Page 52 of The Second Kiss
Not a chance in hell,I think, but I say, “We need to get going, I’m going to be late for work.”
“Throw me the skirt,” Jasmine says as I hurry to change. “I’ll take care of it.”
I hand it over the top of the dressing room. “What’s the deal with you telling Brad we’re going to the party?”
“It’s a party, right? Something to do on New Years. Maybe you could get Jacob to come.”
“High school party? No way. I was thinking of a quiet game night at home for New Years.”
“Yeah, Gage isn't going to go for that.” Jasmine steps away before I can answer. I finish getting dressed and find her at the checkout counter.
She hands me a bag with the skirt inside. “Merry Christmas, and I bought you the shorts too. You need something cute to wear to your class.”
I take the bag. It’s too late to argue with her.
“You have plenty of time,” Jasmine says as she trots to keep up with me on the way to the car. “It only takes about a half hour to get home.”
“As long as there isn’t traffic.” We throw the bags in the trunk and climb in. "And there's always traffic." As soon as I turn the key, I know we’re in trouble. The engine whirs, but refuses to turn over.
I slam my hand against the steering wheel. I’m adding up the time, trying to figure out if there’s time for Mom to come pick us up, and then get me back in time for my class. I don’t even think she’s home. She said something about going shopping with Trina. “I’d better call work.”
“Can someone else take your class?” Jasmine asks.
“I don’t know.” I hate the thought of them scrambling to find someone to cover my class, plus it makes me look irresponsible. I try the car again. When I turn the key, I hear a familiar click.
Frustrated, I shove the door open so hard that the person standing next to my car has to jump sideways to avoid being hit. “Sorry,” I mutter. I’m not looking at the guy I almost whacked.
“No worries,” he says. I look up, startled, and find myself staring up at Brad for the second time today. “What are you...Are you following me?” I stammer.
“I promise, my intentions were good.” He opens his hand to reveal my silver locket. I don’t wear it anymore, but I still keep it in my pocket. “You dropped this in the dressing room. The clerk asked me if I could get it back to you. I knew it was important, so I ran to catch up.”
I take the necklace from him, feeling ashamed of my reaction. “Thanks.”
He leans into the open door. “Is there something going on with your car?”
I look away from his gaze. “No, it’s fine I just–”
“Jess is going to be late for a class. Could you give us a ride?” Jasmine breaks in.
“Oh, no, that’s okay,” I shake my head.
“I don’t mind. I was just heading home.”
I glance at my phone. Brad is my only hope of making it to work on time. “I guess... sure, thanks.” I let Jasmine climb in first so she sits next to Brad on the bench seat. I sit by the window.
Brad drops Jasmine off first and offers to wait while I change into my workout clothes, so he can take me to my class. I have to say yes, I don’t know who’s at the house and Brad might be my only ride.
Jacob is putting an armload of old shingles in the dumpster when we pull up. I jump out of the truck and sprint for my house hopelessly hoping he didn't see me.
My room is a disaster and I haven’t had time to do laundry. I dig through the piles of clothes but I can’t find anything to wear to the gym that doesn’t stink. I grab the shorts Jasmine bought for me, rip the tags off, and pull them on. My only clean work-out shirt is a white tank shoved in the back of the drawer. I putit on and twist my hair into a ponytail while I run back to Brad’s truck.
Brad is standing outside, leaning against his truck when I come out. “Ready?”
“I guess so.” I glance at Jacob. He watches me climb into the truck. I can’t read his expression, something like disbelief, concern, maybe annoyance? I avoid his eyes.
Brad guns the engine and peels out in the gravel driveway.
I lean over to buckle my seatbelt. “Nice shorts.” Brad says.
