Page 11 of We Thought We Were Invincible
When I was silent, he continued.
“Or last year when I went out with Kendra Lane? You were so mad at me.”
“Because she was never anything but a bitch to me. She snapped the fin on my favorite board.”
“Then she suddenly stopped,” he said.
“That's why you agreed to go on a date.” I started to catch on.
“See, I've always been your friend. And yes, Jay may have asked me to keep an eye on you, but I would have done it, anyway.”
“Jamie Daniels, you aren't nearly as much of a jerk as everyone says you are.”
“Just don't tell anyone. Have I convinced you yet? For some reason, I think we'd have fun. Plus, with Jay gone again you've got to be desperate for friends.”
“Gee, you really know how to sweet talk a girl,” I deadpanned.
“I'm not trying to sweet talk you.” He laughed. “If I was, you'd know.”
I shoved him as we kept walking, not answering. Instead, I smirked. “So, your middle name is Candice, huh?”
“Not a word,” he growled
“How did I not know about this?”
“It's not exactly something I share. It's a family name.”
“Can I call you Candy?”
“I'm trusting you with my life here,” he pleaded.
When I stayed silent, torturing him, he grabbed my arm and spun me to look at him. “Not. A. Word.”
“Whatever you say, Candy.”
* * *
Monday came way too early.The last first day of school. Unless I go to college that is. Ugh, college. I didn't even want to think about it. Colby knew exactly where he wanted to go and already had a scholarship offer to play soccer. Me, I had no clue what my future held, but I wasn't sure it was more classrooms and lectures.
I stood at the front counter in the diner making coffee as Kat was back in the kitchen with the morning cook, preparing the first orders.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
I whipped around, expecting to scowl at whoever it was that called me sweetheart, only to find Seth Franklin sitting at the counter. He always used that nickname for me, and I let him get away with it because he was just a sweet old man.
“Morning Seth.” I poured him a cup of coffee and slid it across the counter. “What can I get you?”
“Shouldn't you be at school, young lady?”
“Free first period all year. I'll be leaving soon.”
“Oh good. An education is important, you know.”
“Thanks for the tip, Seth.”
He laughed. “Yeah, here I am going on about things you already know. Listen, my grandson is a senior, like you this year. Think you could keep an eye on him?”
“Sure thing. What's his name?”
