by Lux Carmine
Parker smiled. “Skylar, whatever’s going on in there, it’s going to be fine.” His hand came and rested on top of mine. I stared at it. My heart was going crazy in my chest, not only because he was touching me, but because he seemed to know exactly what to say. Maybe that was just a talent of the upper class. I tried not to make a big deal of it. He was just being nice.
“Thanks.” I pulled my hand from his and reached from my door. “Let’s get this over with!” My statement came out more forceful than I’d meant it.
We grabbed the bags and traipsed up the front steps. I winced as the deck creaked under his weight and prayed it would hold. I didn’t need the responsibility of injuring Dunam Prep’s football star. We entered the trailer and I wiped my feet on the mat just inside the door. Parker followed my lead. He looked more comfortable than I did as he crossed to the crowded dining room table and set the bags down.
“Hey,” I said to my dad who was sitting in his chair … like always.
Dad’s head jerked in my direction, and it took him a minute to respond. His eyes were busy taking in Parker. “Who the hell is that, and what the hell is he doing in my house?”
Parker crossed the room and with a winning smile, extended his hand towards my dad.
My dad squinted hard at Parker’s face and then sat up with surprise, his hands grasping the arms of his chair tightly. “What the hell is this piece of trash doing in my house, Skylar! Are you punishing me?”
Parker dropped his hand and glanced back at me for reassurance. I had none to offer him.
“Dad!” I whispered in reprimand. “Don’t be rude!”
My dad scoffed and stood up, stumbling a bit to get his balance. “I’m not rude! Do you know who’s rude? Tyler Wells! He stole everything from me!” He pointed at Parker and began to descend on him. “You stole everything from me! Except Penny. She gave me everything good in my life. Who did you end up with? Backseat Bethany! How’s that going for you?”
Parker frowned and clenched his fists and I stepped between the two. “Dad! This is Parker! His name is Parker. I don’t know who you think he is, but you need to calm down.”
My dad’s eyes widened with surprise and he narrowed his gaze once more before retreating.
“Hey. What’s going on out here?”
I turned around and let out a sigh of relief as my mom came into the living room. She was dressed in her black silk robe and I tried my best to ignore it. This was my family, and as embarrassing as they could be, they were mine.
“Dad mistook my friend for someone else.”
My mom went to my dad and helped him sit back in his chair. Once he was settled, she looked up at me and Parker. “You do look familiar … kind of like …”
“Tyler Wells?” I offered.
Her eyes widened and she put a hand to her mouth. “Yes!” She pulled her hand down and placed it flat against her chest. “My goodness, that’s uncanny. Are you related?”
Parker was still rigid behind me. I reached for his hand and he took it. My other hand went to his wrist, circling it with my fingers. He glanced down at me and the tension eased from his expression.
“Yes, ma’am, he’s my father.”
My mom grinned and nodded. “And your mother is …”
“Bethany,” Parker said, his jaw tight as my father chuckled from his seat.
I squeezed my eyes closed, once again embarrassed. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to look Parker or his mother in the eye.
“Parker is just dropping off some stuff, and then he’s gotta go.” I pulled on his arm even as my mother started questioning him. Once we were outside, I tried to let go of his hand, but he held it tight. I stared at the ground as if it could give instructions on what to do after your father called your crush’s mom a slut. “I’m sorry about him,” I said.
Parker squeezed my hand and tugged me closer. “We all have parents that are crazy in one way or another.”
I met his eyes and my stomach dipped. He was looking at me like he had in the Christmas tree lot just before he brought his lips towards mine. If only that dog hadn’t shown up. But now, here we were again. I tipped my head back and waited. Slowly, slowly he moved towards me, like our lips were magnetized. We were a breath apart when the front door flew open.
“A tree! Bring it in! Bring it in!” Bella’s excitement killed the moment.
Parker was quick to recover. He gave my hand a squeeze and moved to the car, where he began to untie the tree from the roof. “This tree? Is this for you?” he asked, a playful tone in his deep voice. My heart melted seeing him be so sweet to my baby sister. It left me wondering if he’d be as sweet to his own kids.
Stop it, I reprimanded myself.
I wrapped my arms around myself and went inside to set up the tree stand.
It took both me and my mother to help Parker set up the tree, and admittedly a bigger one would have been nicer, but luckily Bella was happy enough. More than enough. She was ecstatic. Bella was rustling through the bags of stuff as I pulled Parker back outside.
I stopped with him on the porch, but when the curtain moved and my father’s tired face stared out at us, I grabbed Parker’s hand and pulled him towards his Jeep.
He chuckled as I opened his driver’s side door and climbed in. He got in behind me and put his hands on his knees. “Well?” he asked. “Did you want to go somewhere else? Change your mind about that snack size tree in there?”
I smiled at him. I wanted to answer but my mind was stuck on only one thing. Our twice almost kiss. I wasn’t going to miss chance number three. I climbed onto my knees and leaned forward, then did it fast—like ripping off a band aid. I didn’t give myself time to think or chicken out, just put my hands on his shoulders and pressed my lips to his. His hand went to my waist and he pushed me back. For a moment we just stared at each other.
Oh no. I’d misread it all. He wasn’t trying to date me, he just was trying to be nice. I started to pull back but his hand held firm. His other hand came to my cheek and held me as if I were a fragile glass ornament.
“All-American boys don’t kiss like that,” he said, staring at my lips
“Oh?” I didn’t move. I couldn’t breathe, too scared I’d ruin what was coming.
“We kiss like this …” He closed the distance and touched his lips to mine. It was soft and sweet and unhurried, and I wanted the moment to last forever.
All-American boys were amazing kissers.
Chapter 12
SKYLAR
Bella was so excited about the Christmas tree, the stockings, and all the holiday decor Parker had bought for us. All morning long, she talked about was how awesome this Christmas was going to be. I was happy for her, I really was, but I was still struggling with the fact that I was the only breadwinner in the house. My mom needed a job, ASAP. My measly little paycheck wouldn’t cover our expenses and Christmas presents, and time was running out.
I found my twenty dollar bill stuffed in my uniform bag as I was unpacking my backpack. I couldn’t help but grin as I thought about Parker and his kissing skills. It wasn’t like I could help it anyway, signs of him were all over our living room and kitchen. There was even an inflatable fruit cake sitting in the middle of our dining room table. Several times Bella had picked it up and brought it to our dad, offering him a slice. My dad was not amused. He seemed to be struggling with the fact his high school rival was doing so well, and that his son might have feelings for me.
“That Parker Wells is no good, Skylar! He’s a liar and a cheat, just like his dad! The apple never falls far from the …” he paused, his mind stuttering. I waited. “… the tree!”
“Okay, Dad. Thanks. We’re co-workers, though, that’s all,” I lied, and the lie shone through on my cheeks as I remembered the kisses we’d shared.
“I’m not going to support you and a baby Wells,” he said, giving me the stink eye.
“Great. Because there won’t be a baby Wells. Stop creating drama.”
My mom came
from her room and poured herself another cup of coffee, pencil clenched in her other hand. She stepped over the newspaper sprawled on the kitchen table and glanced at me as she sat down. “You going somewhere?”
“Yeah, I’m going to pick up my paycheck.”
She blew on the steaming coffee. “Can you take Bella with you? She’s going to drive me up the walls if she stays here all day. I need to focus on …” She didn’t finish but instead motioned to the Classifieds.
“Sure.” I nibbled on my lower lip as I went back to our room. “Bella, come on, get dressed. We’re going out.”
She was playing on her bed, a couple of ratty third-hand Barbies in her hands. Her shoulders drooped and she started to whine, “I don’t wanna go! Can I stay here?”
“Um … no. Come on. I have a surprise.” I went to her bed and tugged her to her feet, before helping her get dressed for our long walk to the mall. We sang Christmas carols (much to my dismay) all the way there, and talked a little bit about school and stuff.
Our noses were pretty red when we finally stepped into the heated space of the mall. A mad crush of bodies probably didn’t hurt the energy bill for that day.
“Can we go see Santa?” Bella asked, already taking my hand and pulling me towards the mile-long line.
My feet shuffled along and soon we were standing at the front of the line. Max was working today, along with a new elf I didn’t recognize. She was a pretty brunette. I’d been watching them closely for the last twenty minutes and it was painfully obvious the brunette was attracted to Max. Why wouldn’t she be? He was the definition of geek chic. They looked good together.
Bella bounced up and down with excitement as Max approached and unclipped the rope so we could enter. “It’s Mr. Art Guy! Hi, Mr. Art Guy!” Without warning Bella launched herself at Max’s legs. He stumbled a little, pushing his glasses up his nose before patting her back. He glanced up at me. The gaze between us was intense, making my stomach flip. I cleared my throat, looking away to break the heated gaze.
You kissed Parker last night! And you have a crush on Devin, too! Don’t be a tramp!
I winced at my inner voice’s harsh words, but it wasn’t wrong. I offered Max a friendly smile when he ushered us onto the stage.
“Hi Skylar. What are you doing here?”
I chuckled a little and nodded to Bella. “Bringing my sister to see Santa, of course.”
“Right,” he said, a nervous chuckle leaving his throat.
“Hello, little girl, what’s your name?” Santa called.
“Bella.”
“Oh,” Santa looked up at me with a twitch of mischief in his eyes. “Is that your mommy over there?”
I blushed and crossed my arms over my chest. People always thought Bella was my daughter. As if.
“No. That’s my sister.”
Santa ho-ho-hoed and glanced down at Bella. “Santa knew that, of course. I think your sister Skylar should come sit on Santa’s lap too.”
Bella gasped with glee. “You know her name?” Her little hands were covering her mouth, trying to hide her excitement.
Santa let out another jolly laugh. “Of course I do. Come sit on Santa’s lap, Skylar!” Santa patted his knee and my stomach flipped … in a bad way. I didn’t want Bella to think I was being a jerk to Santa, but I didn’t want Santa copping a feel of me either. I was caught between a rock and a hard place.
Max leaned towards me and whispered, “Just say you’re too old for his lap, but you’ll stand next to him.”
I glanced at Max and nodded, shooting him a thankful smile and then did as instructed. Unfortunately, it didn’t deter Santa. After the picture was taken his gloved hand copped a feel of my rear end. I was frozen, standing there looking down at Bella who was talking to the molester.
All at once, I grabbed Bella by the hand and pulled her off the stage. She was crying by the time we were across the mall. “You’re hurting me!” she whined, trying to get her wrist free from my grasp. I released her and got down to her level.
“I’m sorry, Bella! I’m sorry …” I gently took her wrist in my hand and looked it over. It was a little red, but I didn’t think it would bruise. I looked at her again. “I’m sorry.” I pulled her in for a hug.
“It’s okay, just don’t pull me like that. I’m not a doggie.”
“Hey …”
I pulled back from Bella and stood up as Max came to a stop beside us. Tears stung my eyes and I quickly looked away from him. His hand brushed my shoulder and I was overcome with heat and butterflies. I would’ve pulled away from his touch, but his hand jerked away, as if I’d burned him.
“Are you okay?” He winced and rubbed his forehead with his fingers. He shook his head. “Of course you’re not okay. That was an idiotic question.”
Bella looked between us. “Why are you not okay, Sky?”
I looked up at the ceiling, silently begging for divine intervention. I sucked in my gut and looked down to Bella. “I’m fine.” And then I met Max’s gaze. “I’m fine.”
He rubbed at the back of his neck as he stared at me, nodding once in understanding. “Yeah. Of course. I just know that seeing Santa up close can be a little scary. He’s an intimidating fella.”
Bella grabbed my hand and tugged. “You were scared, Sky?”
I mouthed a thank you to Max and then turned my attention back to Bella. “Yeah, sorry. I’m nothing but a big baby.”
“Do you want a cookie?” Bella asked.
“What?” I asked, tugging my sleeves over my hands before crossing my arms over my chest.
“A cookie. They make me feel better.”
I let out a little chuckle and shook my head. “No, I’m okay. I thought maybe we could get a present for Mom.” I glanced at Max who was still standing there. “We’re good,” I said, motioning behind him to the ever-growing line. “You should probably get back there. The new girl looks like she misses you.”
“Huh?” he looked around and I turned my attention back to Bella.
“Ooh, can we get her a puppy?” Bella asked, tugging on my elbow as she bounced a bit.
“Um …” I was going to answer when Max interrupted.
“Veronica wants a ride home after work. But I don’t want to give her one. I think you and Bella should see a movie with me instead. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms didn’t look terrible.”
I was about to decline because … Parker! but Bella had other plans.
“A movie? In the theater?! Can I get candy?”
Max’s grin was too adorable for words and the guilt washed over me. “Oh, Bella, I don’t think—”
“Yes, you can have one of each,” he said, grinning at Bella.
My jaw tightened and my arms closed around myself. “Max!” They both looked at me, wide eyed.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked, the joy quickly melting from his face. My stomach melted with it. This was wrong. This was so, so wrong, but looking at him, I couldn’t find the words.
“When does your shift end?”
MAX
Skylar and Bella returned to Santa’s Wonderland just after six. I had already changed out of my elf costume and into a comfortable pair of jeans and the gray sweater I’d worn to work. When I emerged from the employee break room, I found the two of them checking out the horrible patriotic Christmas display.
“The Nutcracker awaits!” I said, and held out my hand to Bella. She ran over and grabbed it, giggling. I shot a glance at Skylar, and she was chewing on her lower lip again. It was cute—she was clearly nervous, and I wondered if it was because of me, her sister, or something else entirely.
We worked our way through the throngs of people to the movie theater. At the ticket booth, I pulled out my card and slid it under the glass as Skylar tried to protest, pulling a crumpled twenty out of her pocket.
“Max, you don’t have to—”
“It’s fine,” I assured her, waving her cash away. “It was my idea, so it’s my treat.” Tickets in hand, I let B
ella lead the way toward the concession stand.
“Can I really get something?” she asked, her brown eyes wide.
“I told you, one of each, if you want.”
“Max, no!” Skylar sounded annoyed. “That’s too much candy for one kid. She can get one thing.”
“Sky,” Bella whined. “He said I could get one of each!”
“How about one candy and popcorn?” I asked. “A compromise.” I put on my best smile and bent down until I was eye-level with Bella.
“Please, Sky?” she begged.
“Yeah, please?” I asked as I turned and looked up towards Skylar, flashing her my cutest smile.
“Fine.” Skylar crossed her arms, but she was fighting a grin, I could tell. She shook her head. “You two …”
I helped Bella pick out her candy, and she ended up with sour gummy bears and a big bag of popcorn. I handed the popcorn to Skylar for safekeeping.
“And a large drink,” I added before the cashier swiped my card. I glanced at Skylar to make sure she wasn’t going to get mad at the addition. She just shook her head and grinned.
When we made it to the theater, Skylar and I both holding our respective concessions, we reached for the door at the same time and our hands touched. Heat rushed over my fingers and I felt the blood rush to my face. When I made eye contact with Skylar, her hazel eyes were wide and her cheeks were pink. We both pulled our hands back. I couldn’t think about anything except the tingle of my fingers and how her eyes were more gold than green.
“Come on,” Bella said, yanking the door open. “Let’s go!”
The theater was almost empty, and Bella made a beeline for the middle row. I watched Bella and then Skylar get settled into their seats, then stepped past both of them to plant myself on Skylar’s side.
Immediately, Bella stood. “I want to sit next to Mr. Max, too.” She pointed at the empty seat to my left.
“Come on over, Bella.” I held the cushion down until she got settled.