Defying Gravity

by Kendra C. Highley

“Let’s go upstairs first.” She glanced toward the living room, where the parents were chatting quietly in front of the huge stone fireplace. The dads were having a post-dinner scotch, and the moms had their heads leaned together, urgently discussing something. When his mom caught him looking, she started—guilty, he thought. Yeah, they’d been talking about Zoey.

  “Fine by me.” He led her to the stairs at the back of the kitchen to avoid making her walk past their parents to the front staircase. The back stairs let out at the end of the upstairs hallway, across from their media room. It was empty—Luke had scarfed down his dinner, then disappeared upstairs without saying what he was up to. From the chuckles coming through his bedroom door, Parker suspected Luke was on Snapchat, checking out his groupies.

  Zoey settled onto the battered couch, and he sat next to her so he could wrap an arm around her shoulders. Two years ago, that gesture would’ve merely been for comfort or in friendship. Tonight, he was hyperaware of the smell of her shampoo—something light, that reminded him of summer—the softness of her body leaning into his, and the feel of her breath against his neck when she rested her head on his shoulder.

  Then he realized she was crying. He’d been checking her out, and she was crying. He was a total asshole.

  He tightened his arm around her. “What’s going on with your mom?”

  “Nothing.” She sniffled. “Really, it’s not her. My parents are normal like always. It’s just that I can’t decide where I want to go to school, and they’re in this huge hurry about it. Like they can’t wait for me to leave the house.”

  Parker rested his cheek against the crown of her head. “You know that’s not true.”

  “I know, I know.” She sighed heavily, and her breath made goose bumps rise on his neck. Would she notice? Wouldn’t that be great? Um, Zoey, sorry about all the college drama, but you’re really turning me on right now. Scratch that—you turn me on all the time.

  He shook that thought off. Wrong time, wrong place. “So what’s the real problem?”

  “The real problem is I’m still trying to figure out who I really am. Class President Barbie aside, I do like my life back in Texas. There are days when I wonder if I should go to UT and join a sorority and major in broadcast media—turn into a five o’clock news anchor. But then I realize how much of myself I’ll lose if I give in and go the easy route.”

  Man, that sounded familiar—he could always have her for a friend, if only he settled for the easy way. “What’s the tough route?”

  “I have no idea—that’s the problem. How can I decide what I really want—where I want to go to school, what I want to study—when I’m not sure who I really am?”

  “I know who you are,” he whispered, stroking her hair. “You’re my Zoey, and that means you can do everything.”

  She snuggled against him. “I like that you think I can. It makes me believe it.”

  “I believe it, too.”

  “Thanks. You know, there are days I want to major in something completely wild, like botany.” She looked up at him, a challenge in her eyes. “Or liberal arts.”

  His lips twitched. “Really? You want to major in Humanities?”

  “Stupid, right?” She sighed and settled back onto his shoulder. “My parents really want me at UT, but it doesn’t feel right. So I applied to the schools where you and Luke are, just for something different, knowing they wouldn’t argue.”

  “Come to Colorado State with me.” The words came out in a rush, with an urgency he hadn’t meant to let through. “I’ll study architecture, and you’ll study plants or words or basket weaving, and we’ll snowboard every weekend together.”

  She pulled away to smile at him. “That sounds nice, but I have to decide this for me. Understand?”

  He did, but was disappointed anyway. This wasn’t the time to declare his love—if she wanted to figure out her future for herself, maybe he had to go about this another way. Maybe he needed to win her over. Hmm…

  “What are you thinking about?” Zoey was full-on grinning now. “You have this faraway look on your face.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just thinking…uh…”

  “Better stop that,” Luke said from the doorway to the media room. “Might hurt your brain.”

  Parker cursed under his breath. Of all times for him to show. Zoey hurriedly wiped her tears away, then smiled. “So, how about those plans? You’re going to hang with us, right?”

  “Sorry, Z, but they’re solid. Need a raincheck on movie night.” He didn’t sound the least bit sorry, but he said it with a possessive smile, like he didn’t want her to worry so much as wait her turn. Parker seethed at the hope in her eyes, even though she’d been blown off.

  “Oh, okay.” She scooted away from Parker. “I’m tired anyway. Think I’ll go home and get some sleep since we’re going up to Snowmass in the morning. You two picking me up?”

  “Of course,” Luke said smoothly, before Parker could reply.

  “Great. See you then.”

  She hurried out of the room, head down. Parker turned to Luke, suspicious…and more than a little pissed off. “What are you even doing here?”

  “Just testing the waters.” Luke dug a handful of popcorn out of the half-full bowl. “I’m thinking I’ll take a shot.”

  Parker stood up, feeling dangerous and raw. “What do you mean?”

  Luke turned his head at Parker’s cold tone. “You know what I mean. Show Zoey a good time, see if anything happens.”

  Over his dead body. Seriously. “You can’t.”

  “Why not, Park?” Luke’s voice was teasing, like he knew exactly where this conversation was headed and wanted to force Parker to spill his guts. “Give me a reason why I shouldn’t go after her? She’s cute, she’s fearless on a snowboard, and she’s feisty. All things I like. It might be strange at first—”

  “How long?” Parker snapped. “How long would it be before you broke her heart? Like every other girl you’ve dated. You’re a player, asshole. A complete, unapologetic player with a horde of groupies, and I won’t let you play with her. Not when…”

  Luke cocked his head and gave Parker a keen look. “‘When’ what?”

  Time to stop pulling punches. “When I’ve been in love with her for damn near a year.”

  “A year? More like two.” Luke laughed, sharp and vicious. “I see how you look at her.”

  Parker’s face flamed. “If you knew, why didn’t you say anything?”

  “Why would I? It was your business. But I could ask the same question—why haven’t you told her?” His brother shook his head. “Oh, don’t tell me. You were waiting for the ‘right time.’ Let me tell you something, bro—the right time is always right now. You wait, and someone else will blow your shot. I know you see how she looks at me. She’ll pick me if you don’t give it your all, kid.”

  “Yeah, I see. But you’re a predator when it comes to girls.” Parker’s fists clenched. “Zoey will realize that eventually once she gets a good hard look at the real guy, and not the big brother she’s looked up to for years.”

  “Prove it.” Luke’s eyes sparkled, like this was all one big game. “I bet I can win her over before you can.”

  Parker’s blood boiled. “You don’t even want her. Why would you even suggest something so…so…stupid?”

  “Because I can, and you know I love a good bet.” Luke rubbed his hands together like a supervillain crafting a plan. “Now, being the nice guy I am, I promise not to fight dirty…well, not that dirty. I’m willing to give you a clear shot. She’ll probably still pick me, but you deserve a fighting chance.”

  Parker clenched his jaw. Luke promised not to get in his way? Like it was some kind of favor, like he was tossing his little brother a bone because there was no way Parker could possibly convince a girl to notice him if Luke was in the picture. And now that the gauntlet was thrown, Luke wouldn’t take no for an answer—he was going to go after Zoey for the hell of it, just to force Parker’s hand.
/>   “If Zoey finds out we have a deal she’s going to walk out on both of us.”

  “Which is why we aren’t going to tell her. This deal is man-to-man.” He leaned close. “Or are you scared you’ll lose?”

  His brother wanted a fight? He’d get one—and Parker wasn’t about to make any promises about sportsmanlike behavior. He was in this to win the heart of the girl he loved, just like he’d planned before Luke showed up. It wasn’t a game to him, not one bit. He was going to fight—dirty, hard, madly—and Luke would be smart get to out of his way.

  “I’m not scared. Not even a little bit.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he said, “It’s a deal. Let the best Madison win.”

  Chapter Six

  Zoey

  Zoey trudged up the stairs in her dark house, tears wet on her cheeks. Again. She hated crying, but she was doing a lot of it lately. Her parents were bugging her about college because they cared, she knew that. They just wanted her to decide so they could plan, because planning made them happy. But she couldn’t decide…not until she knew if it could work with Luke or not. Because if she was totally honest, he was the reason she couldn’t decide where to go to school, even though she knew a boy was a really stupid reason to choose a university.

  Hence…tears.

  Parker had been so sweet, talking to her about it and really listening. He got why she was struggling with the decision, at least the parts she was willing to admit. What was he thinking about, though, right before Luke came in? His features had softened, and whatever it was, it was a good thought. Maybe she should spend her energy investigating that instead of moping about Luke all night. He was going boarding with them in the morning, and she’d have him—both of them—to herself all day.

  So what had made Parker so happy? Did he have a girlfriend? He didn’t talk about that stuff much, except for the hysterical laughing fit they’d both had sophomore year when they realized they’d lost their virginity in the exact same week. Then they’d sulked together because the people they’d been with hadn’t really been the right ones. Did he finally find the “right one?”

  And if he had, would this new love take him out of Zoey’s life?

  Her face flamed. Ugh, she wasn’t going to be that girl. If Parker had found love, she’d be happy for him.

  Mostly.

  She flipped on the light in her bedroom upstairs and automatically looked out the window. Parker’s bedroom window was right across from hers, a fact they’d exploited a lot when they were younger—tin can phones, secret codes, and walkie-talkies before they had iPhones. Those were the golden days of Aspen, when everything was simple and nothing but fun.

  Tonight, Parker’s window was dark. Just as well. She shut her blinds and went to put on her pajamas, before crawling onto her bed to stretch out her legs and back in anticipation of the muscle aches she was sure to have tomorrow. She really shouldn’t have taken those last two runs, but Luke had been very persuasive. Parker had glowered at Luke when he thought she wasn’t looking.

  Which created another problem…was Parker really establishing himself as her guardian/chaperone? How would he take it if she was successful with Luke? It wouldn’t change their friendship…at least, she hoped it wouldn’t.

  Yeah, and if Parker’s found a girl, you can’t let it change your friendship, either.

  She snuggled into the covers and reached to turn out the light, but her phone buzzed. A Snapchat notification…from Luke.

  Letting out a slow breath, she opened it up. Luke had taken a picture of himself in the front seat of the Jeep, hand over his heart. “Sorry to ditch you tonight.”

  After that picture cycled through, there was a second, with Luke giving her a big dose of sexy grin. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”

  Zoey’s heart stuttered. He’d apologized for not staying with her. Did that mean she was making progress?

  Her phone buzzed a third time, and she snatched it up eagerly, but it wasn’t Luke. This time it was a text from Paige, full of blushing smiley faces.

  Zoey shot upright in bed, laughing as tears sprang to her eyes for a different reason. Her thumbs fumbled the phone as she typed out a quick text.

  Z: And?!!!

  P: *snort* Your house is fine. Mail’s in, porch light is on.

  Zoey growled at the evasion. Paige knew damn well what she was asking. Uh huh, and what else?

  P: Thanks for giving me your key.

  She smiled at the phone. She’d given Paige the key to her house under the guise of telling her parents how responsible her friend would be about bringing in the mail and checking on everything, but she had an ulterior motive—giving her and Ben a very private place, away from Paige’s still-overprotective mom.

  Z: That didn’t take long—we’ve only been gone a day!

  P: The tension was killing us. Ha!

  Z: Are you and Prince Geek a little less, um, stressed now?

  P: A LOT less stressed.

  Z: Details?

  P: No way.

  Z: Oh, God. You didn’t use my room did you?

  P: No! Eww…that would be so…so…

  Z: Exactly. I’m so happy for you guys, though.

  P: How’s Aspen?

  Zoey stared at the screen, chewing her lip. How did she answer that question? Paige didn’t know about the Madison boys, or even that Zoey loved Aspen. She thought it was some drag-along vacation Zoey was forced to take twice a year. She kept this part of her life private—very private—for a reason. She felt like her life was always on display, and Aspen was the one thing she got to keep to herself. She wasn’t selfish about much, but her hideaway from Alderwood needed to stay hers, and only hers, for a little while longer.

  Would Paige understand when Zoey finally told her the truth? Probably. It’s not every day you find out your best friend has been living a secret life. Maybe once she and Luke were together, it would be easier.

  Z: Fine. Good snow this year.

  P: Good. Miss you!

  Z: Miss you, too. Say hi to Geek Charming for me.

  P: Done. XOXO

  Zoey set the phone on her nightstand and turned off the lamp. She was happy for Paige, and for Ben, but the thought of the two of them together, safe in their own joy, made her heart hurt. She was lonely.

  No one at home would believe that for a moment. The Great Zoey Miller…lonely? Pshaw. How could that be true? She was surrounded by people—watched, admired…worshiped.

  Ugh, that word was cringe-worthy, but she knew guys said it. The idea made her ill.

  So, yeah. She was lonely. It was a self-imposed loneliness, to be sure, from hiding behind the disguise of a girl who was always polished, with everything together all the time. How was she ever supposed to be free with a guy? Every guy she’d tried to date saw her as a trophy.

  If it bothered her, though, why didn’t she feel comfortable enough to show her Dallas friends what Parker saw every day? Why did she go on being what everyone expected?

  Did she really crave the attention that much?

  Speaking of cringe-worthy…damn. Oh, look, the poor, pretty rich girl. What kind of problems can she have?

  Maybe she was being selfish for being sad. Maybe her problems weren’t as important as everyone else’s. Maybe she was right to keep them hidden. No one would believe how insecure she felt deep down inside. How, when she went home after school and took off her shoes and makeup, she sighed with relief to have made it through another day. That’s what college meant to her: a fresh start. To go somewhere no one knew her, having the chance to wear leggings, a T-shirt, and flip-flops to class. No armor.

  Just Zoey.

  She sighed in the dark and rolled over. That day was coming soon. She just had to hang on until then.

  Sunday morning dragged on for days. The boys never got up early, because the mountain was always right there waiting for them. Zoey, on the other hand, had fourteen short days of snowboarding, and she wanted to make the most of it.

  Mom laughed when Zoey dropp
ed her phone on the kitchen table and stuck her tongue out at it. “Sweetheart, it’s only nine-thirty. Let them sleep in one day, okay?”

  “I know I should, but I feel like the clock’s ticking.” She crossed her arms and slumped in her chair. Wanting to see Luke made her feel crazy. She didn’t like it. Yesterday, she’d flirted with him shamelessly, hanging on his every word like the groupies she despised.

  Not to mention the fact that she’d done her hair and makeup both yesterday and this morning, in hopes that he’d notice. Was trying to win his heart worth keeping up the act she put on back home long enough to get his attention? Was it worth holding off on a college decision?

  She hoped so.

  She wished she could count on Luke to act the way Parker had about her college dilemma, but she wasn’t sure she could—that would force her to admit she’d only applied to ASU because he was there. Yes, Luke made her heart race, but would he think she was silly for basing her future on the chance he could love her back?

  “If you’re that worried about getting enough snowboarding in, why not go up by yourself? You know that mountain like the back of your hand. It’s not like you need a Madison to guide you around,” Mom said.

  Sure, that was an option, but boarding alone was…boring. It wasn’t like she didn’t know how to keep herself company—she just didn’t want to if she didn’t have to. Especially not after last night, considering how down in the dumps she’d been. She needed a friend to make her world sparkle…or a Luke to make her pulse race.

  Her phone buzzed on the table, saving her from answering her mother, and she ran to grab it.

  P: I’m up, I’m up. Someone’s impatient.

  Zoey sighed. It wasn’t Luke answering her hail, but if anyone could cheer her up, it was Parker. Yes, I am. We’re burning daylight! Wake up Luke, and let’s go.

  A pause. Luke’s totally crashed. I heard him come in around three. So you’re stuck with me if you want to go now.

  A kernel of doubt gnawed at her. What was he doing out with friends until three? He’d told her he was going to make it up to her today, and she thought that meant getting an early start at Snowmass.