by Chris Cannon
“What do you think?” she asked.
“I think it’s funny there’s a business which specializes in trying to save men after they’ve messed up.” I pointed at a gold foil envelope hanging from a red rose. “Let’s see what he has to say.” I pried open the envelope and pulled out the cream colored card. In gold calligraphy, it said, “I’m sorry. And I’m not saying that just because you’re plotting to blow up my car.”
“There’s an idea,” Delia muttered.
I ignored her and kept reading. “If you want to talk, call me. If not, I understand.”
Delia plucked the card from my hand and ripped it in half. “Do I need to confiscate your cell phone?”
“No. I’m not calling him tonight. He doesn’t get off that easy.” I touched the velvet soft petals of a yellow rose. “But he did have to find an all-night florist and I’m sure it wasn’t cheap.”
“He gets points for trying, but he isn’t forgiven. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
Over breakfast my grandmother listened to the story about the delivery service and laughed. “I bet a woman started the business.” She sniffed the bouquet. “Nothing smells like fresh roses.”
Jack sat at the kitchen table with his ear buds in, wolfing down a plate of toaster waffles and pretending he couldn’t hear what we were saying. This was his standard approach to being anywhere near Delia. They had a hate-hate relationship.
“Are you going to call him?” my grandma asked.
“Not today.”
“Good. It doesn’t matter how cute a boy is, or how much you like him, he should never treat you like you’re second rate.”
Delia squirted syrup on her waffles. “I still think we should do something to his car.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” Grandma said. “Now who’s up for target practice behind the barn?”
Chapter Seventeen
Zoe
Jack said nothing to me as we drove to school. Or if he did, I didn’t hear him, because I had ear buds in, listening to music on my phone. At least I was attempting to listen to music. In my head, I ran through every scenario I could think of about how Grant would react when he saw me today. Would he come find me and apologize? Would he ignore me? The possibilities were agonizing and endless.
One thing I knew for sure, I would not look for him. Delia and I planned to meet at our usual spot and if Grant wanted to try apologizing again, he could come find me. And if he didn’t, I’d move on.
Once I was standing with Delia in our usual spot, I drank my coffee and focused on not scanning the crowd for dark wavy hair and ice blue eyes. The clock tower on the quad told me Grant had fifteen minutes to make an appearance. Where the heck was he?
“Don’t worry, he’ll be here,” Delia said.
“How do you know?”
“He’s a guy. Once you tell him he can’t have something, he’s going to want it more.”
I didn’t love her logic. But I couldn’t argue against it. The minutes ticked by. With every second that passed I told myself I was better off without him. I deserved someone who would put me first, not someone on a constant look out for his next date. “Let’s go to class.”
Delia checked her cell. “He still has five minutes.”
“I’m done waiting.”
Seated in first hour, I could feel Lena watching me, waiting to pounce at the first sign of weakness. Eyes on the board, I ignored her and did my best to focus on the lecture. When it came time to pass papers back, I took a deep breath and plastered a relaxed expression on my face.
“Heard your date didn’t go too well.” Lena spoke in a voice which had ha-ha laced through it.
Someone from Edison’s must have gossiped about the fight Grant and I had on the patio. Good to know the rumor mill was alive and well. “It didn’t. He apologized and sent flowers, but I’m still ticked off.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”
“Believe what you want.” I turned back around reveling in my small victory.
After class, as Delia and I walked down the hall, I forced myself not to scan for Grant.
“Zoe.” I recognized the male voice, but it wasn’t the one I wanted to hear.
Delia and I turned around.
“Hi.” Aiden smiled at Delia and then his gaze settled on me. “Grant wanted me to tell you he’s not at school today, because his grandfather had a heart attack.”
Oh no. “Is his grandpa okay?”
“They’re putting a stent in today. Supposedly it’s not a big deal. His grandfather has to lay off cigars and greasy food.”
“That’s not so bad.”
“He should be fine.” Aiden glanced at Delia and then looked away. “So uhm…see you later.”
…
I missed Grant in Foods class, but whipped up a batch of Rice Krispies treats with chocolate and butterscotch chips that were awesome. No matter how ticked off I was, I couldn’t help worrying about him. I knew what it was like to have someone you loved end up in the hospital.
Should I call and ask how he was doing? No. He had friends to talk to. He didn’t need my shoulder to lean on.
After school I’d barely made it through my front door when Grant texted me. “Can we talk?”
Did I really want to get into this? Then again, it wasn’t fair to kick a guy when he was down. I texted back. “Call me in five minutes.” And headed for my bedroom.
The phone rang exactly five minutes later. “Zoe?”
“Hi. How’s your grandpa?”
“He’s doing better.”
“Good.”
I heard a yawn through the phone. “Sorry. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Understandable.”
“Listen, I wanted to apologize again. I was an idiot.”
“You were a jerk.”
“I know. Let me make it up to you. I need to get out of the house. Why don’t I come get you? We could talk over dinner.”
My heart rate kicked up a notch. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
He sighed. “I deserve that, but I need to talk to someone who isn’t going to expect me to act like everything is all right.”
Well, crap. “Okay, but this isn’t a date.”
“Thanks. See you in half an hour.”
He hung up. I changed into my after school outfit of comfortable jeans and a sweatshirt. It’s not like I was trying to impress him and I sort of wanted him to realize that. Then I sat outside on the porch swing crocheting a scarf, and waited for Grant.
When he pulled into the driveway in his shiny black sports car, I rolled up the twelve inches of gray scarf I’d made so far, shoved the crochet needle into the skein, and took it with me to his car.
The first thing I noticed about Grant was the dark circles under his eyes. “You look like hell.”
“Gee, thanks.”
I laughed. “Sorry. You wanted someone who would tell you the truth.”
“You’re right.” He rubbed at his eyes and yawned. “You’d think they’d make hospital waiting rooms with cots in them instead of those god-awful plastic chairs.”
I’d spent a few nights in those chairs. “I know, and they keep those rooms at ice box temperatures and the TV’s only show depressing news stories.”
“Sounds like you spent some time in the hospital, too.”
“Too much.” My chest ached at the memories. “My dad and my grandpa were in an accident together. They both held on for a little while before—” and I couldn’t get any more out without crying.
“I’m sorry.” Grant leaned over and wrapped his arms around me.
He smelled like dryer sheets and soap. I held onto him for a minute, enjoying the warmth until I wrangled my tear ducts under control, and then pulled back. “I’m supposed to be taking care of you right now. Let’s talk about something else.”
My stomach growled loud enough for Grant to hear. “Right. Food.” He put the car into drive, did a three point turn and headed
back down the road. “Where do you want to go?”
“The closest place is Betty’s Burgers. I’m okay with that if you are.”
We made safe small talk until we were seated in Betty’s. Grant ordered a double bacon cheeseburger and fries. I ordered a burger and fries.
“Did I miss anything exciting at school today?” he asked.
“Only the best Rice Krispie Treats ever.”
He made a yuck face. “I’ve never liked those.”
“Did you ever have any with chocolate and butterscotch chips?”
“No.”
“Don’t knock it till you try it.”
Our food came. We ate and talked until Grant’s eyes started to drift shut.
“We should probably go before you fall asleep.”
“I drank a soda.” He yawned. “I can’t believe I’m this tired.”
“Are you okay to drive?”
“I think so.”
I held my hand out. “Give me the keys.”
“Not a chance.”
“You’d rather die in a fiery car crash than let me drive your car?”
He pretended to think about it. “Yes.”
“You’re an idiot.” Saying that out loud brought me a certain amount of joy. “I’m capable of driving your car. Nothing will happen to it, and no one will die. It’s a win-win situation.”
“No. It’s a stupid idea. If you drive me home how will you get back to your house?”
Hmmm. Good question. “I would suggest that I drive your car back to my house and then come pick you up tomorrow for school, but I’m pretty sure that idea would give you a seizure, so how about I’ll call Delia or my grandma to come get me.”
“I’m fine.” He reached for the check the waitress had dropped on our table and knocked his drink over in the process.
“Those reflexes are as sharp as ever, all right.” I mopped up the soda with my napkin.
“Smart ass.”
He ordered a refill on his soda to go, we paid the bill, and despite my protests, he climbed behind the wheel.
Muttering under my breath, I put on my seatbelt. Getting the metal tab into the slot was harder than it should be, because I’d twisted the strap around somehow. Finally, it clicked, and I looked up to see Grant’s face an inch from mine.
“Uhm, hi there.”
He leaned forward, like he was going to kiss me.
I jerked backward.
“What? Do I have bad breath?” he asked.
“No. I appreciate the flowers and the apology, but you still tried to ditch me on our date.”
He stared up at the ceiling. “I’ve apologized several times.”
“True, but I need to know when we’re together you’re not scanning the room for a better option.”
“It’s not like there’s anyone else in the car.”
“Wow. That makes me feel so much better. Since I’m your only choice at the moment, I guess I don’t have anything to worry about.”
He rubbed his eyes. “That’s not what I meant. I didn’t get shit for sleep last night.”
“And?” Time for him to step up and tell me he wanted to be with me.
“And I never thought I’d be into a girl who shoots zombies. And this is all weird. And when my life went to hell, you were the first person I wanted to talk to and that has to mean something. And would you just shut up and kiss me now?”
I’d like to, but I wasn’t sure I could trust him. “If I kiss you, what does it mean?”
“It means you’re giving me another chance. I swear I won’t mess up like that again.” He leaned in, and this time, I met him halfway.
What can I say? I wanted to believe him. Hopefully I wouldn’t regret this. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me as close as the seat belt allowed. It felt right.
Kaboom!
Grant could kiss, but I figured whatever rattled the car, came from someplace else. I opened my eyes. Lightning arced across the sky. Rain pelted the car. It sounded like we were under attack by a BB gun militia.
“What the heck?” This better not be a comment on my relationship with Grant from a higher power.
“Maybe it’s fate.” Grant pushed the button on my seatbelt, sending the buckle flying back over my shoulder. He slid his hand behind my lower back and pulled me as close as the gear shift allowed. I wrapped my arms around his neck and threw myself into the kiss. His right hand slid under my sweatshirt resting against the small of my back. Warmth radiated from his touch.
Kaboom.
I flinched, smacking my teeth against his. “Ow.” I pulled back. The metallic taste of blood hit my taste buds. “Sorry.” Who was the biggest dork in the world? Me. Hands down. I forced a laugh.
He rubbed his lip, but he didn’t look angry. “You all right?”
“Terminally embarrassed, but otherwise fine.” I grimaced at the taste in my mouth. “Can I have a drink of your soda?”
I took a few sips and the metallic taste went away. It must be Grant’s lip that was bleeding. Great, I actually wanted to kiss him now, and I’d rendered him incapable.
I offered him the soda. He took a sip and swished it around his mouth.
The rain drops seemed to slow. Grant leaned forward and peered out the window. “Maybe the worst of it’s over.”
Pretending I was interested in watching water fall from the sky, I leaned forward. The rain did seem to be slowing down.
“Think we should try driving now?” he asked.
“Are you sure you’re all right to drive?”
“I’m good.” He drove back to my house without incident and parked in the driveway.
“Call me to let me know you made it home safe, okay?”
He just stared at me for a moment.
“What?”
“No one besides my grandfather has ever said that to me.” He leaned in and gave me a soft kiss. “Good night.”
I climbed out of the car and went into the house, watching out the window as his tail lights faded into the distance.
…
Grant
Aiden was sitting with Zoe and Delia Wednesday afternoon when I entered the cafeteria. Funny how that seemed normal now. Since Monday, I’d fallen into an easy routine of meeting Zoe before school, eating with her at lunch, and walking her out to the parking lot after school. Kissing her goodbye while her brother sat in the car was a bonus.
Zoe spotted me and her face lit up like I was the best thing she’d ever seen. I’ll admit it. I liked it. With Zoe, there was no pretense, no games. I grabbed three slices of pizza and joined her at the table.
“I was about to send out a search party.” She snatched a piece of pepperoni off my plate.
“I was stuck playing ambassador to a freshman who moved in.”
“What’s he like?” Aiden asked.
“She is annoying.” Okay. She hadn’t been that bad, but I didn’t want Zoe thinking I had any ulterior motives.
“A new girl?” Zoe said. “I wonder if she’ll dethrone the freshman princess.”
“What does that mean?”
“Please. The only thing worse than a bunch of guys jockeying for the alpha male position is the socialites climbing on top of each other to prove who wears the tiara.”
“And where do you fit in this royal scheme?” I asked.
“I am creator of my own reality,” Zoe said. “So, I am queen of the universe.”
“Grant?” A girl said from behind me.
My shoulder muscles tensed. I knew that voice. Turning to face my ex, I said, “What do you want, Lena?”
“The Fall dance is coming up, I need to know how you want to handle the situation.”
Shit. I’d forgotten.
“What’s she talking about?” Zoe asked.
This was going to be ugly. “You had to bring this up in the cafeteria where we’d have the biggest audience, didn’t you?”
Lena batted her eyes at me. “It’s more fun this way.”
I turned to Zoe. “This is g
oing to sound worse than it is. Last year, Lena and I were nominated the Fall Dance Queen and King. So this year—”
“He’s my date,” Lena said loud enough for everyone to hear.
I expected Zoe to rip my head off, or throw down with Lena. She just laughed. “What’s she talking about?”
“Traditionally,” I said, “we’re supposed to pass the crown on to another couple.”
“You don’t need to be her date to do that,” Zoe said. “We’ll go together. When it’s time to pass on the absurd head gear, go on stage or wherever it is you go to perform these archaic rituals, and pass on the silly things.”
“That’s not how it works,” Lena said.
“That’s how it’s going to work this year,” Zoe said. “Right, Grant?”
“Yes.” It was as good a solution as any I could come up with.
“Fine.” Lena stomped back to her table of minions.
“That was pitiful,” Zoe said.
I laughed.
“The dance is this Saturday, isn’t it?” Delia asked, glancing at Aiden.
He pretended to find his sandwich fascinating. “I wouldn’t know. I don’t attend dances.”
Chapter Eighteen
Zoe
Apparently Aiden couldn’t take a hint.
“You never go to dances?” Delia asked.
“No,” Aiden said. “They’re loud and crowded.”
“That’s just sad.” Delia stood. “Zoe, want to get out of here?”
“Sure.” I grabbed my backpack and we headed for the door. Outside the cafeteria, she chose a bench and plopped down.
“I’m beginning to think Aiden is a lost cause.” She dug into her backpack and pulled out a handful of Hershey’s kisses, unwrapped one and ate it while she unwrapped another.
“You guys are polar opposites. He’s so shy. You need a guy who is more outgoing.”
“You’re probably right. His loss.”
Delia and I went our separate ways after lunch. In Foods class, I tried to pry information from Grant about his pain-in-the-butt friend.
“Zoe, I don’t know what you want me to say. Aiden does what he wants. If Delia wants to go the dance, she’ll have to go with someone else, because Aiden isn’t going.”