| |
Zoe
––––––––
I waited on my front steps for Shay. I didn’t want to introduce him to my parents. That was just too complicated. After checking my clothes again, I felt for my necklace, a silver chain with an inlaid teardrop tanzanite stone, surrounded by diamond-studded wings. My grandma had given it to me on my sixteenth birthday, and I’d thought it was appropriate for tonight. I re-checked the front of my baby-pink cashmere sweater. It matched my black—in honor of Shay—Miss Me jeans. I’d had to dig around my closet to find shoes, since my Converses just weren’t going to cut it, and settled on a pair of sparkly black kitten heels.
At seven, Shay turned onto the cul-de-sac in a shiny black car: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air with those unmistakable fins. I knew it well, due to Dad’s fascination with classic vehicles. He pulled into the driveway, hopped out, and strode up to the porch.
I waved, suddenly shy, and looked away.
He was decked out in all black, from his combat boots and jeans, to a shirt which he’d left unbuttoned to reveal a black concert T-shirt underneath. It reminded me when Kieran took me to the Nickelback performance at the state fair last summer. And then to how many times I’d checked my phone today. There’d been nothing from him.
Shay held out his hand and presented me with a white orchid in a terracotta pot. I stared at it, grinning, then touched a petal as if I had to make sure it was real. No one had ever given me flowers before. So many firsts with Shay. I took the pot and gave him a quick hug, then I stepped back to admire him.
I didn’t have much time to ponder over my thoughts. Shay’s eyes ran the length of my body, and he reached out to touch my necklace.
“You look wonderful,” he said. “Shall we go?”
“Let’s do it.” My body warmed and I didn’t think it had anything to do with the electrical current humming between us.
He looped his arm around my elbow and escorted me to his car, then opened the passenger door for me. Since I didn’t want to go back inside the house, I set my orchid on the floor between my feet.
The interior of the car gleamed. It was definitely not a typical guy’s car, but then, Shay was not a typical guy. I breathed in his scent: a musky lavender, tinged by a hint of something sweet like a strawberry.
“You have a very nice car,” I told him after he’d climbed in his side. “You’ll get along great with my dad. He’s into classic cars, too.” I ran my hand along the luxurious black upholstery bench. “This car must have cost you a fortune.”
I blushed, embarrassed for having said that. I turned toward my house and saw Mom and Stella waving as we drove off.
He didn’t seem bothered by my comment, which was a relief. “They can be expensive,” he agreed, “especially since they’re collectible. She was actually my first major purchase as an adult. Back in the ‘50s, I didn’t make much money so it did cost me a fortune.” He tapped the dash. “I call her Angel.”
I stared at him. “You bought this in 1957?”
He smirked. “Yes. When I was twenty.”
That actually made my crush on him more bizarre. I didn’t want to think about that. I changed the subject while my fingers picked through a pile of CDs.
“What’s your favorite song?”
“Right now it’s Glad You Came, by The Wanted. The words speak to me. Do you know it?” He pointed at the stack in my lap. “The CD’s in there.”
I rummaged through and found the case, but when I opened it, it was empty. I looked up, and he gestured with his chin toward the dashboard. “It’s already in there. Back when CDs became popular I upgraded the stereo and installed Bose speakers. It’s the only major change I’ve made since I’ve owned her.”
He turned the volume up and skipped back a few tracks. Ah, boys and their toys—and their cars.
I patted the dashboard. “Why did you name her Angel?”
“Seemed appropriate at the time.”
As we drove around the residential sections of St. Joseph and into one of the outer subdivisions where Cali lived, I relaxed against the seat and concentrated on the lyrics. I wanted to understand why they “spoke to him.”
The more I listened, the more emotional I became. The lyrics were beautiful, talking about magic and love, how nothing counted but the here and now. My throat felt thick, and I fought unsuccessfully to keep the tears from my eyes. He passed me a tissue.
I glanced over, embarrassed, carefully dabbing at my eyes so as not to wreck my makeup. The corner of his mouth curled into a smile, but he wasn’t laughing at me. “I’m glad you came into my life,” he said. “Don’t worry. Like I said, the words get to me, too.” He pulled the Bel Air next to the curb outside Cali’s house. “Let’s hang out here for a bit until you feel better.”
I was surprised to see we’d arrived. I frowned at him. “How do you know where Cali lives?”
“I told you I’ve been watching you for years. I’ve seen you come here before.” He chuckled, low and teasing. “I bet I know more about you than you do.”
“You do know that’s sort of creepy, right?” I said.
We sat in silence a few minutes. Then with a smirk, he opened his door and ran to open my side. I didn’t need help, obviously, but there was no way I was about to turn that action down. We walked up the driveway, hand in hand, both of us getting used to the electrical shock that crackled between us. I made a mental note to ask Kieran about it the next time I saw or talked to him. I needed to know what it meant.
I knocked on the front door, but the raging music within blocked any hope of hearing an answer. I tried the handle. It was unlocked, so we walked in. As soon as we entered, Cali ran down the hall and practically knocked me over with a hug.
“Hey, Zoe! I’m so glad you made it! We were wondering if you would still come.” Then she noticed Shay just behind me. “Well, who’s this?” she asked. “I didn’t know you were going to bring someone. It’s totally fine, of course, but you ...” She grinned at him. “You are definitely not Kieran!” She looked at me and actually licked her lips.
“I think he’s a little old for you.” By now I knew the effect he had on women.
“I wouldn’t think you would have moved on so fast, Zoe, but wow! I can totally see why you did!”
She stepped a little farther away and extended her hand to Shay. “Hi. I’m Cali, your hostess for the evening.”
Keeping one hand in mine, he gave her his other one. “Name’s Shay.”
“Shay,” she echoed, nodding. “Nice to meet you. Welcome.” She motioned behind her. “Party’s back that way, and drinks are in the fridge. ‘Special’ drinks are downstairs, and watch the cups, please. I don’t want to clean up spills all night.”
As we walked away, I saw Cali staring at Shay’s back, and could only imagine the wicked thoughts rolling around in her mind.
“Would you like something to drink?” Shay tugged my hand.
“Sure. I’ll come with you to the kitchen.”
“Ah, I see.” His eyes sparkled. “You don’t trust me to be alone with anyone?”
“No!” I cried, blushing. “I mean ... I trust you. But I’ll admit, all the other girls? Well, you do turn heads, you know.”
He looked unimpressed. “Do I?” His expression warmed. “Trust me, I’m only looking at you.”
I flicked one skeptical eyebrow, and he tilted his head from one side to the other in a tiny admission. “Okay,” he said. “I do watch them, but not for the reason you think.”
It was a little after seven, and I realized we were among the last to arrive. The pulse of the bass rumbled underfoot and bonfire smoke wafted through the house. People filled almost every room. We shuffled past teenagers to get to the kitchen, as bodies of hungry party goers crowded in there.
Every kind of drink known to mankind lined the shelves of the commercial-sized fridge. Cali had filled it to the brim with teas, waters, and even a few cans of energy drinks. I smiled when I spotted the diet strawberry pop. She expected me to show up. The counter was stocked with chips, nachos, candy and other snack foods.
As we exited the kitchen, a bunch of football players barreled toward us. Someone bumped Shay into me and we landed against the wall. My heart beat so fast and hard with the thrill of the contact, I thought it might explode out of my chest. We stood like that until something changed in his eyes.
He leaned forward and kissed me.
My lips tingled, like when a zap of static electricity hits, and I flinched.
“Hey, Zoe! You made it!” said my friend, Quinn. She wiggled her eyebrows appreciatively at Shay. “Oh, sorry! Am I interrupting—?”
I broke contact and peeked out from under the protection of Shay’s arms. “Hi, Quinn. No, you’re not interrupting anything. We were pushed.”
Shay stepped beside me and wrapped his arm around my waist. Quinn reacted with a wicked grin. “Oh, okay. I mean if I did, I can totally come back later.”
I shook my head.
“We wondered if you’d come or not,” she said. “I’m glad you’re here. Are you going to introduce us?” She waited with her hand on her hip, but then stuck it out. “Hi, I’m Quinn.”
“Yeah, sorry.” I shook my head to focus on my friend and not on my first kiss. “Quinn, this is Shay. Shay, Quinn.”
Her smile was dazzling. “Nice to meet you, Shay. You’re new around here, aren’t you? I haven’t seen you before. Well, look, Zoe is one of my girls, so you be nice to her! If you’re not, you’ll have all of us breathing down your neck. We girls stick together, you know.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he promised, matching her expression as we edged past her. She gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up.
It seemed most of my grade and half of the senior class was at the party. We made our way to the basement and stopped in the theater room, since I knew Shay would appreciate its state-of-the-art surround-sound system. Besides its hidden speakers in the ceiling and walls, an eighty-inch TV dropped from the ceiling with a push of a button. We scanned all the movies lining the wall in a custom-made, built-in cabinet which spanned from floor to ceiling.
I nudged his shoulder. “What’s your favorite movie?”
He looked surprised. “Is there anything better than Star Wars? The original trilogy, of course! And yours?”
“Don’t laugh.”
His expression sobered. “I won’t. I promise.”
“I love Disney’s Tangled. I know it’s a kid movie, but still.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” he said with a shrug. “We all have a child living within us.”
“Huh. That’s a great way to look at it.”
We ambled from the movie room to the crowded party/sports room where a pool table, three more TVs, and a gigantic wet bar stood, surrounded by more students. Loud music blared from the ceiling speakers, rattling the bottles in the wine rack. I could imagine Cali’s reaction if the bottles ended up breaking and spilling a mixture of red and clear liquids all over. From the doorway we could see some kids dancing while others shouted conversations to each other, but as soon as we stepped over the threshold, everyone stopped and stared at us.
Shay scanned the room as if a threat of some kind might break out at any minute, and I had to think he might just be right. Not demons, though.
The Triangle.
Morgan, Abby, and Ashel, along with a few other girls, gawked at him. Some even had the audacity to stare with their mouths open. I tensed, and Shay grabbed my hand, giving a very public gesture which informed all the girls he was taken. I liked that. A lot.
“Zoe! You brought the mystery guy!” Rena yelled, wriggling through the crowd toward us.
I grinned. “Rena, you remember Shay?”
“Of course. How could I forget a face like his?” She smiled. “Shay, is it? I don’t recall you giving me your name at Coffee Grind this afternoon.”
He watched her carefully, his mouth teasing. “That’s because I didn’t.”
I almost laughed. Point, set, match.
Not entirely satisfied, she turned to me. “So is it official? You are no longer with Kieran? You know everyone is talking about it, right?”
I couldn’t stand another mention of this stupid rumor. “Hang on, Rena.” While she and Shay watched, I climbed onto a bar stool and glared around me.
“Listen up, everyone. I’m only going to say this once!” I shouted over the music, which someone turned down. “Kieran and I never dated. I’ve known him since kindergarten, just like the rest of you. He and I are best friends. That’s it. He’s free to do what he wants or date anyone. I am not the reason why he hasn’t dated anyone.”
Okay, so that last part was untrue, but they didn’t need to know that.
Everyone continued to stare at me, but I had nothing more to say. I climbed down and smiled, hoping they’d move on now. They just kept staring, as if they had nothing better to do. Then someone turned the music back up.
“Do you want to leave?” Shay said into my ear.
“No. I’m not going to let this ruin our night out. Let’s just go find someplace else.”
I noticed Sidelle standing in the back of the group. I couldn’t read her expression, but knew she saw me, too.
Out in the backyard it was much quieter. Though not silent, because music pulsed through the walls. A few people milled about and talked, some were sprinkled in little alcoves, probably making out. We headed toward a bench swing in the middle of the yard.
“I’m sorry,” Shay said, squeezing my hand.
“What for?” I asked. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Maybe not, but I’m sorry you’re being pestered about Kieran. It clearly bothers you, and it troubles me to know you are upset.” He looked at his feet then back to me. “I ... I know what Kieran said.”
That was news. “You do?”
“I’m not surprised that he finally admitted his feelings for you. I’m not happy with how it all went down, but to be honest, I’m glad he told you. I think he felt he had to say something or he would lose you.” He frowned. “It’s been you and him for so long, and he’s never had to compete with another guy. Change can be hard for some.” His lips rose on one side. “Especially for those who live forever. They kind of get stuck in their ways.”
“It sounds like you’re defending him.”
“In a way I am. I could easily be in his position. Would I want to lose you to another guy? Definitely not. But it’s his own fault. He could’ve told you years ago, or at least upped his game, so you could have figured it out on your own.” His smile was quiet, thoughtful. “Maybe I’m just being selfish. He had his chance with you in the past, and he blew it. Now I’m here, and I want your future.”
What does a girl say to that?