Page 3 of Cry For You

“What about it?”

“She kinda, sorta...”

“Spit it out, Lacey. I don’t think I’m going to like this.”

“My birthday’s further out than that. Instead of 18, I’m going to be…17.”

“What? So you—you’re not even a senior!”

“I’m sorry. She said you wouldn’t go out with me if you knew I was sixteen.”

“Wait until I see her. You’re practically still a baby. No, of course, I wouldn’t have gone out with you.”

She turns her face down, and I instantly regret raising my voice and the sharpness of my words. I stop walking and move closer to her, lifting her chin, looking into those sad, beautiful eyes. “Lacey, baby, sorry. I don’t know if this will work. I’m upset with your sister because I really like you, and I don’t want to take you someplace you’re not ready to go. I can tell you’re innocent, in more ways than one. But I still want to know more about you, even though I shouldn’t.”

“So get to know me, before you dismiss me and my innocence. How bad can it be to just get to know me?” She looks at me with wide eyes, and I know she’s clueless.

“Lacey, baby, you have no idea how hard it’s going to be. This is new for me, and I’m crazy for considering it, but what the hell. Let’s cement this newfound friendship. Can I kiss you?”

“You’re asking me?”

“This is what I’m talking about. New. What do you say?”

“Yes.” She beams.

“You might want to stop smiling so hard if you want this to work properly.”

“Oh, yes, sorry.”

I laugh and give her the chastest kiss I’ve ever given in my life. Well, I tried. She was too damn cute. “By the way, don’t ever apologize for that beautiful smile.”

I remember the last thing I said when I left her at her door, walking away backward to keep my eyes on her.

“Tell your sister I hate her. She is not my favorite anymore.”

The last thing I thought was: I hate her, but I’m sure glad I listened to her and took a chance, because Lacey McQueen is something different.

---