Page 36 of Don't Let Me Go
He laughs and tosses the Reddi-Wip between his hands. “Sorry, dude. I’m gonna have to cream you.”
“You’re being a child.”
“Definitely.”
Jackson rushes me, but I’m too quick. I slip out of the kitchen, race down the hallway, and sprint out the front door. My plan is to lock myself in my car until Jackson tires of this game. Unfortunately, I’m only halfway across the yard when I remember that Jackson plays football. Or rather, I remember this when he tackles me from behind and slams me to the ground.
Cackling like a wild man, Jackson crawls on top of me, straddles my waist, and pins me down. He then holds the Reddi-Wip directly over my head as I beg for mercy through gasps of laughter.
“Jackson, get off, I’m serious!!” I chortle.
“Sayah,” he instructs, lowering the can to my face.
I close my eyes, preparing to get blasted with sticky sweetness. But before Jackson can let me have it, I hear a voice pointedly clear its throat.
Risking a peek, I look across the expanse of Jackson’s yard to see Duy standing in their driveway. They’re holding an overflowing blue recycle bin and staring at Jackson and me with one eyebrow arched in curiosity.
“Hey, Duy,” I say, giving him a feeble wave of embarrassment.
“Hey, Riley. Hey, Jackson. What’s going on over there?”
Looking like a naughty child who’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Jackson blushes awkwardly and climbs off me. “Just having a good old-fashioned food fight.”
“Uh-huh.” There’s a long, oddly protracted silence. Then Duy shrugs, sets the recycle bin on the curb, and heads back toward their garage.
“See you tonight!” Jackson calls as Duy disappears inside.
“What’s tonight?” I ask, lying back on the grass, still attempting to catch my breath.
“Duy and I are gonna watchXanadu.”
“You are?”
Jackson shrugs. “Yeah. I figured I should check it out. You know, since you and your friends areobsessedwith it. You should join us.”
I’m flattered by the invitation, but my excitement is short-lived.
“I wish I could, but I’m heading out of town this afternoon. My dad and I are driving up to St. Augustine for the week to visit my grandparents.”
“Oh. Really? That’s too bad.” To my surprise, Jackson looks as disappointed as I feel.
“Yeah. In fact, I should probably get back to my house and pack. My dad’s got to be wondering where I am.”
“Right. Sure,” Jackson says as he offers me his hand and helps me off the ground. “Well, thanks for breakfast. I hope you and your dad have a great vacation.”
“Thanks,” I answer, brushing the grass off my jeans. “Enjoy your movie night with Duy. Although I should warn you, the music and the idea ofXanaduare a lot better than the actual movie. You might want to lower your expectations. Like,reallylower them.”
Jackson chuckles. “Thanks for the warning.”
“No problem.”
Even though our conversation is clearly over, neither of us moves to leave. Maybe it’s because we both know that when we do, it’ll be at least a week before we see each other again. Whatever the reason, there’s only so long we can stand here in silence before it starts to feel weird, so reluctantly I say goodbye and head for my Prius. Not that I get very far. I’ve only taken two steps when Jackson calls my name.
Thinking I forgot something, I turn back—only to receive a face full of Reddi-Wip.
“Gotcha.”
Unable to suppress a smile, I wipe the cream from my eyes and see Jackson beaming proudly.
