step backstage, my flute already with her.

  She latches on to my elbow, dragging me along. “Come on! Let’s go see what lover boy left this time!”

  My heart picks up speed as I drag my feet. Do I want there to be a bouquet? Part of me hopes for it, but the bigger part of me feels so pathetic over the whole thing.

  Sure enough, as soon as we step inside the band room, Alyssa squeals in my ear. “There’s another one!”

  Jess is already at my seat, leaning over and inspecting the bouquet without touching anything. She whips her gaze towards us when she hears Alyssa’s reaction. A slow, calculating smile blooms across her face as we approach.

  “There’s another one,” she announces.

  Obviously. That’s Alyssa and Jess for you. The dynamic duo of all things obvious.

  “Does it say who it’s from this time?” Alyssa questions. She’s studying the bouquet like it holds all the answers to the universe.

  “I don’t know. I didn’t want to touch it.”

  Two sets of eyes train on me. I can feel them watching, waiting to see what I’ll do.

  I don’t know what to do. “You know, if you guys are doing this just to make me feel better about myself, your plan is totally backfiring. Fess up already.”

  Alyssa crosses her arms over her chest, a hurt expression on her face. “We wouldn’t do that to you, Evie. We’re your friends. Why would we play with your emotions like that? Now, pick them up and see who they’re from.”

  My lips twist to the side both out of guilt for my accusation and fear of what I’ll find. What if they’re not from him? What if they are? I’m completely out of my element here. I don’t know what to do with a boy now any more than I did in middle school. Then again, no one’s ever shown any more interest in me than the occasional horny guy looking to score. If I show even the slightest hesitation, they bolt like frightened animals. I guess most guys don’t know what to do with a girl who actually thinks for herself.

  Gingerly, I pick the roses up and look for any sort of clues as to their appearance. It’s a beautiful bouquet: a dozen red roses with golden-glitter tips, baby’s-breath, pine, and holly accents. Several swirling red and gold glitter rods complete the holiday-themed arrangement. The entire thing is wrapped in poinsettia-printed tissue paper and tied with a red, silky bow.

  It must have cost a small fortune.

  A little, white envelope is tucked inside the ribbon. With shaking fingers, I dislodge the small square from its hiding place.

  Alyssa plucks the bouquet from my arm so I can inspect this clue a little more closely. Once again, there’s no mistaking that this gift is for me because my name is written on the front of the envelope. I break the seal, then pull out one of those tiny cards sold in floral shops. It too is Christmas-themed, a poinsettia print all around the border. Jess and Alyssa read over my shoulders.

  Another great performance!

  Congrats! You were awesome!

  That’s it. No name. No nothing. The message is so vague and…bizarre. It’s almost impersonal. If it weren’t for the fact that the envelope is clearly addressed to me, this card could have been for anyone. It seems like the writer had no clue what to actually say but, for whatever reason, felt the need to say something.

  “It’s totally from a guy,” Jess advises. “No girl would write something like that.”

  “It’s definitely a girl’s handwriting though.” I study the script. “It’s too flowy and easy to read. Boys’ handwriting is practically indecipherable. Maybe the lady at the flower shop wrote the message for him.”

  “Agreed,” Alyssa responds. “And whoever sent the message probably isn’t in band or choir, either. It’s too generic for someone who knows music.”

  The three of us scan the room for any guys who might be acting suspicious. We obviously aren’t convinced of our own logic, but no one here fits our expectations.

  “He’s totally not in band,” Jess concludes. “Let’s get outta here. I’ve got a hot date.”

  We collect our things and then head out to meet our parents and the rest of our friends. A massive crowd mills around in the lobby. Students are posing for pictures and receiving flowers and hugs from friends and family, and everyone is just generally having a good time. The air is brimming with holiday excitement.

  Jess goes off in search of her boyfriend as Alyssa and I scan the room for our families. I still haven’t spotted mine when Alyssa once again grabs my elbow and drags me off…somewhere.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  She throws a wink at me. “To do some investigative work.”

  I pull back, effectively halting her forward momentum, until she releases her hold and rounds on me, a confused expression marring her features.

  “Lys, I don’t want to know who they’re from.”

  “Why not?”

  Because I’m still not convinced it isn’t you. Or Jess. Or my mom and my grandparents. Because I’m entirely sure they’re not from the only person I want them to be from.

  “If he wanted me to know, he’d tell me. Roses are only romantic if the giver isn’t a coward.” There. Maybe that’ll convince her to stop with the ruse.

  “Maybe he isn’t a coward. Maybe he’s just shy and not sure how you’ll respond. You’re not exactly friendly with most guys.”

  Well, that’s insulting. “That’s not true! I’m nice to everyone. Just because I don’t flirt with every guy at school doesn’t mean I’m a jerk!”

  Alyssa takes a step closer to me and lowers her voice for only my ears. “Evie, sweetie, you know I love you, right? And I only want what’s best for you, okay?” She casts a furtive glance at the people crowding around us and leans in even closer. “There’s talk at school that you’re gay and in the closet
. People are starting to get the wrong impression.”

  When I open my mouth, she defensively lifts her hands.

  “I know, I know. It’s stupid and none of their business. But I hate that people are thinking the wrong thing about you. Maybe you could, I dunno, just show some interest in the opposite sex, at least?”

  I snap my mouth shut. Is this really my life right now? I’m not sure what stings worse. That there’s gossip going around about my sexuality or that Alyssa thinks I need to do something to prove the rumors wrong. Shouldn’t that be my choice? I don’t want to pretend to be a typical boy-crazy girl just to save my reputation. If I’m not into a guy, I’m not into him. Simple as that.

  A big arm around my shoulders distracts me from my thoughts.

  “Good job tonight, baby girl. Got another bouquet, I see.”

  I glance up and find Mike smiling down at me. He feels like safety and comfort, so my shoulders relax a fraction in his embrace.

  “Thanks. Yeah.”

  “Who are they from?” Jeremy steps up beside Alyssa, an excited gleam in his brown eyes. He slides an arm around his girlfriend’s waist and hands her a bouquet of lilies.

  He’s so sweet. Lilies are Alyssa’s favorite flower.

  “I, um, I don’t know.” My heart skips a beat, and whatever I was going to say next dies on my tongue as Rob’s tall figure comes into view beside Mike.

  Of course they’re together. They’re friends—I know this. They were sitting together at the concert. Seeing him, here, standing around with all of us, just seems so unexpected somehow.

  His hands are shoved deep inside his pockets, and his gaze remains fixed on the ground, reminiscent of the first time I met him. He’s so beautiful and shy that it physically pains me to breathe the same air as him. I’m not worthy.

  “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving after pounding on the drums for so long. Let’s go get something to eat.” Jeremy squeezes Alyssa’s shoulders and gives her a quick peck on the cheek.

  “That’s a great idea,” Mike nods. “Lemme go grab Chelsie and we’ll meet at the diner?”

  “We’re going to the diner?”

  All eyes turn towards the newcomer, Alex Fossoway, as he invades our circle. His girlfriend, Bekah, is beside him. He hangs out with Rob and Mike, but I’ve never spoken two words to him before because we don’t really have any of the same classes. I guess he’s only here tonight because Bekah is in choir.

  “Yep. That’s the plan.” Mike answers. “Anyone else we should invite?”

  Alex seems to think it over while he and Jeremy appear to exchange some sort of silent conversation. “I don’t think so. This seems to be everyone.”

  This whole night is so weird. First, another mystery bouquet. Now, this?

  Jeremy’s a drummer. Alex, Mike, and Rob are all football players. Yet they seem as if they’re age-old friends. It’s a strange mix, but somehow, this little group seems to just…fit together.

  Everyone except me, that is.

  “Well, I should go and find my family. Have a great night!”

  No sooner do I think I’ve expertly planned my escape than Mike tightens his arm around me.

  “Why don’t you come with us?”

  I have a long list of very valid reasons why I shouldn’t go with them, including embarrassing myself in front of my crush, hyperventilating at being in the same proximity as he is, and, last but not least, the fact that he is zero percent interested in me and would probably laugh his ass off if he knew about my feelings for him.

  “Oh, that’s okay. I’m sure Mama, Papou, and YiaYia are waiting for me. I’m just gonna go home.”

  Alex attempts to choke back a laugh but fails miserably. “What the hell did you just say?”

  “I’m gonna go home?”

  “No, the other part. Your mom and who are waiting for you?” His arrogant smile slides off his face when Rob punches his arm.

  My cheeks heat up. Oh, here we go. I’ve heard all the Greek jokes I can possibly take in my lifetime. I definitely don’t need another round.

  “Um, Papou and YiaYia means grandpa and grandma in Greek. And…I’m sure they’re all waiting for me. So I better go find them before they leave without me.”

  “If, um, you’re worried about getting home, I can give you a ride.”

  My heart stops beating. Pretty sure Rob Falls just killed me with that softly spoken offer. I must be dreaming. This isn’t real.

  “Uhh…” I genuinely have no words for this moment.

  “Come on, Evie. We’ll go find your family and tell them you’re coming with me. I’ll grab Chelsie. Then we’ll meet everyone at the diner. Sound good?” Mike’s smile is so full of hope that I don’t have the heart to disappoint him. He rarely asks me for anything.

  Even though I hate feeling like a third wheel with him and his girlfriend, it at least lets me off the hook for being alone in a car with Rob. I seriously would not know what to do with myself in such an intimate setting with him. I might do something really crazy and just maul him. He’s so darn beautiful.

  “All right. It’s settled, then. See you all there.” Jeremy steers Alyssa away, wearing a disturbing smile.

  Alex nods towards me, bearing the same shit-eating grin Jeremy had. “Nice flowers, Eva.”

  Then he and his girlfriend disappear too.

  Alex Fossoway knows my name?

  I blink at the bouquet still clutched in my arm. I’d honestly forgotten all about it in the presence of the guy who clearly didn’t give it to me.

  * * *

  I’ve never found myself sandwiched between two football players before. It’s both an exciting and disconcerting experience. I’ve also never been to this particular restaurant before. It’s awfully crowded for a Thursday night. There are eight in our group, but we’re shoved into a booth for six.

  The diner is quaint and kitschy. It’s not like the retro diners with lots of chrome and ’50s styling I’ve seen on television. Instead, it’s a mix of pretty much everything having to do with the area, but the main focus seems to be on sports. The posters that cover the walls range from the high school football team to NFL teams. It’s old but clean. The booths are red leather, cracked in places, but still comfortable. The Formica table tops are lined with ads from all sorts of local businesses, from the chocolate shop to the grocery store. It’s cute and homey. Fantastic smells of fried food waft into the dining room from the kitchen, and the little old lady who showed us to our table was absolutely charming. She chatted away with the guys like she already knows them well.

  I could totally see myself working here when I turn sixteen in the spring. I love sports, and it seems the owners do too.

  “Are you, um, having a nice time?”

  The question slams into me from my left. Rob sounds slightly breathless and like every quietly uttered word causes him great pain.

  He’s shoved against the wall, and I’ve been doing my best to ignore his close proximity. Trying to focus on the conversation going on around me has been difficult because every time he breathes, I can. Feel. It.

  My body is practically plastered against Mike on my right, but heat radiates from Rob and seeps into my skin, chasing away the winter chill. It’s taking every ounce of my willpower not to cave and relax against his side. How creepy would it be for me to sniff him? The faint scent of his cologne fights for dominance over the other smells of the diner, and I really want to confirm that it’s Rob who’s making my mouth water.

  “Yeah. It’s really…neat in here.”

  Oh my God. Did I just say “neat”? I sound like a child from a sitcom.

  He doesn’t seem to notice my idiocy, just gives me a curious look. “You’ve never been here before?”

  This is probably the first time he’s looked at me since we arrived, but the weight of his beautiful eyes coupled with his genuinely curious tone forces my gaze to my lap. I feel so inadequate all of a sudden.

  “Um, no. I don’t really go out al
l that much.”

  “Oh, yeah, that’s right.” He seems to be talking to himself more than me now. “I remember hearing you tell Jake that.” His expression turns sheepish, and his cheeks redden. “I’m sorry. I swear I’m not trying to, um, overhear your conversations. It’s just you two sit right in front of me, and I can’t help but hear all the stuff he asks you, and he really asks you a lot, so…uh. He thinks of really interesting stuff to talk about, so I guess I pay attention…”

  He trails off as his mouth turns down in an embarrassed grimace, and he averts his gaze to the table.

  His admission about eavesdropping on my conversations with my chemistry lab partner sends my pulse racing. Just as quickly as my excitement built, doubt creeps in. Puzzle pieces about his behavior over the past year and a half begin to fall into place. I mean, sure, he sits right behind me in chem, so it’s possible he just overheard us talking, but that would mean he’s ignoring his own lab partner in class. And, by his own admission, it seems like he’s more focused on Jake’s constant interrogations than my answers. Suddenly, what Alyssa told me of people making assumptions about my sexuality slaps me in the face.

  Oh God, how could I have been so stupid?

  That’s why Rob always seems so uncomfortable with the girls who are constantly trying to get his attention at school. That’s why I thought the very first time I met him that he seemed so different than most of the boys I know. That’s why he didn’t feel threatening or scary to me. That’s why I can never seem to catch his eye or get him to talk to me.

  Swallowing my own disappointment, I can’t help but rush to set the record straight. “I mean, yeah, he does think of really interesting stuff to ask, but maybe you could take over answering some of his questions? I mean, he never even remembers the answers I give him anyway. And that’s okay, honestly, because he’s not really my type and I feel like I’m just patronizing him by responding.”

  Rob lifts his gaze to me, and a small smile deepens the dimple in his right cheek.

  God, he’s so beautiful and life is so unfair.