Skyville Boys

by Mia Belle

  I shift uncomfortably on the seat. How am I letting all this pour out of me? It’s like I opened the door just a crack and it was blown wide open. There’s something about Kara that invites me in. She’s warm and understanding and a really good listener.

  “It’s all on them,” I continue. “The ball is in their court. They’re the ones who are causing all this drama. I wish they’d just accept that this is what I want to do with my life. I wish they’d support me. I wouldn’t feel so alone.”

  Her hand tightens on my arm. “I’m sure your parents will come around. They love you and want what’s best for you. But you’re not alone. You have your friends and you have me, too.”

  I pull my arm out of her grip. “I don’t want you to pay for the lessons.”

  “Ezra—”

  I stand and throw my bag over my shoulder. “It was very kind of you and I thank you for the offer, but I’ll be fine.”

  I march out of the auditorium before she can say anything. Her offer just makes me feel even more rotten. There’s a girl who hardly knows me who sees potential in me. She supports me. And my own parents want to squash my dreams.

  I’ve never felt so alone. My friends could try to understand, even Kara could try. But they never will.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Kara

  Ezra looks pretty bummed at lunch. Maybe more than usual. I hope that’s not due to me.

  His eyes flick to mine, but then he focuses on his mushy fried rice. I wish I could say something. Apologize again. I guess I understand where he’s coming from—it’s not easy accepting help, especially from someone he doesn’t know very well. Maybe I did overstep, but I just wanted to help.

  Carter isn’t devouring his lunch like he hasn’t eaten in days. He’s actually pushing it around in his plate, a look of uncertainty in his eyes. There’s something else in them, too, a light I’ve never seen on his face. I got a glimpse of it when he plays piano, but it’s nothing like this. I smile when I imagine his reaction when his boss presented him with a larger pay this weekend.

  “Okay.” Jax slams his tray down on the table and plops down on the chair next to Ezra. “What are your plans for tomorrow afternoon?” His gaze travels between all of us. “You know Miss Lewis can’t make it and rehearsal is cancelled. I say we take advantage of our afternoon off.”

  Ezra shrugs as he stuffs a forkful of rice into his mouth. Carter looks contemplative. Maybe he’s wondering if he can finally hang out with his friends again, at least for one afternoon. I know he’s been blowing them off because of his job.

  “I don’t really have plans,” I say. “My grandmother is coming back from California on Wednesday and I was thinking of baking her a ‘Welcome Home’ cake.”

  “Forget the cake.” Jax slips his hand into his pocket and pops out tickets. “Guess what I got?”

  “What are those?” Carter makes a move to grab them, but Jax holds them high over his head.

  Now he’s got all our attention.

  With a grin, he slams the tickets down on the table. “Tickets to Oklahoma playing in the Regal Theater in Philadelphia!”

  “Are you serious?” Ezra sweeps the tickets off the table and studies them. “Orchestra seats, too. Wow, these are great.”

  He nods with pride. “They sure are.”

  “How did you get them?” Carter takes the tickets from Ezra and scans them. “And in such short notice?”

  “A guy owes my dad a favor. So, what do you guys say? We can skip last period tomorrow and hop on the bus to Philly.”

  “Forget the bus,” I say. “I’m sure my grandma’s driver could take us.”

  As fast as the thrill enters my body, it quickly dissipates. Memories of him attack my mind. But I shove them away. He wouldn’t be looking for me in Philadelphia, would he? I’m so sick and tired of worrying about it.

  Carter rubs his jaw. “I don’t know…tomorrow’s not a busy night for me, but I still have to help my sibs with homework…”

  “Are you seriously going to throw away tickets to a live musical to babysit?” Jax demands.

  “I guess Peyton could handle it for one night.”

  Jax claps him on the back.

  It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen a live musical, and I’m very excited. And the fact that I’ll see it with Jax, Carter, and Ezra makes me even more thrilled.

  ***

  “Sorry, sweetie,” Grandma says over the phone. “I really hoped to fly back Wednesday morning, but a good friend of mine is in the hospital. She’s in very bad shape.”

  “That’s okay, Darla,” I say. “Stay as long as you need. I’m doing fine here.”

  “No one likes to be alone, Kara. And I know your parents and Kitty couldn’t make it this past weekend.”

  “It’s really okay. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my friends.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard you made friends. I’m so glad about that. I was worried there for a minute.”

  I smile as I down my glass of orange juice. I’ve wanted to make friends in Skyville for so long, but I never imagined they’d be three sweet guys. Well, I’m not really sure if Ezra and I are even friends. Things have been strained ever since I offered to pay for his dance lessons. Hopefully we’ll move past this during our trip to Philadelphia.

  “Wanna hear a secret?” I ask my grandmother. “But you can’t tell my parents.”

  “Definitely.”

  “My friends and I are skipping last period to drive to Philadelphia to see Oklahoma.”

  “How wonderful! I mean, as your guardian I should reprimand you, but as your grandmother I’m thrilled.”

  I know she wants me to continue performing. Maybe this is a step in the right direction, though I don’t know how I could ever let go of the past if the stalker is still out there.

  I speak a few more words with Grandma before leaving the house and heading for the bus stop. Of course I could always call on James, but I want to spend some time with Ezra.

  As soon as I get on, my eyes automatically search for him, and I find him toward the back.

  His gaze meets mine, and then he quickly turns away to focus on the window. I walk down the aisle and sit down near him. “Good morning.”

  He turns to me and nods. “Good morning.”

  “This will be the first time I’m cutting class illegally. Usually I have permission because of my performances.”

  He gives me a small smile. “Such a crook.”

  “I know, right?”

  He nods again, his eyes on mine. Then he turns to gaze out the window.

  Things are definitely still stiff between us. I wish I knew what to say or do to break the ice. I don’t regret offering to pay for his dance lessons, and my offer still stands if he wants it. But I doubt he’ll take it.

  The bus reaches the school, and Ezra and I pile out with everyone else. Before heading off to my class, I look back at Ezra, who’s shoving some papers into his locker. As if sensing my eyes on him, he slowly turns around. There’s so much pain buried in his eyes. He tries to act tough and aloof, but I know the real guy inside. He’s so sensitive. All he wants is to be accepted, to be loved. And I know that he has a lot of love to offer, too. But he’s afraid.

  He turns back to his locker.

  My classes go by painfully slow, with my staring at the clock and counting down the minutes until last period. The topic at our lunch table is, of course, our trip to Philly, and I even see Ezra’s lips lift in a small smile. Carter doesn’t seem as stressed as usual.

  Finally, finally, the bell to second to last period rings. Instead of making my way to the science lab, I sneak out the door and meet the guys around the corner. When Jax sees me, he hurries over and envelops me in his arms. “We all made it!”

  I’m like a stone statue. And then my body melts into his, loving the feeling of being held by him. He presses his cheek against mine and whispers in my ear, “I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you’re safe and have a good time.”

&nbs
p; I move my head a few inches back to look into his eyes. There are such strong emotions swirling inside them right now. He cares for me, very deeply. And I realize I care for him very much, too.

  “We’re technically still on school property, so I suggest we get our asses moving,” Carter says.

  When I pull out of Jax’s arms, I find Ezra’s eyes pasted on the two of us, an unreadable expression on his face. But when he catches me watching him, he quickly spins around and heads up the block.

  “I’ll call James.” I reach into my pocket for my phone.

  I already discussed this with him last night, and he was more than thrilled to give us a lift. I think he’s been a little bored since my grandmother left to California. Or maybe he’s lonely. I don’t think there’s anything going on between them, but hey, anything is possible.

  “Did I mention how awesome it is that you have a driver?” Jax asks.

  “He’s not really my driver. He’s my grandmother’s.”

  “That’s your future, though,” he says with a smile. “I can already see it.”

  I return the smile, but my stomach does cartwheels. I like to think that when I’m my grandma’s age, I would have moved on from the past and continued living my dream. Heck, maybe my children and grandchildren will be Broadway stars, too.

  “Oh, there he is,” I say as a black car pulls up to the curb. James hurries out of the driver seat and tips his hat. “Afternoon, kids.” He opens the front door for me and the back for the guys.

  “Where to?” James asks once we’re buckled in.

  “This great Mexican place a few blocks away from the theater.” Jax tells him the address.

  I sit back in my seat and smile. I’ll do whatever I can to have an unforgettable night. Even though I’ll probably look over my shoulder every so often, I don’t want anything or anyone to ruin this for me.

  James entertains us throughout the ride with stories of his youth. He was in the Vietnam War and he had an epic love story with the girl next door. Unfortunately, she died ten years ago from cancer. I never had a grandfather, since grandma cut off ties with Mom’s dad and she never got married. Dad’s parents died when he was in college. It’s cool to listen to all these stories.

  When we make it to the Mexican restaurant, I’m almost sad to leave.

  “Thanks for the ride,” Carter says as he shuts the door.

  “Don’t mention it. Anything for Darla’s granddaughter and her friends.” He drives away.

  “He’s the coolest,” Jax says. “It makes me miss my grandfathers. Both of them died when I was a kid.”

  Ezra runs a hand through his hair before marching into the restaurant.

  “Shit.” Jax slams the heel of his palm to his forehead. “That was insensitive.”

  “I’ll talk to him,” Carter says as he closes his hand over the door handle. “Come in a few minutes later, okay?”

  Jax continues hitting his forehead. “I really need to think before I speak.”

  “How long ago did his grandfather die?” I ask.

  “Three weeks. Actually, I think it’s four now. They were so close. He was the only one who supported his dream of being on Broadway.”

  Now I understand Ezra a little better. It must have been really tough losing his grandfather and only family support.

  “How are you?” Jax asks. “Doing okay so far?”

  “You saw me looking over my shoulder, huh?” I say with an embarrassed laugh.

  “Just a couple of times.” He also looks around. Then he moves closer and raises his arm like he wants to wrap it around my shoulder. But he quickly lowers it to his side. “You’re safe with us, Kara. We’ll look after you and protect you. I mean, not that you need protecting…”

  I smile. “Thanks.”

  He glances at the time on his phone. “I think we can go in now. I hope Ezra’s okay.”

  We find Ezra and Carter in a back booth, Carter whispering what look like consoling words to Ezra while Ezra sits there with his arms folded across his chest. Most people would probably think he’s pissed, but I know he’s masking how he really feels. He’s heartbroken.

  Jax slides in next to Carter, leaving me to sit near Ezra. The seat is slippery and my thigh bangs into his. It burns where we make contact. “Sorry,” I say.

  “That’s okay.”

  “Are you cool, man?” Jax asks. “I didn’t mean—”

  He gives him a tight smile. “I’m good.”

  Jax doesn’t look convinced, and his whole face is washed with guilt. But he lets it go. The waiter comes to take our orders. I don’t want to order anything too heavy because I’m still a bundle of nerves. So I just choose nachos. Jax and Carter order chicken burritos while Ezra takes beef tacos.

  “The food here is awesome, by the way,” Jax says. “I’ve been here with my family many times. We catch a show once or twice a year.”

  “Good to know,” Carter says. “Because I’m starving.” He slips his phone out of his pocket.

  “Who you texting?” Jax asks.

  “Pey. I want to make sure she remembers that Hannah has a spelling test tomorrow. Ugh, I hope they eat real food and not junk.”

  Jax pats his arm. “They’ll be fine.”

  The waiter arrives with our food and we dig in. Jax offers me a bite of his burrito. He’s right—the food here is delicious.

  “So I have a question for you two,” I say to Jax and Ezra. “What are your dream roles?”

  “Hmm.” Jax takes bite of his burrito.

  Ezra says, “I don’t really have a dream role. I’ll love any role I can get.”

  “Yeah, same,” Jax says.

  “What are you talking about?” Carter asks. “You said your dream role is—ouch! Why did you kick me?”

  He gestures with his eyes toward me. I perk up. “What’s the big secret?”

  “No secret,” Jax says. “I’d love any role I can get.”

  I playfully narrow my eyes at him. “Come on. Tell me.”

  He frowns at his burrito. “It’s embarrassing.”

  “How could a role be embarrassing?”

  He sighs. “Fine. I want to be Fiyero from Wicked.”

  “What’s embarrassing about that? It’s a great role.”

  “It’s the reason behind it,” he mutters. Then he takes another big bite of his burrito.

  “I’m on pins and needles now.” I pop a nacho into my mouth. “Can you tell me, pretty please?” I bat my eyelashes and pout.

  Jax’s eyes go wide for a second and his face turns red. He laughs nervously and rubs the back of his neck. “Okay. I, um, the reason why I want to play Fiyero is because I might have a small crush on Elphaba. And when I say small, I really mean big. The only way I can have a relationship with her is to play her love interest on stage. I know, I know.” He holds up his hands in surrender. “I’m ridiculous.” His nervous eyes meet mine.

  I just stare at him for a few seconds, then burst out laughing.

  “Hey!” He scowls.

  I just continue laughing.

  “It’s not cool that she’s laughing at me,” he complains to the others. “Tell her it’s not cool.”

  “Sorry,” I choke out. “I’m not laughing at you.” I wipe my eyes. “It’s just that one of my dream roles is Elphaba.”

  Jax’s eyes slowly move over my face. Then he bursts out laughing, too. “Wow. How weird is that? We’re totally meant to be together.” As soon as the words leave his mouth, his eyes get so wide I’m worried they’ll pop right out of his face. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze anywhere but in my direction. He plays with the napkin dispenser. Ezra and Carter exchange a glance.

  I shift in my seat, too. The four of us sit in awkward silence.

  I clear my throat. “My other dream role is to play Elsa in Frozen. You know, since I played Young Elsa, I think it would be cool if I can play Elsa, too.”

  “My other dream role is Jean Valjean from Les Miserables,” Jax says, still avoiding my eyes
.

  “It’s a great role,” I say.

  We’re quiet again. I wish things weren’t so weird. I like Jax—a lot—and I know he likes me a lot, too. That uneasiness I felt when I first met him pokes at my skin, but I remind myself Jax is sweet and kind and he has a big heart.

  “So how about those nachos, huh?” Carter asks as he swipes one off the plate.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Carter

  At least the awkwardness is gone as we reach the theater and settle down in our seats. Well, most of it’s gone. Things are still a little weird between Jax and Kara. The poor guy—he has it bad. Kara’s awesome for trying to diffuse the tension and get things back to normal, but Jax is just too embarrassed.

  And I noticed that things are a little strained between Kara and Ezra. I’m not sure if that’s because of Ezra’s brooding or something else.

  Jax is so embarrassed that he insists on sitting on my right. Kara sits between me and Ezra. She looks over at Jax like she wants to say something, but then changes her mind.

  I’ll have to silence my phone soon, so I give Peyton some last minute reminders. She’s taken care of the younger kids before, but she’s always had my help. Or at least I’m always around, even if it’s at the club. Now she’s on her own. She’s a trooper, though. She hasn’t complained once. Maybe because she’s happy to see me going out with my friends for a change.

  Kara leafs through the playbill, and then gasps. “No way. Chrissy Harold is in the musical?”

  “You know her?” I ask.

  “She was the understudy for Miss Hannigan,” she says with a smile. “I loved her. She used to bake cookies and pass them around the cast and crew.”

  I love when she gets nostalgic. Her whole face lights up like the sun got sucked into her face.

  She checks the time on her phone. “We’ve got some time. I’ll see if I can drop by and say hello.”

  As soon as she’s gone, Jax heaves the loudest sigh I’ve ever heard. “I wish the floor would swallow me.” He sinks down and bangs his head against the back of the seat. “Why can’t I control the crap that leaves my mouth?”