by B. N. Hale
He thought of Aura and shook his head. “I’m fine.”
“Every once in a while you smile, but it doesn’t quite reach your eyes.”
“Have you been watching my eyes a lot?”
A shade of pink lightened her skin and she nibbled on the waffle cone. “Maybe,” she admitted.
He kept a smile on his face but inwardly he struggled. Few of his dates had been perceptive, but Kate seemed to read him as easily as she had the books in the store. He found it disconcerting yet strangely freeing to have someone notice what he hid behind a smile.
“Do you read everyone so well?” he asked.
“No,” she said. “Just you.”
He laughed without humor, and then on impulse said, “Remember Aura?”
“The girl that was your friend?”
“You remind me of her.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
He shook his head. “On the contrary. She was the best person I knew.”
“Then thank you?”
“Really,” he said. “No matter what happened, I could count on her to be there.”
“So what happened?”
“Like I said, she met a guy and we stopped being friends,” he said.
“Just like that?”
“It took a couple of years,” he said, “but she just kept drifting away. She didn’t even tell me his name for a long time. I tried to stay in touch but I think she thought I was jealous.”
“Were you?”
“Yes,” he said with a smile.
“So you did have feelings for her.”
“I did,” he replied. “I would call her my first crush, but I never told her how I felt.”
“How exactly do I remind you of her?”
“Aura had your courage,” he said.
She stirred her ice cream. “I don’t feel brave.”
“You’ve challenged Michael Jordan to a basketball game—and are winning. My grandfather would have said you have moxy.”
She laughed. “So you’re Michael Jordan?”
“And you’re winning.”
Her smile was smug. “Creative dating is not at all what I’m used to.”
“What were you used to?”
“A club, a bar, or a movie theatre,” she said. “That sums up most of my dates. And I count myself lucky. For most of my friends, dating consists of casual sex followed by a lack of texting and sometimes regret.”
“The idea of being single has changed,” he agreed. “My grandfather used to curse about the degradation of society.”
He filled his spoon with his ice cream, idly wondering if the conversation had shifted on its own, or Kate had shifted the topic on purpose. With how perceptive she was, he couldn’t be sure. She seemed at ease, but he suspected the topic would come up again, and wondered what more he would say.
“It’s odd,” she said, her expression going distant. “This sort of dating makes me think of my grandmother—the one in California—but she would be very disappointed to know I was the one asking a guy. She believed it was the boy’s duty to ask, and the girl’s duty to shoot him down.”
“What was her husband like?”
“That grandfather died when I was little,” she said. “But I felt like I knew him because of my grandmother. She called him a little firecracker.”
“Little?”
“He was five feet tall.”
“Little, then,” he said with a laugh. “Mother’s side, right?”
“Mom,” she said. “He was a colonel in the army.”
“You said your parents were divorced, but they still get along?”
She nodded. “Thanksgiving we all get together.”
“All of you?”
“Yep,” she said. “And yes, it’s weird, especially now that my dad remarried.”
“You have a stepmother?” he asked.
She laughed. “I call her Debbie, and she’s not too bad.”
“And she gets along with your mom?”
“They’re polite,” she said. “But they’re not friends.”
“I hate what divorce does to families,” he said.
“My mom thinks that our culture doesn’t allow marriages to last anymore.”
“What do you think?” he asked, scooping the last of his ice cream.
She shrugged. “I think she’s right—to a point.”
“What do you mean?”
She finished her butterbeer and sat back, her expression turning pensive. “I don’t think couples know how to last, so they don’t.”
“Is that what you want?”
“I know I don’t want to go through what my parents did,” she said. “They called it amicable, but I called it torture. I never knew what tore my family apart.”
“I hated what my dad did to my mom,” he agreed.
She smiled and gestured an invitation. “What kind of husband would you be?”
“Is this an interview?”
She laughed and shook her head. “Seriously, you know how to date, but what would you do with a wife and family?”
He pushed his empty bowl away, giving himself a moment to consider his answer. “I don’t know. I think dating like this would be impossible when married, when there are kids and a job involved.” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to stop, though, so I guess I’d have to be even more creative.”
She began to chuckle, a wry amusement that caused the remaining customers in the shop to glance their way. He raised an eyebrow, but she merely shook her head and pointed at him. Then she leaned in.
“We talked about marriage and you’re not running.”
He snorted. “Of course not. I’ll run after you drop me off.”
They shared a laugh and then rose to discard their bowls. The shop and mall had emptied while they’d enjoyed their ice cream, with only a few stragglers making their way towards the exit. Reed spotted a clock and realized it was nearly 11, and the mall would be closing soon. He hadn’t realized how long they’d been talking over ice-cream, and he marveled at the ease of their conversation.
“I guess it’s time to return to the muggle world,” he said.
“Don’t be so disappointed,” she said. “At least you got to be a wizard for a day.”
“I have my work cut out for me on our next date,” he said. “But I think I have a few surprises up my sleeve.”
“My roommates are certainly on your side,” she said as they made their way towards the exit.
“I think both our roommates are loyal to the date,” he said dryly. “They don’t care who’s asking, they just want to be involved in the secret.”
“I’d say that’s entirely accurate,” she said. “Ready for our picture?”
He smiled and they posed under the banner. A kind Dumbledore offered to take their picture and fumbled with the phone like he was really an aged wizard. When they were finished they walked out to the car.
“Any advice on working with Ember?” Reed asked. “I’d like to know how to use her in my next covert operation.”
She grinned as she pulled out her keys. “Don’t make her angry. She’s like the Hulk in a tiny redheaded body.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
They got into the car and she drove through the empty streets. The rain had slackened and was hardly a drizzle, barely wetting the windshield. As she pulled into his driveway he unbuckled the seatbelt.
“Is there a surprise waiting in my bedroom?” he asked.
“Not this time,” she said with a smile. “But you get to keep the robes.”
“Really?”
She smiled. “I thought you’d like a memento of your visit to Hogwarts.”
“It was magical,” he said.
She laughed and exited the car, coming to the other side to open his door. Then they walked to the porch. He stole a look as they passed under the porch light. She’d removed her hat before leaving the car and rainwater sparkled in her hair, her green eyes were as bright as ever. He’d dated many beautiful gir
ls, but Kate surpassed them all.
“You’re beautiful, you know that?”
“Do you say that to all your dates?”
“It’s true,” he said, catching her arm to bring her to a halt. She glanced at his hand in surprise and he removed it. “It’s true,” he repeated quietly.
A soft smile appeared on her face. “Goodnight, Reed. Until next time.”
“Until next time,” he said.
She embraced him and then walked to the car, waving farewell before shutting the door. He remained on the porch and watched her go, wondering what he was getting himself into. And if he could get himself out.
Chapter 6
Jackson appeared at Reed’s side as Kate drove away. “How was Hogwarts?”
“How much did you know?” Reed asked.
“All of it,” he said. “I must admit, I really like playing for the team against you.”
“You’re back on my side now, right?” He glanced Jackson’s way to gauge the reaction.
“So you’ve decided to keep going?”
“I like her too much to stop,” he said.
Jackson smirked. “So you admit it?”
“Just don’t tell anyone,” he said. “It’s hard enough to hold to my rules as it is. I can’t afford to let word get to her.”
“I promise,” Jackson said.
“So you’re on my team?”
“Only for the next two weeks,” he said. “Then we go back to her side.”
“We?” he asked, turning to him.
“Her roommates, Shelby, me, and a few others.”
Reed laughed sourly, realizing his assumption had been more accurate than he’d thought. “You’re like a team of spies,” he said, stepping to the door and swinging it open. “What’s your agenda?”
“To get you together,” Jackson said.
“No one asked you to do that,” he snapped.
Jackson stopped, his smile fading as Reed rounded on him. “I thought you liked this girl.”
“I do,” Reed said. “But there are things you don’t understand.”
“Then enlighten me,” Jackson said, stabbing a finger at him. “We’re trying to help you.”
“I don’t need your help,” Reed said.
Reed turned and escaped to his room, grateful he had the sense not to slam the door. Then he sank onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. On impulse he picked up his phone and clicked on Kate’s number. Then he began to type.
I’m sorry, Kate. I can’t do this anymore. Please don’t ask why.
His thumb hovered over the send button, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. After several seconds he released an explosive breath and jammed his finger down on delete, erasing the message. Then he tossed the phone aside so he wouldn’t be tempted.
Kate didn’t deserve such an ending, not after everything she’d done for him. She liked him, that much was obvious, and she was playing his game. If he quit now he would never forgive himself.
When he was with her he felt free of the burden that had plagued him for three years, but when she was gone that weight returned, a crushing mantle that he’d grown accustomed to wearing. He sighed and pulled out Aura’s picture. Was he betraying her? Was he betraying his promise? Or would she be happy with his competition with Kate? But the picture had no answers, and he put it aside to avoid the reminder.
The minutes dragged by and he half expected Jackson to knock on his door. Reed rarely lost his temper, and never with Jackson. The fact that Jackson didn’t knock suggested he didn’t know how to respond, and was likely talking to Shelby now, hoping she knew what to do.
He fleetingly considered telling Jackson the whole truth about Aura, but chances were he would just tell the blondes, and then Kate would know. Then the whole dating challenge would be over anyway. He sighed and rolled over, his thoughts turning to memory.
He thought of Aura’s smile, her defiance when other kids picked on him. Of her fawning over Tim when he’d called. He thought of her changing in the next few months, and the years they’d gradually drifted apart. Then he remembered her final call.
And how she’d lost her life.
Excerpt from Volume 5
Kate and Marta parked outside the restaurant, Carne Asada. Owned by Marta’s uncle, the restaurant was Brazilian, and several of Marta’s cousins worked there, as well as Marta’s mother. The moment they walked in the door Maria engulfed Marta in an embrace.
“Mi hija!” she cried. “You do not visit enough!”
“I work here,” Marta said, extricating herself with a sigh. “I’m here every week.”
The large woman snorted and shifted her attention to Kate, pulling her into an equally effusive hug. Kate smiled at Maria, grateful for the boundless love the woman possessed. She hugged everyone, and everyone was family.
The restaurant wasn’t large but it was renowned for its unusual blend of Puerto Rican and Brazilian cuisine. Pictures and flags of both countries were on proud display, while the décor boasted steer horns and other rancher equipment.
She shouted to one of Marta’s cousins and he prepared a table. Once they were seated she fussed over Marta, pulling at her hair and speaking half in English, half in Spanish. Marta finally snapped in Spanish and the woman threw her hands in the air. Muttering to herself, she turned to Kate.
“How’s the dating challenge?”
Kate wasn’t surprised she knew about Reed. “It’s his turn,” she said. “But he hasn’t asked yet.”
“Why are you asking him at all?” Maria asked. “He’s supposed to be chasing you.”
“It’s just a game,” Kate said with a smile.
“Then make sure you win,” Maria said.
“Mother,” Marta exclaimed in surprise.
Maria blew out her breath and walked away to greet the next customers. Her muttered words were in Spanish, and Marta rubbed her forehead wearily. Kate’s smile turned sympathetic and she lowered her voice so Maria wouldn’t hear.
“She does love you,” Kate said.
“I know,” Marta said. “But my family can be stifling. She doesn’t understand why I’m going into Nursing when I could get an accounting degree and work here.”
A young man overheard the comment as he walked to the table with a couple of glasses. “Because you don’t want to work here,” he said with a smile.
“Hector!” Marta exclaimed, rising to greet her brother. “I didn’t know you were working today.”
“Just filling in,” he said.
Hector was expected to play soccer, the sports his dad had played, but much like Marta, he had his own dreams. Unfortunately, he was still in high school, so Maria required him to play baseball as well. He frequently had to skip basketball practice because their family didn’t think it was important.
He was already tall for his age, and his dark complexion and dark eyes were a lethal combination for the girls. Maria had banned several from the restaurant because they would come just to watch him work.
“So how’s Reed?” Hector asked.
Kate shot Marta a look. “Just how many of your family know about him?”
“All of them,” Hector said. “And most of the customers by now.”
“Mom won’t stop talking about it,” Marta said.
“So will you help me?” Kate asked, turning to Hector.
“I’m always on your team,” Hector said, and then smiled. “Except when it’s his turn.”
Kate laughed dryly. “I find it disturbing how quickly my friends betray me.”
“Get used to it,” Hector said, clearing the table next to them. “We’re just glad you’re not moping about because of Jason—”
“Hector!” Marta snapped.
“Sorry,” Hector said. “Let me know when you’re ready to order.”
Kate waited until he was gone, fighting to control her emotions. Marta started to speak twice but ultimately fell silent. Kate had hardly thought of Jason for weeks, but it appeared Marta had been telling her family
a great deal.
“I love your family,” Kate said tightly. “But I don’t like being the source of your family’s gossip.”
“I’m sorry,” Marta said. “I told Hector everything, but no one else. And he would never share it with anyone.”
It was a consolation, but not a big one. Still, she couldn’t expect her roommates to hold every secret. She sighed and nodded, and Marta looked relieved. Once they’d placed their order, Marta leaned back in her seat.
“What’s wrong, Kate?”
“What makes you think anything is wrong?” Kate asked.
“You’ve been on edge for the last week. Did something happen on your Hogwarts date?”
Kate shook her head, and then on impulse said, “The date was fine, but something about Reed was off.”
“In what way?” Marta asked.
“I can’t put my finger on it,” she said. “We had a great time and he clearly enjoyed everything, but there were several times I noticed an odd expression, like his mind was elsewhere.”
“That’s not a good sign,” Marta said. “You think he’s losing interest?”
Kate jerked her head. “I don’t think it has anything to do with me. I can tell he likes me—more than he wants to admit, actually.”
She smiled as she recalled him touching her arm when she’d dropped him off. His touch was nothing, hardly necessary, but his expression revealed his own surprise. He wanted to be close to her, but his habits held him in check.
“So what does it have to do with?”
“Can you keep a secret?” Kate asked. “And I mean from Ember, Brittney, and your family?”
Marta nodded, and Kate didn’t doubt her. Of any of her roommates, she trusted Marta the most. She may have told her brother about Jason, but she’d never broken Kate’s confidence when specifically asked not to.
“He mentioned a girl named Aura,” Kate said.
“Past girlfriend?”
“No,” Kate said slowly. “She was his best friend for years but he wanted more. Then something happened and it was over. When he talked about her there was a tightness to his smile that I’d never seen before.”
“You’ve only been on four dates,” Marta said. “Do you know him well enough?”
