Page 79 of The Second Kiss
I’ve replayed our last phone conversation a hundred times. He sounded weird. He gave a lame excuse for not coming to dinner that Sunday. It was the last time I talked to him.
I pull out my notes and try to force my mind back to my paper. I yawn as I wait for Mom’s laptop to come alive. Her email is up. I have every intention of closing it without snooping until I see who the message is from. Trina, Jacob’s mom.
Juli,
How are y’all doing? Things are going pretty well on our end. Gage is doing much better now that I have Steve to help me keep him in line. He might actually make it to graduation if I can ever get him to concentrate on something besides girls.
The good news is that his brothers are finally following his example. Nathan actually has a girlfriend; her name is Angel. He’s absolutely head over heels for her. We haven’t met her yet, but hope to see them over spring break.
It looks like Jacob has foundsomeonetoo. Her name is Laini. He sent us a picture of them together. She’s pretty,butyou know Jake—nodetails. I was hoping you’d get to meet her so we could get some kind of report. I know it’s askinga lot, but since Jacob practically lives at your house, maybe you could swing a dinner invitation or something for the two of them? As a personal favortome? Let me know. Jacob is terrible about sharing anything from hislife,and, you knowme;I need details. I’d appreciate it.
Miss you,
Trina
Footsteps pad down the stairs above me. I thought everyone had gone to bed already. I close the email and pull up my paper.
“Jess, is that you?” Mom steps behind me and puts her hand on my shoulder. “Are you still up?”
“Yeah, Mom.” I’m trying to keep my voice from trembling. “I need to finish a paper for English.”
“Can it wait?” She combs her fingers through my hair. You look tired, and I know you have to teach your class tomorrow morning.”
“No, its due tomorrow.” I don’t turn around.
“Why did you leave it so long?”
I snap. “Because I’m always at work or track practice or doing chores or whatever else everyone wants me to do. I don’t have any time.”
I expect her to get after me for talking back; instead, she continues combing through my hair. “I wish you wouldn’t work so many hours. Don’t worry so much about money for school. There are lots of scholarships and other ways to get you through. We can make it work and you can still enjoy your last few months of high school.”
“I’m fine, Mom.”
“No, you're exhausted and cranky. You need more sleep.”
“Fine. I’ll go to bed then.” I close the laptop, probably harder than I should, and stand, keeping my head down. I can’t look at her. She’s too good at reading my face. I don’t want her to know there’s something wrong besides the paper and sheer exhaustion. “I guess I’ll just get an F in English.”
Mom stops me. “Are you sure you’re okay? If I can help with anything...” But she doesn’t finish that sentence. She probably already read the email.
“I said, I’m fine.”
I walk up the stairs with a straight face and a stiff back. I stay fine until I close my bedroom door. Then, I bury my face in the pillow and let the tears come.
thirty-nine
Dinning With the Enemy
Ilook at myself in the mirror. I spent a long time debating what to wear to meet Jacob’s new girlfriend. My mom betrayed me by inviting them to dinner and then made it clear that I wasn’t allowed to have “other plans.” I finally settled on a plain blue t-shirt and pair of jeans. No reason for me to go out of my way to impress either of them.
I don’t want Jacob to think I’ve been losing sleep on his account, so I cover the dark circles under my eyes with a little make-up. Eyeliner and lip gloss and that’s it for the rest. I flip my ponytail up into a clip that makes it spill over the back ofmy head in an untidy mass of hair. I stick my tongue out at my reflection and head downstairs to help Mom with dinner.
When I see Laini, I immediately regret my decision to go casual. She’s gorgeous—petite, blonde, polished. She’s dressed in a green silk blouse, stylish but tight white slacks, and high heeled sandals. Her jade jewelry looks like it was custom made to match her eyes and her outfit. Her long fingernails are manicured and even her toenails look like she just walked out of the salon. I feel like a kid—a tall, gangly, awkward kid standing next to a cover model.
I’d probably hate Laini even if she were a saint. Lucky for me, she makes hating her easy.
It starts when Dad sets a platter of his famous smoked ribs on the table. “Those look amazing,” Jacob says. He looks to Laini for her approval. Her face bunches up like she just ate a lemon.
“Ladies first.” Dad picks up the juiciest rib on the platter and starts to put it on Laini’s plate.
