Page 47 of Blade

Thankfully, this dinner was almost over.

“What’s the story about?”

“Huh?” I responded, looking back at Grant.

“The story. What’s it about?” he asked, and I got the feeling he knew I was lying. Maybe I used that too much when my mind wandered. It had always worked before.

Lie number two coming up in three… two… one.

“Unfortunately, not something I can talk about just yet. Still have to get my facts straight before I can mention anything. Have to be careful so I don’t get sued for slander, or libel.”

God, I hope he bought it?

“Hmmm, that is probably a good practice.” Grant set his napkin on the table and stood. “Ready to go?”

Nope, he didn’t buy it.

“Um, sure, it’s really been fun catching up, but it is getting late.” I set my napkin on the table and stood as well.

Grant had already turned, heading toward the door.

Well then.

I followed Grant outside as he walked me over to the passenger side of the car. I guess he was still going to open the door for me. Only when I got to the door, he just stood there, without keys in his hand.

“You know, when I asked you to dinner, I had hoped things would go differently.” Grant looked at me. He wasn’t smiling this time. “I had wanted to pick up where we left off on prom night. You know, when you disappeared without a word?”

Prom night, oh boy.

“I thought maybe you had gotten sick or something, so I gave you some time to come to me. Only you never did.”

I had gotten sick, but not in the way he assumed.

“I thought you would come to me and apologize for making me look like a fool in front of our entire class.”

He took a step toward me, and I took a step back, bumping against the car.

“Did you know you won prom queen?”

I knew. That was why I ran.

“I did that.”

“What?” I looked at him, confused.

“I made sure you won. Just as I made sure I won. We were supposed to be together.”

“Grant, I don’t understand.”

“NO! You don’t understand,” he shouted, and I flinched.

“Maybe you can explain it to me.”

What is going on?

This was not the Grant I knew.

I had never seen him like this.

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