Defying Gravity

by Kendra C. Highley

  “Maybe we should move this to the couch,” he said against her lips.

  She smiled and leaned away a fraction of an inch. “I’m not that wobbly.”

  “What makes you think I meant you?”

  She giggled and wound her arms around his neck. They were slowly drawing back together, when the door downstairs slammed shut, and Brian yelled, “Zoey, we’re home!”

  She pushed him away abruptly. “If they find us up here like this, I don’t think my parents will be so chill about you coming over while they’re gone. That’s not an acceptable option, because I want you over here all the time. Quick—turn on the TV and act normal. Or bored. Bored is good.”

  All the time? He liked the sound of that.

  Footsteps clomped up the stairs. “Zoey?”

  “Up here, Dad!” She hurried to plop down next to Parker on the couch. “Park and I are watching TV.”

  He’d turned the cable box to HGTV, which looked suspicious. He knew Zoey liked it, but he’d never willingly watched Property Brothers in his life. Brian was going to see right through this.

  “She dragged you up here to watch remodeling shows?” Brian faked a huge yawn. “You’re a better man than I am, kid.”

  I don’t know about that. “She’s sick. I’m humoring her.”

  “Good plan.” He glanced at the pool table. “Zoey, remember what I said about re-racking when you’re done. Don’t leave this stuff out, okay?”

  Zoey’s shoulders were shaking, and she had her arms wrapped around her, struggling not to laugh. “Yes, sir. But what are you doing home already?”

  “Visibility was awful at Buttermilk.” Brian shrugged. “I think Mom was glad to have an excuse to come home. She felt bad leaving you home.”

  Zoey’s eyes were shining when she glanced at Parker. “It was fine, Dad. Sorry I ruined your day.”

  “You didn’t.” He stooped to kiss the top of her head. “I felt bad about leaving you, too. Oh, and Parker? Your mom said you should come home to help get things ready for tomorrow.”

  “Will do.”

  As soon as her dad left, Zoey collapsed in a fit of silent giggles. “This is going to take some getting used to, worrying about being busted by the parents.”

  “It’s worth it.”

  She laid her head in his lap and looked up at him. “I think you’re right. But, you know what I have to do next, right?”

  He nodded. “You have to have coffee with Luke tomorrow.”

  She sighed. “Yeah, it’s time he moved on to the next girl.”

  Yes, it was. “Do you want me to go with you? For moral support?” Although that might be awkward, and Luke might think he was there to gloat, which he never would. He was too happy to rub it in.

  Zoey sat up and leaned against his arm. “You know what, I should do this myself. It’s only fair. Meet me up there after, say eleven? We’ll run down a trail or two, then come home.”

  He rested his cheek against her temple. “Sounds good.”

  She gave him a quick kiss goodbye and he went home. Mom was already at work on the desserts for tomorrow’s dinner, and the house smelled like cinnamon and allspice. Luke called down to him, “What are you smiling about?”

  He really wanted to smirk and say, “I spent the last half-hour making out with Zoey,” but that was her news to tell. “Next door. I played some pool and watched TV with Miller until her parents came home. She’s feeling better.”

  Luke eyed him from his perch at the banister upstairs. “I hope so. We have a coffee date tomorrow.”

  “Yeah,” Parker muttered, heading to the kitchen to help his mom. “You do.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Zoey

  “’Twas the night before Christmas Eve, and all through the house, not a teenager was stirring, not even a Zoey,” Dad sang from the doorway to the kitchen. “Are you feeling ill again sweetheart? You’re flushed, and you’ve been staring out the window for half an hour.”

  Zoey startled. She hadn’t seen him come to the door. She’d been curled up on the living room couch, in front of the fire, staring out at the backyard. They’d had snow since she and Parker made snow angels, and the ground was a pristine white, glowing in the light from the windows from the kitchen. She’d turned out all the lights in the living room, and the fire flickered behind her.

  “No, I’m not sick.” She gave him a small smile. “Just tired. I want to be rested so I can go up to Snowmass tomorrow with the guys. It’s tradition, and I’m not missing it.”

  She delivered that last bit firmly, and Dad chuckled. “You’ve been fever-free all day. I don’t see why you couldn’t go.”

  He went back into the kitchen, whistling, and she was relieved to be left alone again. Her heart—and mind—had been too full after Parker left for her to be good company for anyone. She’d texted Paige, and her friend had been over the moon, demanding to meet—or at least FaceTime with—Parker so she could see what kind of guy could win Zoey’s heart. She decided to take a selfie with him tomorrow at Snowmass, because that was as them as she could get, and it would paint the perfect picture for Paige.

  The thought filled her with happiness, but that was tangled with what she had to tell Luke. She’d texted him to say she was well enough to meet him, but she was glad Parker would meet her after all the fireworks were over. She didn’t want him to be there until she talked to Luke—they were still brothers, and Luke would take it better if Parker wasn’t there. Still, she wished that part was already over, because the thought of hurting him made her stomach queasy.

  Zoey snorted. That was her ego talking—Luke wouldn’t be all that hurt, and not for long. His interest in her seemed so temporary, so passing, that she thought he’d play it off and move on to the next girl that afternoon. Still, it might sting a little to hear that his latest conquest was blowing him off for his own brother, the same little brother who’d lived in his shadow their entire lives.

  Hopefully Luke would see Parker’s sudden breakout as a good thing. She did. He deserved every amazing thing that happened, for being patient, good-natured, and kind. Maybe Luke could learn something from that.

  Mom came into the living room, leaving Dad with the dishes. He whistled loudly behind her, like he always did when she abandoned him by the dishwasher. Mom laughed, and Zoey’s chest ached, seeing what her life could be in twenty-five years. Her parents still loved each other, and enjoyed their own company. What would that be like, being with your best friend for your entire life?

  She wanted to find out.

  Mom sat next to her and stroked her hair. “It’s getting really long.”

  “I know.” She leaned into her mother’s hand. “Mom, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course, sweetheart.”

  Zoey stared intently out the window, not wanting to see Mom’s expression, in case she was disappointed. “How would you feel if I went to Colorado State, instead of UT?”

  Mom’s hands paused, then restarted combing through Zoey’s hair. “Is that what you want?”

  “Yes.”

  “What made up your mind?”

  “A lot of things.” Now for the hardest part. Would she be happy? Or freaked out? “But, mostly Parker.”

  Mom’s hands paused again, and the silence stretched out. “How did Parker help you decide?”

  She thought about their talk the first day she was in Aspen, when he said they should go to school together, and snowboard all weekend. He’d been trying to tell her what he wanted for them then, but she hadn’t been listening. She was now, though.

  “Because, he and I…” How did she say this? Talk about awkward. “Um, we’re…we’ve decided to be together. As a couple. I know it’s weird, but— ”

  Mom burst out laughing. “Oh, my God, finally. The tension was killing me, child. Killing me.”

  Zoey’s head whipped around. “Uh, what?”

  “Tina and I have been waiting for you two to figure it out for more than a year, since summer before last.
” Mom’s eyes were shiny with unshed tears. “I was worried for a while, because I thought you might have a thing for Luke, but I didn’t want to interfere and Tina told me it would blow over. Which was good, because Luke’s not your type. Parker is. You and Parker are two halves of one whole, and it’s high time you realized that.”

  Zoey stared at her mother, shock zapping at her nerves. “Wait, you and Tina have been plotting about the two of us?”

  Mom fell back against the couch, laughing. “No—we didn’t plot to arrange a marriage or anything. We watched and waited for nature to take its course with you two. Took you a while, though.”

  Zoey’s shoulders relaxed. “Oh. Sorry it took us so long, then. I mean that—if I’d come around sooner, I would’ve been happier longer.”

  “What matters is you did come around.” Mom kissed the side of her head. “You do realize this means your dad won’t like it if Parker’s over here when we aren’t home.”

  Zoey dissolved into giggles. “Parker and I had that exact conversation this afternoon.”

  Mom’s eyebrow rose. “And why did you happen to have this conversation?”

  “No reason.” She sat up and smiled innocently. “But, out of curiosity, how do you feel about him coming over when you’re not home?”

  She braced for a lecture, but Mom just shrugged. “You’re eighteen, he’s eighteen, and now you’re going to college together. If I don’t trust you today, how will I ever trust you?” She smiled. “Just don’t give your dad a heart attack, though. He’s pretty protective of you…which is why I think he’ll be glad to see you with Parker.”

  Dad appeared in the kitchen doorway again. “See who with Parker?”

  Mom gave Zoey an encouraging pat on the pack. Right. “Me, Dad. Seeing me with Parker.”

  He cocked his head, tapping his temple, pretending to consider it. “Yeah, okay.”

  Then he went back into the kitchen, leaving her open-mouthed, and Mom smiling. “Like I said, sweetheart, we’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

  Funny how the things you’re scared to say have a way of working out without damage. She turned to her mom. “I’m glad we have the college thing settled…but I want to explain why it took so long. I have no idea what I want to do for a living, and that made it hard to decide. Now that I know where I want to go, any ideas?”

  Zoey held her breath, watching her mother’s expression go from surprised, to considering. Finally, Mom nodded slowly. “You aren’t the type for an indoor desk job. But, honey, you can do whatever you want, as long as it makes you happy, even if it takes a few false starts to get there. Take classes that interest you and see what shakes out. Live the life you want to. That’s all I want for you.”

  Zoey leaned back against the couch, feeling a weight come off her shoulders. Finally, she was figuring out more than her love life. She was figuring out herself. “Good advice.”

  “It is.” Mom rose and patted her leg. “For here, and at home. Maybe it’s time to let someone else take on the world at Alderwood.”

  That sounded familiar—it was the same thing she told Paige in October. She hadn’t followed her own advice, but it was time to listen. “I will.”

  Zoey’s left foot bounced under the table as she sipped her latte. Luke was late. Parker had texted to say Luke had left the house and to wish her luck at nine-fifteen. Now it was ten-fifteen. So where was he? Her stomach was churning. There was nothing worse than waiting to deliver bad news.

  A ripple of movement ran through the room as the door swung open—all the women turned toward it. Zoey set down her coffee. Only one person had that kind of effect on the female population of a room, and he was probably dazzling them all with a sexy smile.

  Hands settled on her shoulders, and Luke leaned in to whisper, “How’s my favorite snow bunny?”

  Ugh. “Hey.” She stared at her hands. “You’re late.”

  “Ran into some traffic.” He winked and went to order coffee.

  Traffic, uh huh—there was a lipstick stain just under his ear. He’d been close enough for her to see it. He was late to a date because he’d been making out with some other girl. She shook her head…this might be easier than she’d guessed.

  Luke brought his coffee over and took the chair across from her. The flirtatious behavior disappeared, and he met her gaze dead on. “I think you have something to tell me.”

  His tone was perfectly pleasant, but he knew something was up. Time to rip the Band-Aid off. “I wanted to meet you this morning because…I get the impression you think we’re sort of a thing.”

  He blinked, noncommittal. Just like his entire life.

  “Okay, fine.” His expressionless stare was making her angry. “I wanted to meet you to let you know that I’m not available. I’m with someone else, so please stop flirting with me, and I’ll stop confusing things by flirting back.”

  “You’re with someone? That’s a surprise.” He leaned his elbows on the table, bringing his face closer to hers. “Who’s the lucky bastard?”

  “It’s Parker. I’m with Parker.” Zoey traced a finger across the scarred wooden table top. Someone had scratched a heart and illegible initials into it. She and Park should come here and add theirs. “Look, Luke, I didn’t mean to hurt you. It’s just that—”

  “You love my brother.” His tone was amused, and a little condescending. “I know.”

  Her gaze snapped up to meet his. Of all the infuriating… “You do? Then why did you ask me out yesterday?”

  He took a sip of coffee, watching her over the rim of his cup. “No offense, Z, but you’d given me the impression you were into me.” He set his cup down, wearing a wry smile. “I didn’t mean to confuse things. You two have always been an item, and I should’ve stepped aside sooner. Anyway, I’m glad I gave him that little push.”

  She sat back in her chair, not sure how she felt about being played, no matter how well it turned out. “What kind of push?”

  “He didn’t tell you?” His eyes sparkled with laughter, and something meaner. “We had a bet to see who could win you first. I thought I was doing a pretty good job of it, but the kid came out of nowhere for the win. I have to admit, challenging me to the contest was a brilliant move.”

  “You two bet on me? Like I’m some kind of…blue ribbon?” Her hand clenched into a fist under the table. “You made me think you wanted me. Luke, that’s an asshole move, even for you.”

  He sat up straighter, offended. “I did want you. I still would if you weren’t off the market. And let’s not forget—Parker didn’t exactly say no to the deal.”

  Zoey’s chest heaved with anger. She couldn’t believe it. Did it change anything about how she felt? No…her heart ached to be close to Parker, even now. That didn’t mean she shouldn’t be totally, thoroughly, utterly fucking pissed off, though. “I doubt that. You just wanted to beat Parker at something. Again.”

  “That would’ve been the icing on the cake.” He took another sip of coffee, but she didn’t miss the bright, angry look in his eyes. “Still, I guess it worked out for you two, huh?”

  She sat there, mouth open. She couldn’t even…there was nothing she could say to show him where he went wrong. Screw it, then. She was out.

  Her chair scraped the floor as she stood. “Didn’t either of you think that maybe I knew my own mind? That my heart wasn’t some kind of game?”

  He gave her as smug smile. “Did you? Because from where I’m sitting, you didn’t.”

  It was a fair question. She knew it now, but last Saturday, she’d been convinced of something else…something that was not only false for her, but for Luke as well. “I figured it out for myself, thank you.”

  The hurt and frustration deepened in Luke’s eyes. “Only because I challenged Parker. You never would’ve noticed him otherwise.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t think so. See, I drifted toward Parker on my own. He made it easy, sure, but I saw him on his board, being silly with his friends, and it’s like he w
as this whole different person, someone I wanted to spend my time with, my life with. The feeling I had went beyond friendship, and I knew it was true. He’s perfect for me, in every way. And I decided that.”

  Luke saluted her with his coffee cup. “If you say so.”

  Gah, he looked so self-satisfied, like her newfound feelings were all his doing, and she needed to get away before she threw the dregs of her latte in his face. She turned for the door. Parker wouldn’t be here for another thirty minutes, but that was probably a good thing. If he showed up right now, she might start yelling. No, she needed some air. Needed to leave this smug, butt-hurt jackass to stew on his own until he found a new groupie to charm.

  “Where are you going?” Luke asked, partly standing as if he was going to run after her.

  “Out!”

  She left him spluttering behind her, and stomped out of the coffee shop into the blowing snow, slamming the door behind her.

  They’d bet on her. She could believe it out of Luke, but Parker?

  She stalked in a circle, seething. The lifts were running, crowded with people on last minute runs before the holidays. It sounded like a great idea: hitting a trail, with the wind in her hair and no Madison boys to drive her crazy was just what she needed.

  She went to the lifts, and growled to herself all the way up the main line, wondering how Parker could be convinced to do something so stupid. Had he thought, even for a minute, not to play into Luke’s hands like that?

  Or what if it was worse than that? What if Parker didn’t really feel for her what she did for him? What if his love only ran skin-deep, like Luke’s? She still didn’t know what they’d talked about at the club, and maybe she’d misheard what little she did remember.

  A sick feeling that had nothing to do with the flu settled in her stomach. Parker hadn’t said anything about loving her before this trip. What if her playing dress-up for Luke had been what caught his eye?