Page 4 of Spike

“Well, his realname is Dawson, but I started calling him Screek, because…”

She smiled wide.“I get it. Dawson… Screek…Dawson’s Creek.”

“Beautifulandsmart,”I said, causing her to blush immediately.

“Are all yourreferences from the nineties?”

“We have a limitedlibrary at our house too,” I said, rebuttoning my sleeve cuff.

“What’s yourname?” she asked, beating me to the punch.

“Spike.”

“Spike? And what’sthatnickname in reference to?”

“Who said it’s anickname?”

She bowedapologetically. “You’re right. Spike could be your birthname. Your mother doessound like she’s pretty cool. I mean, she did level with you about the dessertchamber.”

I forced a smileand nodded. “She was very cool.”

Her hand went toher mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry I—”

“It’s okay,” Isaid, quickly. “She passed a few years ago, but she’d been sick a long time.”

“Now I kind ofhave to give you ice cream, don’t I?”

“I believe it isproper dead mother etiquette, to serve refreshments while speaking of thedeparted,” I said, causing her to laugh so hard she snorted.

“Oh, my gosh,that’s horrible,” she said.

“She would havelaughed right along with you. Maybe not the snorting part.”

She blushed.“Okay, back to the original subject, Spike, which is it? Nickname or realname?”

I smiled. “I’lltell you, if you’ll agree to dance with me.”

“No one else isdancing,” she said.

“I don’t care ifyou don’t.”

“Or maybe weshould wait until the actual dance starts, later on.”

“It’s a deal,” Isaid quickly.

“Deal.”

“What’s yourname?” I asked.

The band kickedinto another song, and I could barely make out what she said.

“Did you sayTrixie?” I asked, repeating what I’d heard.

She flashed thatamazing smile again and nodded.

Just then, SherriMitchell marched up and began speaking directly to Trixie. I couldn’t make outwhat they were saying, but neither looked happy.

“Young man, thedessert station will be ready after dinner,” Sherri Mitchell said clearly overthe din of the youth band. “This young lady is needed in the kitchen.” Shepointed to a curtained off area in the back corner of the gym. “Please take aseat and enjoy your meal while our worship team plays for you. Be sure toreflect on the words.”

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