Sublime Karma

by Peyton Garver

  “If you must know, it was Jordan and he’s grounded.”

  “He?” Jake teased. “So you did find yourself a nice little sixth grader.”

  “Seventh grader!”

  Jake chuckled. “Okay, okay, seventh grader. Hey, I’m goin’ next door to see Ari for a few minutes. I’ll be right back, okay?” he said, already heading out the back door.

  “Just like old times, eh?” he stepped onto the back patio where Ari waited.

  “Shut up and come here.”

  “Whoa, you look good,” he said, unabashedly scanning her body. And, she did. Her usually heavy black eyeliner was much subtler. Her hair was pulled up in a short, springy ponytail and instead of her usual attire, she had on flip-flops, a light cotton sweater and faded jean capris. “You know, you don’t need to be so tough all the time. You don’t need to hide who you really are.” He gave her his endearing lopsided smile.

  “Just stop talking, Jake.”

  He nodded. So, that obscure boundary was up again. Now what? He waited.

  She held out a long, thin, gift-wrapped box. “For you.”

  Accepting the gift, he plopped down on the porch swing next to her, causing it to oscillate wildly. “Black wrapping paper? What, am I being recruited? Let me guess, blue hair dye?” He laughed. Just like Teagan, Ari was fun to tease. “No? Hmm, eyeliner? Oh, wait a minute, an eyebrow ring. Nah, the box is too big for that. Maybe, a bone for my nose?” He shook the box next to his ear.

  Ari swatted at his arm with a laugh. “Just shut up and open it already. That’s the only paper I had, and I wanted to wrap it.”

  “So, what’s the special occasion? Does Greg know you’re buying me gifts now?”

  “No, and don’t tell him. He’s more than a little insecure that you and I are so tight. Anyway, Greg and I aren’t going to the homecoming dance, and I know you are. Go ahead, open it.”

  He shrugged. “Okay.” He opened the box. “A tie?”

  “Yes, a tie,” she said matter-of-fact. “Promise me you’ll wear it to the dance.”

  “Why?”

  “Just promise me, Jake.”

  “Oh, so I’m Jake tonight? What happened to Gordon? You remember when you used to call me Jake? Before Sarah? Before Greg?” He looked at her with brooding eyes. He took the tie out of the box, inspecting it. “Is there a hidden camera in it? You gonna spy on me? Make a YouTube post? I’m sure you’ll get the full frontal of Sarah’s boobs. I have to dance with her, ya know?”

  “Yeah, I know, but only once. Jake, just promise me. Wear it with your black pants and your gray shirt. Okay?”

  “I like it when you call me Jake.”

  She scowled back.

  “A’right, I’ll wear it. I don’t get you sometimes, Amato.”

  “You will, Gordon. Don’t say I never did anything for you.” She checked the time on her phone. “Greg’ll be here soon.”

  “I guess that’s my cue to get going. Thanks for this,” he said, holding up the tie on his way back.

  “Yeah. Yeah. Text me when you figure it out,” she called after him.

  “Will do.”

  In his room, Jake looked into the full-length mirror on the back of his door. Black and gray. It just seemed so dark. He tightened the tie, fixed his collar, and centered the knot. He had to give it to her; the gray shirt and teal tie actually looked good. He had wondered at the time if Ari suggested it because of her emo tendencies, but the teal brightened it up.

  He glanced out his bedroom window. Ari was still there on the patio. He started to open the window to show her, but then noticed Greg on the patio with her.

  He watched them. He’d never seen Greg sign before. Huh. Greg never signed at school. Everyone knew he was hard of hearing, but he had always preferred to speak; although he really didn’t say much to anyone but Ari. His signing was good, and fast, way faster than Jake’s. Ari spewed it back, just as quick. Jake glanced at the sign language poster that hung by his window. He didn’t need it anymore. Years ago it had been his cheat sheet when he and Ari would stay up late, signing to each other from their bedroom windows. When he was stuck with a sign, he would just fingerspell. A reminiscent smile crept on his face. He had to do that a lot back then, fingerspell. Now, he knew all of the basic signs and hand-shapes on the poster, and a whole lot more.

  Jake sighed, running his fingers down the tie. He looked back down at the couple. Wow, that was fast, already sucking face. He pulled the drape shut.

  Brie dropped her ticket into her clutch and pulled out her phone. She looked around the auditorium that had been transformed into a starlit wonderland. People were just beginning to arrive. She shuddered when she spotted the stage where the homecoming court would be in the spotlight once again. Where is he?

  When her phone vibrated in her hand, she dismissed her thought of Jake being introduced, yet again, as Sarah’s partner. It’s him. She navigated to her messages. No, it’s not him. It’s Mia. Brie wasn’t sure if she was disappointed it wasn’t Jake or relieved that she wouldn’t be standing awkwardly alone. She read the text: Brie we’re over here on the other side of the gym

  Brie waved to Mia across the gym, but froze, hearing his voice behind her over the music.

  “Brie?”

  A warm rush passed through her, and she turned to face him. Her eyes were drawn to his teal tie, just as his were drawn to her dress. A coincidence? He couldn’t have known. She glanced around at other couples who had planned to match. Her eyes darted back to his tie again before locking with his. “Jake, hi. It’s weird being here so early. I just didn’t want to come in, you know, after it was crowded and dark. I probably wouldn’t have been able to find who I was supposed to meet,” she teased.

  The DJ’s voice came over the sound system. “All homecoming court members, please assemble at the DJ table for the procession and first dance.”

  “You’re meeting someone?” he asked, scanning the auditorium lobby that was already filling.

  Uncomfortable, she nodded. “Yeah, I’m supposed to meet Mia and her friends.” And, you. Had she gotten it wrong? Brie waved again at Mia across the gym and then looked toward the DJ table where Sarah stood, waiting.

  He raked his fingers through his hair and followed Brie’s eyes. Stepping closer, he leaned toward her, blocking her view of Sarah. “I got your text. I’m glad you came.”

  If you got my text, why didn’t you answer, or at least acknowledge it? “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the big procession?” She gave him a tight smile. “They just called for the court. Sarah’s waiting.”

  He glanced back toward the DJ table, then back at Brie, and she instantly regretted the dig. She sounded like a jealous girlfriend, when in fact she wasn’t his girlfriend. She wasn’t his anything. She certainly wasn’t his date; she had turned him down. Her heart lurched at the thought. Why had she turned him down? Why, why, why? And, now? Was he just being polite? Letting her down easy? Oh my God. This is so embarrassing. Why did I even come here?

  Nodding, Jake looked again to where the court was waiting. He held up a finger, imploring the DJ to give him another minute. “Brie, I didn’t come here with Sarah. I came stag. I didn’t ask anyone else, just you.” He held her gaze. “Look, I’ve got to do that one first dance, will you save one for me?” He waited. “Please? You promised,” he reminded.

  She nodded, unable to look away, unable to breathe.

  “Okay.” He heaved a sigh, giving her a slight nod before rushing off to play king to Sarah’s queen.

  As they were announced, each couple took their place on the stage. Then, the DJ made a big production of announcing the king and queen. “And now, what you’ve all been waiting for, your Homecoming King and Queen: Jake Gordon and Sarah Fisher.”

  With the lights dimming, Jake escorted Sarah off the
stage to the center of the floor. After the first minute, the rest of the court surrounded them for the dance.

  Brie wanted to vomit. She fisted her hands, digging her nails into her palms. Then, spotting Mia waving at her again from across the gym, she forced a smile and waved back.

  “Brie? I didn’t think you’d be here.” The low familiar voice so close behind her sent a chill down her back.

  She turned. “Ryan. Hi. Oh, Mia talked me into meeting her and her friends here.”

  He glanced across the gym toward Mia. “I couldn’t have changed your mind?” he teased.

  Uncomfortable, Brie folded her arms. “Probably not. But, don’t take it the wrong way. I broke up with my boyfriend when I moved here. I’m just not ready.”

  “Name?” he raised his eyebrows in subtle challenge.

  “Excuse me? Did you just ask me the name of my ex-boyfriend?” Okay, so I only went out with Quinn twice. He could have ended up being my boyfriend, if I hadn’t moved.

  “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” He quickly scanned the gym. “Look, the floor’s open to everyone now. You wanna?” He gestured toward the floor.

  Brie looked to the dance floor. Couples were starting to surround the court during their first dance. She watched as Jake abruptly pulled Sarah close, leaning down to whisper something to her.

  “Look, I’m sorry. You don’t have to tell me his name, I believe you. It would be hard to believe you didn’t have a boyfriend.” Ryan held his hand out to her. “C’mon, relax,” he coaxed.

  She took his hand and followed him to the dance floor.

  Taking her to him, he moved with her to the rhythm of the song. “Looks like Jake and Sarah are getting back together. They’ve been on and off for a few years now.”

  Brie looked over Ryan’s shoulder at the other couple, but Jake had successfully shielded Sarah, turning his back on Ryan and Brie.

  Ryan leaned closer. “Hey, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, why?” She forced a smile up at him.

  Shrugging, he changed the subject. “I had a good time going out for burgers after the rally. Had you ever been to Champions before?”

  “No, I’ve never been to Champions.” Her eyes suddenly sparkled as her smile grew. “You had a good time even though I suck at darts?” She laughed.

  “Yeah, I like to win,” he teased, his bona fide smile reached his eyes.

  She felt herself relaxing, warming up to him. “Well bragging rights to beating me at darts isn’t really that impressive. Pool, on the other hand . . .”

  He laughed. “I’ll take what I can get. We can try pool next time. I’ve gotta tell you though, I’m pretty decent at that, too.”

  Smiling, she slid her arms up, around his neck. “You’re on. I’m way better at pool than darts.” She caught a glimpse of Jake’s back, watching him hold Sarah, but managed to look away from them, back to Ryan.

  He turned her again. “I think you’re into someone else. Am I right?”

  She let her hands slip back down to his shoulders. “Maybe. But, I think he’s into someone else.” She gave Ryan a tight smile. “So, I guess it doesn’t really matter, does it?”

  “Whoa, did I cross some line? Forgive me?”

  “Ryan, I didn’t mean for that to come out so bitchy. Really, there’s nothing to forgive.”

  “Brie . . .” Ryan said, releasing her at the end of the song. She glanced at Jake, who was taking his jacket off but still talking to Sarah. Brie looked back to Ryan, waiting for him to continue.

  “All right!” the DJ called before Ryan could finish. “Are you ready to ‘Rock Your Body’?”

  Brie’s eyes brightened. “Do you want—”

  His hands went up. “I stick to the slow songs, sorry.”

  She shrugged. “I just thought . . .”

  He shook his head with a grin, but looking beyond Brie, over her shoulder, his smile vanished.

  “Is something wrong?” Brie looked behind her and then back to him.

  “Brie, I came with a date. If I’d’ve known you were going to be here, I mean, when you turned me down, I asked someone else. But, I can—”

  “But, you can what, Ryan?” She took a step back. He was still talking, but she couldn’t hear anything anymore, not him, not the music, not anything. She backed into a seat.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Pulling up a chair, he sat directly in front of her, his knees touching hers. “Brie?” He reached out, taking her hands.

  She shook her head. “No. No, I’m not okay. Did you ask Kelly?” She pulled her hands from him.

  “I told you I—

  “Yeah. I heard what you said. But, did you ask her before you asked me, or did you ask her after you asked me?”

  “Does it matter?”

  She stood. “Yes. It matters. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s not like I’m very welcome on the team. Is it any wonder?”

  “Brie—” He stood with her.

  “No,” she held her palm up toward him. “I’ve got to go to the restroom.”

  “I’ll wait for you. Right here, all right?”

  She furrowed her brows and shook her head. She knew what she needed, but she couldn’t, not here. Making her escape, she massaged the scars on her hand.

  Across the gym, Jake and Vic watched, not quite sure what was going on between Ryan and Brie.

  Vic gave a low whistle. “She is so freaking hot.”

  Jake scowled back.

  “What?” Vic asked. He looked confused, but then pointed to Brie and back at Jake in question. “Oh man, sorry. Didn’t know. Thought you came solo, like me.”

  Jake shrugged. “Maybe? I thought . . .” He swallowed the lump in his throat.

  “You want me to take Sarah off your hands?” Vic smirked. “I might’ve shown up alone, but I wasn’t plannin’ on leavin’ alone.”

  “Go for it!” Jake sniggered. “She may have just ruined everything for me. But, yeah, if you can deal with her, I might still have a chance with Brie.”

  Vic nodded. He glanced at Sarah, surrounded by her consoling friends. “You’re gonna owe me Gordon. But, maybe she’ll pay your debt.” Before he made good on his offer, Vic nodded back toward Ryan. “So, what’s up with Brie and Donnelly?”

  Jake shrugged again, shaking his head. “Got me, but whatever it is, it doesn’t look good.” He watched Brie pull her hand away from Ryan and take off for the bathroom. Then, Kelly approached Ryan. Although he wore a black tie, the yellow roses in Kelly’s wrist corsage matched his boutonniere. Now things were starting to make sense. That douche was going to ditch his date, and Brie wouldn’t have it. Ryan looked from Kelly to where Brie had gone, as if he couldn’t make up his mind. I’ll help.

  Jake grabbed two bottles of water. My turn.

  He waited for her to come out, and when she did, he watched her. She looked to where she’d left Ryan. Jake looked too. Kelly was sitting in the seat Brie had vacated, and Ryan slouched back in his seat, sulking. Jake weaved through the crowd, toward her.

  “Hey.” Jake extended a bottle of water.

  With a demure smile, she accepted it, just as the DJ’s deep voice resonated through the speakers. “How about two slow ones? Ladies’ choice, who you gonna pick, ladies?”

  Peering up at him from under her lashes, a question crossed her face, yet she didn’t say a word.

  He took the bottle of water back out of her hand and placed it on the table next to his, and with one hand on her arm, he whispered in her ear.

  Her eyes locked on his. “You.”

  He felt his lips twitch up, and sliding his hand into hers, he led her to the floor. His hands curved around her waist, and she melted into him. Soon they were moving to Bryan Adams’s voice singing “Do It for You.”

  Spott
ing Ryan, now dancing with Kelly, Jake mouthed the words, “Ladies’ choice.”

  “You win,” Ryan mouthed back. With a puckish grin, he flipped the bird at Jake from behind Kelly’s back, then dropped his gaze to Brie’s derriere.

  Jake smirked, turning Brie out of Ryan’s view.

  “Hmm?” Brie murmured.

  “Nothing,” he whispered.

  It ended too soon. She looked up at him with her smoldering gray eyes, and then the next song started: “You and Me” by Lifehouse.

  “I’m glad you came,” he said, smoothly pulling her back, flush against him.

  “I texted you after the game, that I would be here tonight.”

  “Yeah. I thought that was too good to be true.”

  “Jake?” It came out as a whisper. “Why didn’t you text me back?”

  “What? Text you back? When?”

  “Last night, after the game, after I texted you.”

  “I just thought you were telling me that you were going to be here. I guess I should’ve texted you back. I’m not good at answering texts unless it’s a question, or I actually get the text when I have my phone on me.”

  “It doesn’t matter.” She shrugged.

  But, he knew it did matter, to her.

  “My turn,” he whispered. “How come you didn’t stay, after the game? There’s always a party afterwards.”

  She drew back, looking in his eyes.

  “What? You would’ve had fun. A bonfire at Troy’s. Everyone was there.”

  “I really don’t go to parties that often. Besides, my brother brought me to the game. I went home with him, and I didn’t know anything about it—the party, I mean.”

  “Doesn’t matter, I’m glad you came to see me play.” They finished the dance in silence.

  Still holding her after the song ended, he whispered in her ear. “I need to cool down. You wanna go outside? Into the courtyard?”