Fine Line
An Enemies To Lovers Novel
By
Rachel M Storm
Prologue
Fifteen Years Earlier
Gage
“Gage, you better be up and ready to go,” my mom yells from downstairs, causing me to groan before pushing out of my chair.
I’ve been ready for the past hour but that doesn't mean I’m in the mood to be going out to meet our new neighbors. I mean it's not like I wanted to move to this boring neighborhood anyway. We’ve been here for a week already and I’ve not seen a single boy my age. I already miss my old home and my skateboarding friends.
“Gage?” Mom says, poking her head into my room. “Come on honey, it's time to go, I don't want to be late for the first dinner we get invited to. It would just be rude.” She continues, walking further into my room.
“But do I have to come with you?” I ask, trying my best to keep the groan out of my voice. This night is probably going to be super boring and I’d much rather stay home watching Dragon Ball Z than to sit at a dinner table listening to grownups talking about grown up stuff.
“Yes you do honey, so you can meet the Parkinson’s kids.” Mom says, making my ears perk up. Wait, they have kids where we’re going? This changes things, it might not suck as much if they have kids.
“Are they boys?” I feel the smile forming on my lips as a touch of excitement tugs at my stomach. It would be great if I could make some friends.
“A boy Johnny and a girl Lori,” mom is smiling down at me.
“Cool,” I say as I grab a few of my action figures. I don't care much for the girl but I’m sure Johnny and I could have a bit in common. “Okay, I’m ready.” I tell mom after stuffing my ipod and headphones into my pocket. Johny and I could tune out the grown ups.
“Great, come on then.” She says and I follow.
My mother has me carrying her famous and delicious chocolate cake on the short walk next door but for once I’m not complaining because I might finally be making a friend who’s probably in the same school I’ll be starting on Monday. That was the one thing I was dreading, being the new kid who doesn't know anyone.
My father is the one who rings the doorbell and we stand there in silence before the door swings open a few seconds later. My nose crinkles up at the person opening the door. It's a really ugly girl with dark curly hair and she’s smiling at us with a mouth full of braces.
“Hello Mr and Mrs. Roberts.” The girl says without even acknowledging me.
“Hello honey, how are you?” Mom greets back.
“I’m okay thank you. Come in, my parents are in the kitchen.” She says, moving out of the way so that we can go in.
I stare at her as I make my way in behind my parents, wondering why she didn't greet me too. It's like she made it a point to make it known that she was just greeting my parents. I stay behind for a few seconds after she closes the door behind us to see if she gives me any acknowledgment at all but all she does is glare at me before huffing and walking passed me.
“What is her problem?” I say under my breath as I follow her into the kitchen where I suppose everyone else is.
“Welcome,” Mrs. Parkinson says just as I walk in. The grown ups hug each other like they’ve been friends for a long time while I just stand there, looking around for Johnny who doesn't seem to be anywhere in sight. It's just Lori who’s glaring at me like I’ve offended her in some way.
What is her freaking problem!
“Hello young man, how are you?” Mr. Parkinson asks me after a few minutes.
“I’m fine. Where is Johnny?” I ask. Mom promised that the Parkinson’s had a son but I don't see him anywhere.
“Oh, Johnny is still up stairs. How about you give me that cake and then go up there and introduce yourself?” Mrs. Parkinson asks and I just nod as I give her the cake then turning and making my way out of the kitchen and up the stairs. I’m not sure which room is Johnny’s but I guess the one with the massive Thor poster has to be it. I can't imagine girls being into superheroes. I stand for a few seconds after knocking on the door but there is no answer so I decide to open the door. Maybe Johnny didn't hear me. My eyes widen when I get into the empty room. Big posters of all kinds of superheroes are lining the walls and I can see a few action figures too.
“Cool!” I say as I step further into the room. I frown when I look at the Wonder Woman bedding.
“What the hell are you doing in my room?” I spin so fast that I almost trip over my own feet at the voice that is suddenly appearing out of nowhere.
“What?” I’m stunned as I look at an angry Lori.
“My room, what are you doing in my room. Mom said to go to Johnny’s room not mine.” She says, crossing her arms on her chest.
“Hey, you must be Gage,” another voice says from behind Lori and I look past her to see a boy with dark hair standing behind her.
“Yeah,” I say, taking another look at the room I’m in. Can this really not be Johnny’s room?
“Come on then, my room is this way.” He says, rolling his eyes.
“Sorry,” I tell Lori as I start to make my way passed her and out of her very cool room.
“Don't be sorry. Be careful!” She says just before I feel something at my feet, causing me to fly face first into her bedroom floor, the action figures in my hand flying out of my hand as I do.
“Jesus Lori, really?” Johnny says as he helps me up. Anger rises in me and I stand up, glaring at the stupid girl who just tripped me. I don't like her. I don't like her one bit!
“Stay out of my room!” She says before slamming the door in our faces.
“What the hell is your problem!” I hiss at the closed door.
“Well, she said she saw you sitting on your lawn and tried greeting you on your second day here and you did not greet back and then two days ago she said you purposely drove through a mud puddle with your bike splashing her new dress with mud,” Johnny says, shrugging.
I have no idea what he’s talking about, I don't remember seeing her this week or doing any of those things. But then again, when I did get out of the house it was always with loud music in my ears and me ignoring the world, so who knows.
“Look, never mind my sister. Come, let me show you my room.” Johnny says as he starts to walk down the hall.
Looking back at Lori’s room one last time, I narrow my eyes. Girls are stupid and as of today, I hate Lori Parkinson.
Chapter One
Present day
Lorianne
“Lori, are you ready yet?” My brother yells from outside my bedroom door in my apartment. “We have a long drive back and I want to get home before dark,” he continues.
“Yeah, I’m ready,” I say, opening my bedroom door.
I’m excited to be going back home, it's been almost a year and a half since I’ve been there and I miss my parents and my friends. Johnny is still living in our hometown but I moved right after university. The great job I landed here played a part in my moving but it was mainly because I still can't stand my neighbor Gage. He’s such a jerk and he’s made my life hell ever since he moved next door to us. He and my brother became inseparable and the best of friends which made it worse for me because he was always around. High school was even worse because he made sure no one ever asked me out, justifying that with some stupid reasoning of payback for narking on him when he sneaked a girl into his house. But he honestly had that coming after burning two of my special edition comic books then saying; “Oops, I thought they were just old magazines.” I mean really? Comic books and magazines don’t even look the same.
“God Lorianne, when are you going to get over your f
ear of flying?” Johnny asks as he takes the last of my luggage. He sounds annoyed as he mentions my fear of airplanes but I really don't care, I didn't ask him to drive all the way here to get me. Because my car is still at the mechanic getting serviced, I was more than happy to take the bus back home.
“God Johnathan, when are you going to stop complaining like a little bitch?” I bite back, a smile lingering on my lips.
“You’re so lucky you are my sister,” he groans under his breath turning and walking out, my luggage in hand.
“I love you too!” I say, because obviously I need to get the last word. Laughing at his answering groan, I follow him out and lock my apartment behind me.
“Oh, you have a new car!” I say when I see my brother packing the last of my suitcases in the trunk of a dark blue convertible. It's sleek and beautiful and it's always been my brother’s dream to drive a convertible.
“I wish sis,” he says with envy evident in his tone.
“What?” I ask, confused. If the car is not his then who the hell would borrow someone else their brand new convertible to drive so far?
“This is Gage’s,” he tells me and I feel my eyes rolling hard. Of course it’s Gage’s. Just the thought of him leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. God, I honestly can't stand that asshole.
“Of course it is.” I groan. Ugh, so this means I’ll have to ride in his car after I swore I’d never utilize anything belonging to him. But now what choice do I have? I bet Gage planned this just to annoy and make me do something I swore I wouldn't. That asshole!
“You still don't like him huh?” My brother laughs after looking at me for a few seconds.
“Like him, no dear brother. I hate him.” I say, reluctantly getting into the passenger seat.
“You two really need to get over it, we’re not kids anymore.” Johnny tells me as he gets into the car. “You’ve not even seen each other in over a year, I’m sure you guys have matured enough in that time to be cordial,” he continues as he starts the engine.
Gage and I will never, and I mean never be cordial. Well not counting that one week that I called a truce because his mother had passed away and my brother was sent to boarding school as punishment. Gage was going through a hard time and his best friend was not around so I felt sorry for the jerk. But we have an unspoken rule to never talk about it again.
“Gage, are you in here?” My voice is quiet as I sneak into his dark room after his mother’s funeral.
“What do you want?” He answers from somewhere in the corner of his room. He sounds sad and broken and that just breaks my heart in turn. It doesn't matter that I hate him, he didn't deserve losing his mom. No one does.
“I come in peace,” I say as I start waving a white handkerchief with one hand and holding the peace sign with my other.
“I thought you said you hated me,” he says, slowly moving from the corner and on to his bed.
“I still do,” I reply before moving to sit with him. I expect him to be his asshole and snarky usual but he just sits there blankly staring into the darkness of his room.
“She’s really gone,” he chokes out and I can't help but wrap my arms around him in a hug.
“I’m sorry.” Is all I’m able to say as I hold him for the longest time.
When I finally let go of him, I feel that my dress is wet. Squinting hard in the dark, I see that he’s crying. I wish I knew what to do to make him feel better. On an impulse, I move in and kiss him, startling him for a second but then he immediately starts kissing me back.
“I’m really sorry, Gage.” I say after breaking the kiss.
I really wish I knew how to take his pain away.
I shake my head free of the sudden memory that came out of nowhere. That was and will be the only time he and I will ever be cordial enough to even look at each other without a death glare. Ever!
“Never.” Is my only reply and he starts laughing again.
“What’s so funny?” I ask, not impressed with all the humor he seems to be finding in this very serious matter of my hatred for his best friend.
“It's just funny how both you and Gage’s answers are so similar and always the same,” he tells me as he cranks up the car. I have no idea what he’s talking about and I don't even want to entertain him by asking.
“Yeah whatever,” I say as I grab my sunglasses from my purse and put them on. “Anyway, enough about your jerk of a friend. How’s mom and dad?” I ask as we drive off.
“Same as you remember really. You know those two will never change,” he laughs as he pulls out a pair of sunglasses of his own from the glove compartment.
“Hm,” is my only response as I smile at the thought of seeing my parents again. My folks and I have been close for as long as I can remember and the only thing that’s bad about living so far away from home is the fact that I barely see them anymore. I used to go home every other weekend but this past year and a half has been hectic and I’ve not had time to visit home.
“Mom insisted on having a family dinner tonight so I hope you didn't make any plans of going out once we get home.” Johnny says, without taking his eyes off the road.
“Nah, that's fine. I wasn’t planning on doing anything special. Was just going to relax and catch up with the family.” I tell him.
“Good,” he says before turning up the radio.
The rest of the drive home was filled with loud radio and my brother and I singing out loud to every song we liked. But now we are a few minutes from home and my heart is pounding from excitement. A year and a half really is too long for not seeing your loved ones.
“Alrighty then baby sis. We’re finally home,” Johnny says as soon as he parks the car in our parents driveway.
“Finally!” I say before scowling at him for a second. “And I’m not a fucking baby!” I continue.
All he does is laugh out loud as he opens his door and climbs out. He knows I hate it when he calls me that, yet he always does it to get under my skin. I need to start pretending it doesn't bother me. Maybe that will get him to stop.
“Bob, they’re here!” I hear my mother yelling excitedly just as I climb out of the car. She starts running toward me and I do the same, meeting her halfway.
"Mom!" I exclaim as excitement of my own bubbles in my chest.
"It's so good to see you honey. Don't you ever stay away from home this long again." Mom says hugging me so tight that it's almost difficult to breathe. "I miss you too much," she continues.
"I miss you too mom," I reply when she lets me go.
"Come on honey, I'm sure you're exhausted after the long drive," Mom says, ushering me toward the house.
“Pumpkin, you’re finally home!” My father says, meeting mom and I at the door.
“Hey Dad,” I immediately let go of mom and hug him. I really should come home more often.
“I’ve missed you, Pumpkin.” Dad says as we break our hug.
“I’ve missed you too,” I grin up at him, truly happy to see both him and mom.
“Hey dad, could use a hand with all these,” Johnny yells from the car, holding one of my big suitcases.
“I take it you’ll be staying a while?” Dad asks after seeing the two big suitcases that Johnny is struggling with.
“Yeah, three weeks.” I tell him. This is an upside to working non stop for a long time, now I get a long relaxing three weeks off work.
“That’s fantastic!” Dad replies before making his way down the driveway to help Johnny with my luggage.
“Come on honey, let’s get inside.” Mom says and I follow her into the house.
“Oh, something smells like heaven in here,’ I say as soon as I step into the house.
“I’m making your favorite for dinner,” She says.
“Mac & Cheese,” I smile. It’s been forever since I’ve had homemade Mac & Cheese. I’m usually too lazy or too tired to cook so I mostly live on takeout.
“Yip, and I also baked chocolate cake for dessert.” My stomach starts growling at
the mention of all my favorite food and mom laughs when she hears it.
“Go on up to refresh, dinner will be ready in less than an hour.” She continues.
“Can't wait,” I reply before making my way up to my room.
A smile tugs at my lips as soon as I open the door to my childhood bedroom. Nothing has changed, it’s still the same as I left it. The walls are still lined with massive superhero posters and my comic books are still neatly stacked on a desk at the far end of my room.
“So, how does it feel to be back home?” Johnny’s sudden voice has me turning in surprise. He smiles before putting some of my suitcases on the floor.
“Oh, I didn't see you there,” I sigh before plopping down on my bed that has Superwoman bedding. “It feels freaking fantastic to be back home. I’ve honestly missed you guys,” I answer his earlier question.
“Good and we miss you too sis.” He says, making me smile. “Well I’m going to go pick up Gage.” He continues, making me frown.
“What? please don't tell me you guys invited him to dinner!” I jump to my feet and glare at my brother who has a smug smile lining his lips.
“Mom and dad did invite him actually and-”
“Fucking Jesus, mother of dear fucking Christ!” My eyes are wide as I curse, cutting my brother off mid sentence.
My parents can't have seriously done that. They know Gage and I can't stand each other and they should know that I would rather chew my pulses than be in his presence on my first day back God dammit!
“But he’s not coming, he’ll be working late.” Johnny continues like I didn't just rudely interrupt him.
“Ugh!” Is all that slips through my lips. Yes, I’m happy that he won't be coming but I’m still irritated at the fact that my parents invited him in the first place. Especially when they know how we feel about each other.
“Anyway, I gotta go so that I can be back in time for dinner. Otherwise mom will kill me dead.” He tells me before turning and leaving me seething.
Just the mere mention of Gage Roberts rubs me the wrong way. I hope I get to avoid him the whole three weeks I’m here.
Fine Line: An Enemies To Lovers Romance Page 1
