Page 37 of Drifting

I agree with Paige it’s going to be an interesting year. At least, these are the same classes I was taking at my last school.

When we pull up in front of the driveway, Peter keeps the engine running. “Patty’s out with some friends, then we’re going out later tonight.”

Did he think I already forgot?

“Okay, thanks, Peter.” I climb out of the car and shut the door.

Before I even step back, he tears off down the road.

Limping up the driveway, I open the side door and head to my room.

I have about three hours before Nick and Hannah come home. The football team started practicing even before school started, and since Hannah’s not here, I guess cheerleading practice also started. I can’t imagine doing drills in this heat.

Today’s a perfect day to go swimming. I wish I could go into the water. By the time I get this damn cast off my leg, it will be too cold to go swimming.

Deciding to read by the pool, I search through my closet and find a basic, two-piece. Unfortunately, it’s black and will make me look like a ghost.

I’m getting pretty good at only using one hand and change into the bikini top. Grabbing a book, I head out to get some sun.

CHAPTER TEN

Out by the pool, I place my towel and a bottle of water on the ground beside my seat, un-Velcro my cast, and slather sunscreen lotion on my body the best I can. Then, I find the spot in my book where I left off and settle in, getting comfortable.

Once again, I lose track of time.

At some point, I swallow, suddenly thirsty. Who knows how long I’ve been sitting here reading? Grabbing the bottle of water, I notice my skin feels tight. With no clock by the pool, I’m not sure when I came out. I tend to get lost in books.

I glance over at the pool. I’d love to dive under the water. Since I can’t and don’t want to head back into the house, I decide I should move to sit under the umbrella.

Bending, I grab my cast off the ground and strap it back around my leg. Damn, I’ll be glad when I’m done with all this shit. Picking up my book, towel, lotion, and water bottle, I head over to the other side of the pool, where an umbrella offers shade from the hot sun.

I’m passing the sliding glass door when it opens, and Nick stands there, completely drenched in sweat. His normal pompadour hair is flat against his head, and sweat plasters his T-shirt to his chest.

I crack up laughing. “Hey, Nick. How was football practice?”

“Hell. The ninth circle of hell.” He gives me a boyish smile. “Mind having company?”

“Not at all. Go get your suit on.” I use the book to fan myself. “At least one of us can cool off.”

“When I get back, remind me to tell you what I read about being able to remove your boot.” He ducks back through the slider, then turns around. “Oh, I also brought a gift for you.”

My mouth drops open. He can’t leave after he said something like that! Why’d he research my cast? And who the hell got me a gift? Him?

Finishing my trek to the covered area, I sit in a chair and wait for Nick’s return.

He soon jogs out of the house wearing swimming trunks and carrying a small shopping bag.

Passing the pool, he sits beside me. “You know, you were a hot topic at practice today.”

I roll my eyes. “I heard your dear sister started some nasty rumors about Patty and me. The girl who gave me the school tour already warned me.”

He sets his phone and the bag on the table. “You know why Hannah starts rumors. She’s jealous. You’re the first real competition for her group.”

“Come on, Nick. This”—I move my hand down my body—“is not competition. Once they find out where I come from, they’ll run away as fast as they can. Plus, once I turn eighteen, I’m out of here.”

He pushes up his glasses. “You won’t even consider staying?”

I shake my head. “I don’t fit in here. I’m so far out of my element. It’s nice, not worrying about rent or food, but it’s like trying to shove a square peg through a round hole. It doesn’t work.”

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