Текст книги "Uncovering Desire"

Автор книги: Kacey Shea

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

Trent releases my hand and glares.

“So how’d the Three Ugly Guys name come about? You are all obviously great looking.” At my question, a grin pulls at his lips.

“I’m the best looking, so the others are obviously the ugly ones.” He shrugs and holds my gaze with a twinkle in his eyes as the other members pipe up.

“Not a chance in hell. Y’all are some ugly ass motherfuckers.”

“Ha! No way. I’m best.”

“Nada… sorry to say chicks dig the piercings, I’m obviously the best.” They continue arguing and Trent smiles. I inhale sharply. Dear God, he’s beautiful.

“So, you get the gist, right? This is how the band name came about.” His teasing gives hope that I haven’t completely sabotaged this meeting. A smile plays at my lips.

“I can only imagine. It must be difficult working with such sexy beasts. Y’all argue over which one is the baby Jesus of the group?” Trent’s booming laugh silences the room.

“Marc, Steph, you really ought to prep your team before meeting with new clients. Seems like our girl Kate here has never seen us before. I kinda like it, though. Do we get to work directly with her?”

The way he says Kate sends shivers up my arms. Oh, fuck me. These clients will star in my fantasies for weeks to come. Focus, Kate. I need to keep my head clear and on task for the next few hours.

“Yes, Kate here is our Director of Client Relations. She will be your go to for anything and everything.” Thanks Marc. The way he speaks insinuates I’ll be available for more than just professional matters.

“Well, now that the whole team is here, why don’t we go to lunch and talk business. We’re extremely honored to be considered for the upcoming projects and we’d like to hear more about what you’re looking for.”

Steph speaks and brings the band’s attention to where she sits across the table. I step to the side, needing to put space between myself and Trent. The look he gave me earlier reminds me of the Big Bad Wolf and what troubles me is my initial instinct to put on a red hood.

“Okay, then, let’s head out. Kate, you and I will drive.” Marc nods my way.

“I call shotgun!” Trent winks and struts to my side. He meets my gaze with heat. Sex on a stick, that’s what he is. Oh hell. This will either be the best or worst client meeting of my life. I itch for my yoga mat. I already feel a loss of control as this rocker’s eyes bore into mine.

I turn on my heel and take long strides on my way out to the lot. I don’t bother to check if everyone else follows. Fuck. I cannot lose control right now. I’ve worked too hard to get to this place. I channel my breathing techniques and mentally steel myself for the panty melting smiles Trent’s sure to throw my way. I am Kate mother-fucking Bryant. No man can break me.

Clicking my fob to open the car doors, I turn to see the band and owners have made their way outside. I flash my most seductive smile. “Okay, ugly boys, who’s riding with me?”

“YOU AREN’T SLEEPING WITH MY best friend, are you?”

Fuck. Is Evie a mind reader now? I’ve spent the day working side by side with QT on our current case load. All the while attempting, unsuccessfully at that, to get the image of Kate bent over in front of me as I slid in and out of her sweet, wet—oh hell. I’m doing it again. I can’t for the life of me get our night together out of my head.

Living with the damn temptress isn’t helping, either. Catching her practice yoga every morning in her panties has my imagination going wild with all the ways we’d fit together. And it pisses me off that she acts as though nothing ever happened. I mean, I know that’s how we settled things. I knew the score when we crossed the line, but I want more. More than she’s willing or wanting to give. Irritating. I need to man up and get over it already.

I close out of my laptop browser and spin my chair to face Evie. I force a casual grin. “Now, where did you get that crazy idea, QT? Kate and I are more likely to murder each other than go there.” Relief fills her face and her shoulders relax into the chair.

“Oh, good. I don’t know, I guess I always thought there might be something between you two, and now with you living in close quarters… she’s single, you’re single… It’s not so crazy to think it could happen. Besides, Tate has this theory that your anger toward her is just pent up sexual frustration.” She laughs and I try to join in. Of course, Evie’s boyfriend sees past my front. I’ll have to do a better job at leveling out my reactions to Kate.

“Crazy, I know. I told him to leave the matchmaking to me.” She smiles and I’m relieved. I don’t want to lie to Evie, but I made a promise to Kate that I wouldn’t say anything, and I always honor my word.

My cell sounds from the desk and I answer, glancing to see a blocked number flash across the screen. “Harper and Beltran, this is Jon.”

“Beltran, Collier here. You got a sec?”

Detective Collier works for Scottsdale PD and we became business associates after a private investigation case almost turned deadly. Since then, he’s put a good word in for me and I take on contract work with the department on a regular basis. I respect his no bullshit attitude. You always know what you’re getting with Collier.

“Yeah, what can I do for you Detective?”

“We’ve got a bite on an underground drug and gambling ring. I could use some help casing a few locations and potential players. Not the usual suspects, though. These guys are mid-fifties to mid-sixties, retired, no priors. Making it a fucking pain in my ass. You in?”

“Sounds good. Just send the details and I’ll block out some time in my schedule.”

“Will do. Be in touch.”

The line goes dead and I set my phone down. I’m going to have a packed schedule for the next few weeks with this extra assignment. That’s good. Keeping busy will help keep my mind from wandering to the blonde goddess and her severe lack of clothing.

“So, I’m going to head out for the night unless there’s anything else we need to discuss. Are you going to do a little digging with the McAllister case tomorrow?”

Evie busies herself packing up her laptop bag and putting away loose files while I stand from my chair and stretch.

“Yeah, I think I might try checking out his office tomorrow to see what I find. I’ll need back up, though. You free for a few hours?”

“Sorry. I already told Carly I’d watch the boys so she could pick up a weekend shift, and Tate’s working. Otherwise, I would.”

“That’s cool. I’m sure I can find someone.”

“Wait. McAllister doesn’t have office hours tomorrow. How are you going to check things out?”

Sliding my hands into my front pockets, I purse my lips to whistle. I don’t quite meet Evie’s hard stare.

“Jon. We talked about this. Nothing illegal. I mean it. We do our investigating on the up and up, you hear me?”

“Loud and clear. I won’t do anything dangerous. I swear. But if he just happens to forget to lock the back door to his building tonight and I just happen to be walking by said door tomorrow, I can’t really be blamed for going inside to check things out.”

“Ugh! I’m going to pretend I never heard you say that. And for the record, I think it’s a bad idea. So far, this case seems bogus anyway. I think his wife’s just hormonal and paranoid. We’ve found nothing to solidify her suspicions.” I follow Evie out our front door and down to where her car’s parked.

I agree with Evie. When we first met a very pregnant Susie McAllister three weeks ago, I initially thought maybe her claims were true, but after hours of investigation I wasn’t so sure. Susie, seven months pregnant, is under the impression her husband of five years is having an affair with his secretary Tammy. Who, by the way, is also seven months pregnant. Susie’s deduced he must be the baby daddy since Tammy’s single and isn’t sharing with anyone who the father is.

Susie’s claims are all based on feelings that her husband Robert has been more distant, stressed, and less interested in sex since she’s become pregnant. He also spends most of his time at work. I’m not sure what’s happening, but Evie and I are doing due diligence to rule out Mrs. McAllister’s claims and hopefully relieve her paranoia.

“Yeah, I’d have to agree with you. I still want to check out the office. It’s the place he spends most of his time, so if there is anything he is hiding from his wife, it’ll be there.”

“Do what you gotta do. Just don’t call me when you get arrested for breaking and entering!” She opens her car door, tosses her laptop bag inside and slides in to start the ignition.

“Oh, hey, I got a text from an old army comrade who may be flying into town to meet with a specialist next week. Is it cool if I let Alex stay here for a few days?”

“Fine by me. A friend of yours is always welcome in our house.”

“Thanks, Evie. Good night.”

“’Night, Jon. See you Monday.” I smile and close the car door. Backing up, I head straight for the cold AC. Summers are a bitch and I’d forgotten just how bad. It was almost six o’clock and still over a hundred degrees. Sweat drips off my brow and down my back as I turn the lock.

Heading into the kitchen I chug down a protein shake, fill my water jug, and grab my keys. I’m already sweaty and gross, might as well get a quick lift in before this day’s over and the next begins.

“Kate. You hear me okay?”

“Talk dirty to me.”

I roll my eyes even though she can’t see me from where she’s parked outside the commercial storefronts. Bringing Kate along today wasn’t my first choice, but she’s one of very few friends I can even ask. Of course, Kate being Kate insisted that she drive because, I quote, “I need my own wheels if I’ve got to drive the getaway car.” Kate loves bad cop dramas more than anyone I know. Every time she helps out with a case she behaves as if we’re acting in one.

I glance over each shoulder before jiggling the back door open with my pick set. Rob McAllister runs his own insurance brokerage and leases an office front on a busy street downtown. The lot in the back is for overflow parking, so at this hour it’s dead. From tailing McAllister over the past few weeks I know there isn’t a security system and the lock in back is finicky so he prefers to use the front. Kate’s posted in the front on the off chance he comes by.

“Just checking to make sure the Bluetooth works.”

“Gotcha, Army. I’m here. This is boring, though.”

“Yeah, most surveillance is. Just keep an eye on the door, okay?”

“What do you say?” She sings into my ear.

“What?”

I make it inside and scrutinize the small space. McAllister’s work area is separated from his secretary’s desk by a half wall. Her workspace sits directly in front of a small waiting area with chairs and a magazine laden table.

“You know. Say the magic word. I need to hear you say it.” I release a frustrated sigh and give into her stupid request.

“Please.”

“Thank you. Was that so hard?”

“Harder than you know.”

Methodically checking the drawers in his desk, I find nothing more than a killer candy stash and the usual junk that clutters a desk. I turn, my back to the front door, and examine the contents of the large filling cabinets lining the back wall.

I squat down to flip through file after file, moving as fast and as diligently as I can. I don’t want to miss something important, but so far all looks normal and in place. I hear the sound of voices talking outside the tinted glass office front. Could be a pedestrian but I don’t want to assume.

“Kate. Kate, you there?” I whisper into my Bluetooth.

“Here! Ready, locked, and loaded. What do you need, big guy?” I can hear her smacking gum and her voice booms in my ear.

“First off, I need you to talk softer. I may not have a working eardrum.”

“Anything else you’d like to criticize?”

I continue to flip through files as fast as my fingers allow but the voices increase in volume near the front doors. Peeking my head over the half wall that shields my body from view, I take a look. Shit.

“Kate. Kate, I need you to listen to me. This is really important. Do you see the front door? Do you see people out there?”

“The preggo chick talking on her cell pacing back and forth. Yeah, I see her.”

“Okay, I need your help. You cannot let her come in here. I need you to cause a distraction. Anything you need to do, get it done. Got me?”

“I’ve got you covered, Army. On it.”

“And Kate, give me a heads up if you can. I’m gonna try and find what I need before I bail.”

I slide the cabinet door shut, and pull open the last drawer. If I don’t find anything here this treasure hunt is a bust. My fingers inch across the tabs of manila folders, eyes scrutinizing each label. Virgo. The title causes me to pause. Buried in a collection of addresses, vendors, and customers, an astrology sign stands out of place. I pull the folder to skim the contents.

Jackpot. Inside is a collection of ultrasound photographs, blood tests, paternity results, and a notarized legal document that I want to study in greater detail.

“Jon. There’s a man here. He just pulled up and hugged the chick. Looks like he’s got keys.

I pull my phone from my pocket and proceed to snap photos of everything in the file.

“Kate. This is your time to shine, babe. I need five minutes, ten tops. Cause a scene.”

“What should I do? Jon, they are two steps from the door! I’m still parked four cars over!”

“Shit. Kate. Anything! Do not let them inside!”

Screeching tires drift through the walls. Shouts. Metal on metal scraping. More shouting.

“Kate? Kate! Are you okay?”

Silence. I finish taking the last photo and shove the documents back into the file before I slide it in place. Slamming the drawer shut, I glance out the front. All I can see is a crowd gathering around two vehicles. Kate’s Acura is bent into a street light as well as the back bumper of a black Equinox. I don’t want to waste any more time so I jog my way out the back door.

“Kate? Are you okay? Tell me you are okay!”

“Uh. I’m fine. But, I uh, I had a little fender bender. I think we’re gonna need a ride home.”

“Shit, did you really just crash your car?”

“You said to make a scene!”

“I said cause a distraction, not endanger yourself with a wreck! You could have just flashed your tits!”

“Nice advice now!”

“Hey, hey. I’m sorry. Thank you. I can’t let the couple out front see me. I’ll meet you down the street at Sozo okay? We’ll figure it out then.”

“Uh. I might be a while. Cops are here. I should probably get out of my car now.”

“Shit. Okay. Look, I’m glad you’re all right. I’ll wait as long as it takes. I’m not going anywhere. Tell them you fainted or forgot to eat breakfast. You can fake it, right?”

“I can fake it, but I prefer not to.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

“Seriously, Kate?”

“Sorry. Don’t worry, I’ve got this. I’ll meet you at the coffee shop. Gotta go now.”

“Bye.”

Taking long strides, I keep my head down until I’m out of the back alleyway and onto a main street. It takes me five minutes to reach the rendezvous location. I select a seat facing the front door and wait, tapping my right heel up and down.

I cannot believe Kate slammed her car into McAllister’s SUV. She could’ve been seriously injured. It was stupid and irrational, but something about her actions warms my heart. That woman, crazy as she might be, will do anything to keep me safe if I ask. I don’t have many people like that around me anymore. Her actions, although a little misguided, prove that she cares more than she lets on. I mean, who the hell causes a collision with their own car for someone else’s benefit?

I can’t contain the satisfied smile that pulls at the corners of my lips. I haven’t stopped thinking about my night with Kate. Maybe she hasn’t either. Maybe—just maybe, she’s interested in more. I sure as hell hope so because I’ve tried everything to forget. I can’t get the image of her ass out of my goddamn head. That and the feeling of sliding in and out of her pussy. The sweet sounds she makes when she’s about to come. There’s one thing I haven’t tried, though, and maybe I’ll man up and give us a shot.

Walking over to the counter, I order a green tea for Kate and a coffee for myself. When I get back to my seat, I pull out my phone and swipe through the documents I photographed. Holy shit. Mrs. McAllister isn’t going to like what I found today. Fucking A. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news to a woman who looks like she’s about to pop. I’ll wait until Monday when Evie’s working to deal with that.

I continue making notes on a small notepad from my back pocket, glancing at the door each time someone new enters the cafe. I’m anxious for Kate to come back. I worry she’s downplayed the crash. What if she’s hurt? I hope she knows she can call me if that’s true, screw the case.

I look up once more and she breezes into Sozo’s, smiling broadly when she finds me waiting. I stand and reach out, rubbing a hand up and down her arm. She seems fine, but I’m still concerned. All joking aside, she is good at faking it when she wants to.

“You okay, Speed Racer?”

“I’m fine. Swear on my Jimmy Choo’s. I did get a ticket though for destruction of public property. Probably should have steered clear of that light pole. My car’s being towed to a shop. I’ll have to deal with that and my insurance for hitting that asshole you’re investigating.”

She’s talking a mile a minute and gesturing wildly with her hands. I pick up the tea I ordered.

“Here.” I shove the mug in her hands. “Just breathe.”

Her eyes widen and she takes a long sip from the cup.

“You got me tea.”

“Of course, I did. That’s what you like to drink when you’re stressed. Now, sit down a sec, I’m calling a cab. We need to get you home to rest. Are you sure you’re okay?” A smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she eases into the seat adjacent to mine, setting her mug down.

“Yeah. I’m fine. My neck’s a little sore. I’m sorry I made a big mess of things. I hope you got what you needed.”

“I got what I needed and more. Thank you, Kate.”

I call a cab. A driver should pick us up in about fifteen minutes. I look at the time, it’s just after noon. My stomach growls in response. Kate’s quiet as she sips her tea. She relaxes into the big chair and her eyelids flutter closed. She’s being tough but I’m sure this morning has taken its toll. When we get home I’m taking care of her. She needs to eat and rest, and even though it was only a tiny crash, I bet her body will feel it later.

“Oh shit.” She curses under her breath, eyes still closed.

“What is it, Lightning McQueen?” Her eyes flash open, narrowing.

“I was just thinking how in the hell I’m supposed to get to work this week, thank you very much. I’m already out money, God knows how much, for the damages to my car, plus insurance, plus the ticket. And if I lived at my home it wouldn’t even be a big deal because I can walk or take the bus, but from your place it’ll take me over an hour to navigate our shitty public transit system. And of all weeks because I’m in charge of a really important account with these supposed rock stars. God!” She bangs her head back against the edge of her chair and the ceiling. “I want to say things can’t get worse, but I know for a fact they can. I’m riding a streak of bad luck here and it sucks!”

“I’ll take you.” Her spine straightens and she pins me with a look I can’t read.

“What?”

“You heard me Miss Bryant, I’ll be your chauffeur until you get your wheels back. It’s the least I can do for you saving my ass today. You’re a good woman, Kate, you didn’t leave a man stranded and you could have.”

She blinks rapidly and I wonder if she’s trying to hold back tears. I pick up her mug and place it in her hands. She slowly brings it to her lips and sips. My phone sounds from where it sits atop the table.

“Our cab is here. Let’s get you home. You’ve had a busy day playing super sleuth.”

Yep. I’ll show Kate that what we have deserves a chance at more than friends. Maybe. The word holds so much possibility. Excited energy fills my body and I can’t wait to see what our maybe holds for the future.

MAYBE I HAD HIT MY head on the dash without knowing it because this Jon, the thoughtful and sweet man who fretted over me like I was someone worth taking care of, was a man I didn’t know. Maybe I was suffering from stress induced illusions.

“What do you feel like eating? Do you want me to make you something or grab takeout? Kate, you look a little pale, why don’t you sit down. Are you sure you feel okay?” His brown eyes were soft and sweet. I must be hallucinating.

Yeah, this wasn’t my pissed off temporary roomie of late.

“I’m just tired, Jon. All I want to do is take a hot shower, get something to eat and then fall asleep for a few hours.” I attempt to ease his concern. The muscles in my neck pinch with a dull discomfort but other than that I feel fine. My car on the other hand, looks a hot mess.

“Okay, you get a shower and I’ll run to the store and get a few things.” He’s out the door before I even make it down the hall. My cell phone sounds from inside my purse but I don’t have the energy to deal with anyone, so I let it go to voicemail and fill the small bathroom with steam. As I peel off my clothes, the weight of the day’s activities hit me like a ton of bricks. I twist to adjust the water temperature and cringe in pain. My muscles are tight and stiff.

Stepping into the shower, I let the warm water pelt my skin. I take my time washing my hair and skin, and let my mind relax and go black so I can enjoy these few minutes of peace before reality hits.

I shut the water and use a towel to rub clear the steam on the mirror. Ugh. I look tired and worn despite the shower. Drying off, I wrap the towel snuggly across my breasts. I finger comb my hair, fix my bangs so they’ll dry straight, and walk to my room to change into shorts and a tank top.

Jon must still be out because I don’t hear anyone moving about the apartment. I grab my phone and sit down on my bed. Several missed calls and voicemails from numbers I don’t recognize. I’m one popular lady today.

“Hello Miss Bryant¸ this is Dave from Aaron’s Auto. We are working up an estimate on your damages but probably won’t be able to get back to you ’til Monday. If you have any questions give me a call before we close today, otherwise I’ll be in touch.”

Great. I’ll probably be without a car for this week, maybe next. Why can’t I do things the easy way?

“Hey, babe, Marc gave me your number and said I could contact you if I needed anything. Anyway, I need for your little hot self to be at our show this Tuesday night. Email our manager the names of anyone else you want to bring. VIP access and the vocal stylings of yours truly. What more could you ask on a lame weeknight?” Trent’s deep chuckle sounds through before he leaves a short, “Bye, love.”

I pull my phone back and stare at it with a mixture of confusion, shock, and delight. Was he really that arrogant and self-assured to leave a message without his name? Yes. Trent was the kind of man who knew what he wanted and went for it. I admired that, found it extremely sexy, but realistically the only reason he was flirting was because I was the latest catch he hadn’t caught. I knew how guys like him worked. Never being rejected or having to work for it made the chase all the more fun.

Programming his number into my phone, I hear the front door open.

“Kate?”

“In here.”

Jon fills my doorway as a grin pulls at his lips.

“Have a good shower?”

“Delightful.” I grin and roll my eyes.

“Good. I brought sustenance!” He lifts a bag to reveal Chipotle. Squealing with joy, I clap my hands from the edge of the bed.

“You are my angel!” He frowns at my compliment.

“I feel manlier than an angel.”

“Using the word manlier makes you less manly.”

“Noted. So, let’s get you fed so you can take a nap. Eat in here or kitchen?”

“Here is good.” I scoot until my back hits the headboard and fold my legs comfortably. Jon walks to Evie’s dresser and places the bag on top.

“Wait here.” He jogs out of the room and returns seconds later with a baking sheet.

“Food’s already cooked. I don’t think we need that.” I raise a brow in question. Jon chuckles.

“Here. I don’t do fancy shit, but when you want to eat in bed—” He places the tray on my lap, opens the Chipotle bag, and arranges napkins, fork, food, and drink on top. “A cookie sheet works just as well.” He smiles proudly and I giggle. It’s sweet.

“Hey, how did you know this is my favorite?” I shovel a bite of rice, chicken, and guacamole goodness into my mouth.

“Oh, please, you and Evie, always going on about ‘Chipotle is my life,’ how could I miss that? I hope it’s okay?”

“It’s wonderful.” I say between mouthfuls. I didn’t realize how famished I was until he brought the food. So good.

“What’s your pleasure?”

You. My head pops up and I swallow the mouthful of food. “What?” I snap out of my food lust coma to find Jon messing with the controls of the remote. Oh. For a second there… Never mind.

“Grey’s.”

“You and Evie and that damn show. What’s so special about it?”

“You’ll just have to watch to find out. Wanna stay and watch it with me?” Jon pauses to look over his shoulder, his gaze intense and searching my own. For what, I don’t know.

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll stay and watch a little while.” I can’t help the giant grin that spreads across my face. I swear I catch him grin before he turns his attention back to the remote. Finished with my food I turn and set the tray on the side table. Ouch. I wince as pain slices down my spine.

“You okay?” Jon is at the side of the bed in seconds, brows furrowed with concern.

“Just my neck and back. I guess playing bumper cars wasn’t the greatest of ideas.” I reach an arm to rub the base of my neck. He chuckles.

“Scoot.” I inch my body forward, still sitting on the bed and watch in fascination as the man toes off his shoes and socks. He moves with purpose and a gentleness that I find in complete odds with his large, muscular male frame.

He steps onto the bed behind me, sitting and cradling me between his long legs. Clicking play on the remote brings an episode of Grey’s Anatomy to the TV hanging on the opposite wall. His big, strong hands move to my neck and he uses his fingers to knead my sore muscles. It’s sweet and intimate. I sigh in pleasure, both at the feeling of his fingers moving across my skin and at the relief they bring.

Oh hell. How did I not know Jon had such skills in the massage department? I’m aroused and blissed out at the same time, and unable to focus on the show at hand.

“So she’s torn between the two doctors?”

I’ve no clue what’s happening on the screen. “Mmmhmm.” Jon laughs.

“That feel good?” He works his fingers lower. They make their way all the way down my spine and I let my head and body fall forward to give him better access.

“Please don’t stop what you’re doing.” I manage to get out.

His magic fingers move over my tank and I wish he’d peel the fabric away so we could be skin to skin. My skin warms yet I shiver in response to the explicit thoughts racing through my mind. My phone pings from the bedside table, alerting me to an incoming message, but I ignore it. Nothing, and I mean nothing, takes precedence over this man’s fingers working me over.

Jon’s fingers still when my phone pings again. The bed sinks and his hands are gone. I whip my head up to find him grabbing his socks and shoes.

“What’d I miss? Where are you going? That felt really good.”

“I’m glad I made you feel better. Looks like you’ve got someone you need to talk to.” He nods over to my cell and turns to leave the room. I’m confused. Why is he leaving? Things were just getting good. Guys don’t leave when things get good. I leave them. I reach for my phone and grab it. Jon turns once more at the doorway.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” He digs one hand in his back pocket, pulls out a small bag, and tosses it my way. I reach out and catch a bag of Skittles. He remembered. I look up and he’s already out the door and down the hall.

My phone pings again. Trent’s name flashes across the screen.

Trent Rock God: Come over and hang out tonight?

Shit, shit, shit! I scroll through to see the two other messages he sent. Texts I missed. Texts Jon read while running his hands over my skin in this very bed. Shit!

Trent Rock God: Chick, you are making me crazy. Can’t stop thinking about you.

Trent Rock God: Tuesday night can’t come soon enough.

I look at the bag of Skittles in my lap and feel moisture gather behind my eyelids. I blink back the tears that threaten to fall, take a deep breath, and close my eyes. I remember exactly why Skittles are my favorite candy.

I sat on the front steps of Evie’s front porch, waiting, not so patiently, for my best friend to come home from her afterschool shift at the Water N Ice store a few blocks away. She had her license but it would still be a few months before I could get mine. Which probably wouldn’t even happen. The way my parents argued over money every night I didn’t want to stress them out more by asking to drive. We didn’t have money for another car or insurance. Hell, we didn’t even have money for rent. Whatever.

I unzipped the pocket of my backpack and pulled out a bag of Skittles. Shouting voices burst through an open door down the street and I lift my eyes toward the sound, finding Jon walking out his front door and slamming it shut behind him. His long and lengthy frame moves with purpose as he jogs toward the street and halts. A scowl covers his usually smiling face. I’m no mind reader but he looks pissed. More shouting sounds from inside the house and he turns to glance back at the sound before he shoves his hands in his pockets and begins coming my way. As he gets closer I yell out to him.

“Hey, Jon.” I offer a shy smile and a wave, and he nods. He strolls the rest of the way to Evie’s porch, then stands before me and studies the ground. I’ve never seen him this way. He is always so friendly. Something must be wrong.

“Wanna sit?” He nods and takes a seat on the step next to me. We both sit in silence for a few more minutes.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Not really.” His distraught expression leads me to do something bold. I reach over to where his hand lays on the step next to me and squeeze it with my own. I offer him another smile.