Absolutely (Larson)

by Melissa Veracruz

  Kiel seems to approve; as his cheesy grin reveals. He has the aisle seat and reaches over to whack Miller on the arm. I smack Kiel in warning.

  “Chill,” he whispers. “Miller,” he says to him. “Gonna have a good game tonight?”

  “Hell, yeah,” Miller affirms. “My parents are out of town for the weekend. Family reunion or something equally lousy.” Interesting, I think. He goes back to his game.

  I attempt to get comfortable, well, as comfy as one can get in pleather seats. That is, until Kiel swoops in with his arm, smashing me up against his chest. Now, the shiny green seat is like my favorite place to be.

  I tuck my head firmly into the soft spot between his shoulder and arm. My arms snake around his waist. I'm not sure if this counts as the type of PDA schools frown on, but I'm willing to chance it.

  Throughout the hour-long drive, Kiel plants soft kisses on top of my head. I pray the team does well to make up for the craptastic showing last week. Mostly, I want them to make it up to Kiel and Miller. I plan on cheering for those two until I have no voice.

  ***

  Kiel

  Maybe it was her hands rubbing my neck or her fingers sending electric shocks up and down my spine again. In a split-second decision, I ask her to be at the band auditions tomorrow. Ashlyn won’t be one of those girls that can screw up something this big for a guy. At least I hope not.

  This is a risk I have to take. I can’t not see her for that long.

  ***

  When I had seen her checking out Miller, it took me a minute to puzzle out that she wasn’t checking him out but analyzing him. There was a twinge of jealousy. But then it clicks. This is who D'Nae has a thing for. She wants Miller—a great guy. He’s loyal—if you deserve it. From what I’ve seen, I think D’Nae does.

  I go to get Miller’s attention, freaking Ashlyn out. I have my reasons though. He divulges that his parents are out of town. See? It’s part of the plan.

  Once that’s done I can’t keep my hands off her all the way to Stamford. I've got her tucked securely in my arms, where she belongs. I focus on the game ahead and our strategy.

  ***

  And what a comeback! The team is on fire. So are our cheerleaders. Ashlyn has been granted temporary custody until they get it all figured out. Every time I glance their way or wait on the sidelines, I'm on her radar.

  In the fourth quarter, I go into the pocket to throw. No one’s open. Getting Miller’s attention, I make a break for it. We’re only ten yards from the end zone. Once my other teammates see what’s going down, they’re pushing and blocking too.

  In seconds, I'm through and grinning like a fool. With a single thought to propriety and school policy that I ignore, I make a run for the sideline where the cheerleaders are jumping and shaking pompoms like mad women. But I'm after one particular mad woman. She’s locked in on me but stands her ground. I take off my helmet and crook my finger at her. She takes the two steps out of formation, giggling when I lift her up in my arms and kiss her swiftly but soundly.

  Sure, there may be extra laps for that, but the crowd is cheering us on (except for maybe our parents). I slide her back down, making sure her skirt stays down.

  Mrs. Lindsey is hollering for me to get back on the field. Ok, so maybe I didn’t think this one through. Ashlyn hadn’t either, judging by the blush that creeps up her cheeks. She’s smiling at me regardless, as I take a step backward to the bench.

  “You are hot!” Ashlyn whispers to me grabbing my hand.

  “Oh, sorry,” realizing I'm drenched in sweat.

  “No!” she correct me, not letting me go. “You are freaking hot! Like I-wanna-grab-your-butt-again HOT!”

  “Have you been drinking?” I tease quietly. We’re brought back to reality when we hear cheering from the bleachers. Mason, our kicker, made the extra point while we were involved. I gotta get back, and Mrs. Lindsey is now bee-lining right for us.

  “Do me a favor?” she says quickly.

  “Almost anything!” I say with a sexy smile.

  “Walk back slowly,” she murmurs. I'm shocked for all of one second, mostly because I'm about to be kicked off the team.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I respond, my voice dropping lower. At her request, I make it back to the sidelines in record time. The record for the slowest walk ever.

  ***

  The mood in the locker room is anything but subdued. We won by seventeen points, 23 to 6. Those six points? Not my fault. Jackson’s eyes had slipped to Stamford’s cheerleaders. Dumb jerk off.

  Speaking of, he stalks over to me and pops me with a towel. I straighten from tying my shoes, standing to show off all six foot, two inches of my height. I eye him. Idiot doesn’t back down.

  “Proud? Jacob’s out of the way. No need to fight over the quarterback position. How’d you do it?”

  “Are you missing brain cells, Jackass? Because that’s all I can come up with. Like I told you already,” I sigh exasperated to show my frustration, “Jacob has only himself to blame. Stupidity is not my problem.”

  “So, you’re admitting to being the narc?” Jackson tries to draw me out.

  “No, genius. I admit to having Ashlyn report the contraband to the principal. Jacob is the fool who left his fingerprints all over the damn place. And if I heard right, tried to throw Reyna under the bus.”

  “Ashlyn shouldn’t have listened to you. What are you to her? You screwing her?”

  At this point, Miller steps in front of me to grab my arms. I hadn’t even realized I was moving forward, arms flexed to attack. Miller releases me with a small shake of his head. He turns to glare at Jackson and the others who’ve circled up.

  “Get over it, Lane,” Miller says, flat out. “It was a dumb prank that blew up in their faces. And, yes, Ashlyn used to be your whipping girl. But that ship has sailed, man. Let. It. Go.”

  Jackson backs up, hands in the air, but sneering at me like I'm not worth it all the sudden.

  He may be Larson’s biggest prick, but his comment about “screwing” Ashlyn has gotten to me. Not for the first time, I wonder about her life before this summer happened to her. I'm hesitant to ask her, half-afraid what I hear will have me running.

  Admittedly, she's a damn good kisser. Better than good—pro. It also seems like our roles are reversed for us most of the time. I’ve never had to be the responsible one as much as I’ve had to with her.

  On the bus, I do my best not to be distant, but I think she senses it. I try to make it up to her by wrapping both arms around her, letting my hands wander in safe territory. I breathe in the apple scent of her hairspray and pray for the best way to find out more about her. Without having to give too many details about myself.

  ***

  Ashlyn

  Kiel feels tense, but he's still with me physically if not mentally. I look at Miller on his 3DS, the glow allowing me to see concern when I catch his eye.

  Something must’ve happened—in the locker room is my guess. But what does it have to do with me? Oh, I don’t mean that in a naïve sense. No, as in: What did they say that may have him thinking about our relationship? Sure, they could’ve threatened me or us, but I think it’s about me since he's not seething.

  My thoughts are racing. What do we really know about eachother? Does he assume the worst about me still?

  Almost back into town, I duck out from under his arms and get on my side of the seat. Maybe I could’ve been more subtle. Kiel is looking at me like I grew an extra head. I can’t shake the feeling that he has concerns. He won’t voice them until he's ready.

  Kiel also knows I can tell when he’s holding back.

  We get everything put away, and I text the girls to head my way. Kiel is waiting by his Jeep for me. I sigh. I consider calling my mom or ignoring him again. The way he’s standing there vulnerable gets me out of my own head. Up close, I can see the worry in his features, from the hands stuffed into his pockets to his creased brow.

  Whatever he’s keeping inside, he’ll bring up soon e
nough. I don’t want to be upset with him anyway. I let it slide for now, adding it to the pile of questions and issues he evades. As I step up into his arms, what I do know is how good and how right it is to be in his arms.

  “l like how you feel,” I say, tipping my head back to see him. “Like you're my rock.”

  “Your rock?” he asks, his face going serious.

  “My rock. My safe place.

  “I can handle that,” he agrees. “I probably need to take you home, huh?”

  “Yup,” I answer on a sigh. “But let’s say, hypothetically, that you did not need to take me home. Where might you take me?”

  Kiel smiles fiendishly. “I would, hypothetically, take you out to the middle of nowhere where you can grab my—”

  “Stop, stop, stop!” I choke out, laughing. “I've got to go home, and you're not making this any easier. Come on, and help me in this beast.”

  He helps me up, lingering as usual, leaning in the doorframe.

  “Ash?” he asks softly, his chocolate brown eyes sinking into mine.

  “Absolutely,” I answer without hearing the question. His voice alone could have me giving up cheer, my cell phone, my firstborn right now if he asked…

  He chuckles, but I hold his gaze letting him know how serious I am. To be perfectly honest, Kiel is the only one I've ever wanted to say yes to.

  “Ash, go to the homecoming dance with me,” he asks…no, states.

  “I already answered you,” I smart off to him in a whisper. I move in the seat so I can press my lips firmly to his. “In case you didn’t hear me the first time.” Our M.O. is obviously PDA. I’m almost accustomed to exhibitionism now.

  He kisses me then steps back, the satisfaction on his face clear.

  On the way home, Kiel introduces me to St. Lucia, music with a pop-y, electronic sound. I add it to my Pandora station on my phone for variety. I love that about us.

  At my house, he comes around and lifts me out, no body contact. Ugh!

  “Tomorrow,” Kiel says with his hand still on my hips. “Come over as soon as you can. I wouldn’t mind if you were there way before noon.”

  One quick kiss and we say goodnight. I watch him drive off. Once he's around the corner, I squeal and bounce into the house. Jenna and D'Nae are waiting to pounce on me inside. I didn’t even see their car, that's how focused I was on Kiel.

  They drag me to my room, where Brisa offers to leave us alone. Bri still holds the coveted position of true BFF. Not cheesy necklace/charm bracelet BFFs but the tattooed-on-the-butt kind.

  In our room, I squeal again. “He's taking me to homecoming!”

  Brisa smiles knowingly, “He didn’t ask, did he?”

  “What? You asked him?” Jenna gasps.

  D'Nae rolls her eyes, “It’s not the nineteenth century, Jen.”

  I answer Jenna, “He never really asks that kind of stuff. He sort of states and either you agree or you don’t.”

  “Oh, you gotta get Kiel a garter ordered!” Brisa reminds me.

  Jenna pipes up, “And a certain someone needs one too!”

  “Shut up, Jenna,” D'Nae warns, only partly teasing.

  “He doesn’t have to know who it’s from,” I say. “But it’d be better if he did. Oh, and before I forget. He said his parents are out of town this weekend.”

  “Miller’s?” D'Nae asks, suspicious.

  “Yeah, at some family reunion,” I reply.

  “Hmm,” Jenna hums.

  “Moving on,” D'Nae snaps. “Back to dark buses and hot quarterbacks…”

  I give the dirt. I also tell them about how tense he was after the locker room.

  “Locker room gossip, definitely,” Brisa says, matter-of-factly. “Have you talked to him about the rumors? Have you told him that's all they are?”

  “It hasn’t really come up again since our lunch,” I hedge.

  “You need to bring it up!” Jenna insists. “Clear the air. Make sure he knows you're a…Wait, are you?”

  “V-card is in my pocket,” I say proudly. I am very proud of that status. When I say that no one has ever made me want to say yes, I mean it.

  “Mine, too,” Jenna says.

  “Still got mine,” Brisa says. She freaking better!

  We all wait for D'Nae expectantly.

  “What? I didn’t realize declarations were mandatory,” she says.

  Jenna’s jaw drops. A sisterly fight ensues. It’s past two a.m. When we crash, popcorn drops on the floor and candy wrappers crinkle in our blankets. A scary movie (of course) blares in the background. Yawning, the last thing I think about is Kiel.

  ***

  The first thought I have when I wake up? Kiel. I wake everyone up after my shower, stumbling around at ten a.m. My lime green Sperry’s are missing. Groggy as my friends are, they all get up to help me.

  “What the heck are you doing up?” Brisa grumbles.

  Almost whining, I say, “Kiel said I could come over whenever. I need my shoes!”

  “Dang, girl, chill. Do you honestly think he meant this early? I haven't heard the neighborhood rooster yet, even!” Brisa does whine.

  D'Nae says, with her head stuck under my bed. “Found them.”

  “Thank you thank you thank you,” I say as my friends start to hunt down their own stuff. “Oh. Dang, I'm so sorry! I didn’t mean to kick you out. I—”

  “You're just a teen girl who wants some time with your drool-worthy boyfriend,” Jenna states with no animosity. I slick my hair back in a ponytail. A touch of bronzer, mascara, and root beer lip balm finish it all off.

  “Did you remember to brush your teeth?” Jenna asks as I’m about to rush out with them in tow.

  “Crap!”

  They wait for me to brush and then drive me to Kiel’s house. Now. Now, my stomach starts to flutter. I hope my dress is Ok. It’s a denim sundress with tiny white flowers with the stupid Sperry’s. I wave as they drive off. I should've had them stay until I got in…

  I knock on the front door, not entirely sure it isn’t too early. And was I supposed to go straight to the garage? Ugh. I'm shake my hands out at my sides, waiting impatiently.

  I knock again. A few seconds later, Kiel’s sister opens the door. “We don’t want any,” she says and closes the door in my face. My mouth pops open to say something, anything to get her to open the door. The door reopens and thank you, Lord, it’s Kiel.

  He stands there staring at me with a crazy grin that reaches all the way to his eyes. I blush, but raise my brow. I'm just standing on the porch. “Um, Kiel? Am I too early?”

  “Oh.” he says, “Yeah, come in. You met Liliana; glad that's behind us. Come meet my mom.” I follow him in. He’s wearing a black and gray striped tank and gray cargo shorts. I've got such a singular focus on his butt and his natural swagger that I run smack into him in their kitchen.

  Not that I'm complaining; it feels good to be plastered to him. But it’s not the first impression I was aiming for.

  Chapter 15

  Kiel

  I'm in my room getting ready for Ashlyn to come over. I'm not sure when she’ll be here, so I'm scrambling to get the room in order and thinking about last night. Ashlyn knew I was keeping something from her, yet she still agreed to go to the homecoming dance with me. Sure we’re officially an item, but it was still pretty great hearing her say she would.

  I hope I didn’t come off as desperate when I basically begged her to be at my house early. Any time before noon. My main hope, though is that she's as desperate to see me as I am to see her. It would make me feel less pathetic if we shared the same weakness.

  I hear a knock on the door. I’m dumping the last of the random junk that collects on every surface into an open dresser drawer when I hear the second knock. I try to get out in time, pulling my shirt over my head as I went, but Lili’s closing the door in someone’s face. She curls her lip in sisterly disgust when she sees me straightening my hem.

  I smack her on the head as I pass her. She's a holy terror.r />
  Rushing over, I open the door to a beautiful, if bewildered, sight. Breathtaking, jaw-dropping sight. Ashlyn in a denim dress with spaghetti straps. Her exposed shoulders are as attractive as the tiny peek of cleavage I can see. With her hair up, I see more proof of the body-covering freckles.

  I stare for longer than I should, but eventually let her in, taking her to meet my mom. Ashlyn bumps into my back when I stop in the kitchen. No need to wonder where she was fixated.

  “Great first impression,” I turn to whisper. “You running into me while staring at my butt.”

  “Was not!” she hisses, indignant.

  “Liar,” I reply, chuckling.

  “Kiel, is that Ashlyn you're hiding?”

  “Yes, Mamá,” dragging her out from behind me.

  “Mrs. Fuller,” Ashlyn says, reaching out her hand to shake. Little does she know—

  Mom’s a hugger. Ashlyn is quickly enveloped in Mom’s arms and released a few seconds later.

  “Please, call me Veronica,” Mom says.

  Liliana stalks in, heading for the refrigerator.

  “Mmm,” Ashlyn hums. “What are you making?”

  Mom eyes me suspiciously and Liliana narrows her eyes as she pops open a Jarritos. “You like Mexican food, Ashlyn? I'm making a traditional dish.”

  “Smells like a dish my mom makes once in a while.”

  “Do you help in the kitchen?” Mom continues her questioning.

  Ashlyn laughs, “Oh, not with cooking. That’s my sister, Brisa’s forte. I'm more of a baker. No open flame for me, generally.”

  “Ok, Mom,” I stop her just as her mouth opens to ask another question. “I'm taking her away now. You can abuse her more at dinner time.” We squeeze past an annoyed Lili. I guess Ashlyn having redeeming qualities has her afraid for her place in the pecking order. Good. The girl could use a shake down.

  I lead her out to the garage. Her first impression is crucial to me. I did do it almost all by myself. Watching her face as she walks in, I can tell she's impressed. There are even some concert posters hung up—all concerts I went to.