Matter Point

by GG Shalton

  “What if I win?”

  “That won’t happen.” Jaxon laughed and tucked my arm close to his, walking toward the car.

  “Wait.” I tried to tug my arm back. “I could win.”

  “Right.” He kept walking as if I hadn’t said anything.

  I dug my heels in and jerked my arm harder. “Jaxon!”

  He laughed out loud and let go of my arm, holding up his hands. “I’m just playing with you.”

  I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. “Seriously, what if I win?”

  “What do you want?”

  My mind raced, trying to think of something good. “Hmm. If I win, you have to come to a football game and watch me cheer.”

  “Ugh.” He shook his head. “No way am I going to a football game to watch Trace play. It’s nothing against you. I don’t like being around all those overprivileged jocks.”

  “Are you afraid you may lose?” I asked challengingly.

  We reached the car and he opened my door, nodding. “Well played.” He swept a kiss across my cheek. “You’re on. I bet you I can beat you in bowling.”

  Chapter 25

  Ariel

  I was late to school on Monday as my alarm didn’t go off. Normally Amanda would have woken me for breakfast, but I’d heard her mention she had an early parent-teacher meeting at Ritchie’s school. Apparently, he had been getting into trouble in class. Big surprise. Robbie had soccer practice early, and Gayle had the week off. I had no idea what my father’s schedule was like.

  I rushed to get ready as first period had already started. Checking my phone, I saw a text message from Paisley about missing a cheer meeting. I rolled my eyes, texting a quick apology.

  At school, I checked myself into the office for a tardy slip. The student working the front desk barely paid attention as I took the slip.

  I hurried to my locker, shuffled some paperwork, slammed it, and gasped. “What are you doing?”

  Trace laughed. “I saw you come in and wanted to surprise you.”

  “I overslept and I’m in a hurry. Can we talk later?”

  He touched my arm. “Wait. I wanted to see what you’re doing on Saturday. I know I was drunk at homecoming and wanted to apologize. Let me make it up to you.”

  I wrinkled my forehead. “You don’t have to make it up to me. We’re just friends.”

  Trace took a deep breath. “Why do you play so hard to get?” He touched my face and I stepped back. “You know we’ll end up together.”

  I broke eye contact and looked down the hall. “I have to go.”

  “What about Saturday? Your parents are coming on my parents’ boat. It’s practically a yacht and should be fun.”

  “Saturday?”

  “Yeah, but you better watch what bikini you wear. Wouldn’t want some of my father’s friends to have a heart attack.” He rumbled some sort of deep laugh.

  I bit my bottom lip. “Um, I can’t.” I was supposed to hang out with Jaxon if I lost in bowling. Even if I won, I didn’t want to hang out with my father and his friends.

  “What do you mean? Your parents are coming.”

  “I have study group.”

  “Are you being serious?’

  “It’s important. Look, we can talk about this later. I have to go.” I took off, feeling him watching me.

  I hurried and made it to history class. Jaxon was already there, and I noticed a paper on my desk. I sat down as he glanced up, smiled, and continued reading. I opened the paper and laughed out loud. It was a picture of a bowling ball and a trophy with Jaxon’s name on it.

  I wadded up the paper and put it in my backpack before I leaned over and whispered, “You are going down, Jax.”

  He smirked. “You called me Jax.”

  “That is your name?”

  “It’s a nickname only my close friends call me. I like hearing it from you.”

  “Am I a close friend?”

  He whispered, “I want you to be the closest.”

  A jolt went through me as Bryce came in. “What’d I miss?”

  Jaxon looked at him. “We have a five-page assignment due tomorrow.”

  “What?

  I cracked up, and Jaxon laughed. “That’ll teach you to be late.”

  The rest of the day went by quickly, and so did Tuesday. On Wednesday, I told Amanda I had study group after school and met Jaxon at his house after cheerleading practice. He worked in his brother’s garage for a few hours before we went to the bowling alley.

  When I saw Jaxon had his own bowling ball, I swallowed hard. “You have your own ball?”

  He shrugged. “A few years ago, my mom worked at the bowling alley snack counter. She used to take me with her, and they let me bowl for free until she got off. The summer after my freshman year, I joined a junior league and got my own ball.”

  “Really? You could have mentioned that.”

  “Maybe. But a bet is a bet.”

  The bowling alley was packed. It was two-dollar game night with free shoe rental. I thought we would have to wait, but the guy behind the counter fist-bumped Jaxon and gave us a lane right away. It was only the two of us and Jaxon helped me pick a ball. I went with a pink one that was eight pounds.

  The music was pumping, and many people were dancing and eating pizza near our lane. Jaxon ordered a pitcher of soda and some pizza. I was nervous as I watched Jaxon go first. He threw his ball down the lane and all the pins went down.

  He smiled widely and bowed to me. “You’re next, my little cheerleader.” I walked up to the line and I felt Jaxon behind me. “Don’t step past this line or you’ll fall. Study the arrows and try to throw as straight as your wrist will let you or you’ll get a gutter ball.”

  I took a deep breath and threw the ball. It was so slow compared to Jaxon’s and curved to the side, going into the gutter. I stomped my foot and turned to him. “I suck!”

  He smiled encouragingly. “Try again. You get two turns.”

  “You didn’t get two turns.”

  “Because I got a strike. You only get two turns if you don’t get them all down.”

  “What happens if I get a strike?”

  He smirked. “There’s an unwritten rule that we must follow.”

  “What kind of rule?”

  “Every strike you get, I’ll kiss you.”

  I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, trying not to smile. “What happens if you get a strike?”

  “Then you kiss me. I still need to cash in on my previous strike.” He kissed me gently then took my ball off the conveyer and handed it to me. “Try again.”

  I tried again and managed to get two pins. The rest of the night went the same way, and after three games, the total score was 425 to 102. I’d like to say Jaxon was a graceful winner, but he wasn’t. After several cashed-in kisses, we finished our pizza and headed back to his garage.

  Jaxon walked me to my car. “Text me when you get home.”

  I nodded as he put his hands around my waist and pull me against him. I looked into his eyes. “I guess you won the bet.”

  “Yep, and I want my prize.” He kissed my nose. “You’ll have fun. It’s about an hour drive from my house, and we’re using his uncle’s cabin. There will be a few other couples. Some are camping next to the cabin, but I claimed one of the rooms. We’ll probably get an early start. I can pick you up if you want?”

  “I can meet you here,” I said quickly.

  He nodded. “On Sunday, we can hang out at my house. I have a movie I want you to watch.”

  “Sounds fun.”

  He cupped my face and brushed his lips over mine. Opening my mouth, I welcomed him as he deepened his kiss, sweeping his tongue inside my mouth. My body felt weak as I held on to him and he moved his kisses to my neck.

  Embracing me, he breathed deeply. “You smell so go
od I don’t want to let you go.”

  I giggled. “You smell good too.”

  He opened my car door and shut it as he waved goodbye. I pulled out, taking a deep breath. I didn’t want to leave him, and I couldn’t wait to see him at school tomorrow.

  Thursday went by fast. I saw Jaxon a few times and he always winked at me, keeping his distance if others were around. In class, he teased me and kept making excuses to touch me. I loved it and couldn’t wait for the weekend. On Friday, he reminded me to be there early on Saturday. We were going to grab breakfast then drive out to the cabin.

  Paisley was a little distant, but cheerleading practice wasn’t too bad. My gymnastics came in handy as we made human pyramids. Apparently, this game was a big one. Coming off a homecoming win, there was a lot at stake. Supposedly, we were playing our rivals.

  Later that evening, Robbie told us he was coming to the game with his friends. Amanda was going to drop them off, but to be nice, I volunteered to drive them. Robbie rode up front with me, and a few of his freshmen buddies rode in the back. They stared at me a lot but didn’t talk much. I could tell they were texting each other as they stayed on their phones and would give each other a look to make sure the other one was listening.

  After several minutes, I looked at Robbie. “How’s soccer going?”

  “Huh?” he said, lifting his head from his phone.

  “Soccer.” I glanced at him.

  “Oh, good, I guess.” He looked back at his phone, clearly preoccupied.

  “Hey, Ariel.” One of the guys in the back snickered.

  Robbie looked back. “Shut up, man.”

  I looked in the rearview mirror. “What’s up?”

  “Can you take us to Gretchen’s party after the game?”

  The guys in the back laughed loudly as I tried to figure out what was so funny.

  “Sorry, I’m not going. I have to get up early for study group.”

  Another guy in the back snorted. “Ariel Burns wouldn’t be seen with you at a party.”

  “It’s not like that,” I said defensively.

  One of Robbie’s friends patted him on the shoulder from the backseat. “Marissa would flip if we showed up to a senior party with your stepsister.”

  Robbie turned around. “Stop it, man. She doesn’t want to go. And even if she did go, she wouldn’t take us.”

  I looked at him. “I would take you. I just don’t want to go.”

  “Are you dating Trace Jenkins?” the big guy in the middle asked. “I heard him talking about you in the locker room.”

  “We’re just friends.”

  “That’s not what he says.” All the guys looked at each other knowingly.

  “What? What did he say?”

  “Shut up!” Robbie yelled over his shoulder.

  “Tell me, or you can all walk home.”

  The guy in the middle took a deep breath. “I overheard him tell Dillon Markey that you play hard to get in front of people, but when you’re alone, you’re a friend with benefits.”

  I gasped and pulled into the school parking lot. I threw the car in park and turned around. “What did you say?”

  Robbie turned. “Shut up, Ferguson.”

  I looked at Robbie. “Is it true?”

  He gave his friend a dirty look. “I don’t know about that. Trace does seem to talk about you.”

  I screamed in frustration. “Unbelievable!”

  The guys all looked at each other and stayed quiet.

  Robbie took a deep breath. “We should go.”

  We all got out of the car and the kid Ferguson stood beside me. “Ariel, I’m here if you need anyone to talk to, or if you want to make Trace jealous.”

  Robbie punched him in the arm. “Leave my stepsister alone.”

  I heard the other guy laughing as I rolled my eyes and walked away.

  “I couldn’t handle a stepsister that hot.”

  I shook my head and pretended not to hear them as I spotted some of the cheerleaders walking into the side entrance of the stadium.

  The stands filled quickly, and the student section was crazy. They brought out a blow-up football player with the opposing team’s jersey on it. Each one of our players knocked it down as they were introduced to the crowd. I spotted Robbie sitting by a few girls and some other kids I didn’t recognize. The guys in the car were sitting behind him.

  I heard the crowd roar as Trace threw a huge pass, caught by Bailey, and a touchdown was scored. Paisley led us in a touchdown dance, and I did a few back handsprings.

  The night went by fast. In the final quarter, we were ahead by ten and the anticipation of the win lingered in the air. The crowd noise was almost deafening. Looking into the crowd, I noticed movement in the back, near one of the exits. It was Bryce! He was waving a school flag and laughing. I looked around him, not recognizing a few big guys—then I saw him. My eyes widened as a grin lit up his face. He waved, and I waved back. Jaxon was here! I’d lost the bet, but he still showed. I was giddy with excitement. How long had he been there?

  The game lasted a few more minutes, and we finally did the victory cheer as the crowd went crazy. We had won!

  The crowd started leaving the stadium. I gave my apologies to Gretchen, who seemed in a hurry, and I avoided Paisley. I didn’t wait outside the locker room like most of the cheerleaders but headed to my car. I found Robbie waiting for me as I combed the crowd for Jaxon.

  “Where are your friends?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “They found other rides.”

  Going to my car with Robbie, I spotted Jaxon’s car parked close to me. His car was full of guys, but he stepped out and came over to me.

  I looked back at Robbie. “Can you give me a minute?”

  He glanced at Jaxon and looked at me with a questioning expression before he nodded and got into my car. I walked with Jaxon by the trash dumpster to hide us from the parking lot.

  “You came with your stepbrother?”

  “Yeah, he needed a ride.” I leaned closer to Jaxon. “I’m so excited you came even though you won the bet.”

  He smiled. “I wanted to see you. Besides, I sort of hustled you and wanted to pay up.”

  I gave him a quick hug, hoping no one saw me. “I can’t wait to spend time with you tomorrow.”

  He touched my face lightly. “Me too.”

  I looked at Robbie—he seemed to be messing with his phone. Reaching up on my tiptoes, I kissed Jaxon’s cheek. “Text me later.”

  “Of course.”

  I smiled. “Did you like the game?”

  “I liked watching you.”

  I giggled. “See you in the morning.”

  We walked back to our cars and I waved goodbye. As I drove off, Robbie let out a long breath. “Your father will kill you if he finds out.”

  I looked at him. “Finds out what?”

  “I may only be a freshman, but I’m not stupid.”

  My first reaction was to deny it, but I was tired of not having anyone to confide in, so I took a moment before answering. “Are you going to tell?”

  He shook his head. “No. But you’re crazy if you think the senior crowd won’t find out. And I’ve seen that guy around school. He’s bad news. He’s been to jail.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I heard it from one of my friends. He has a bad reputation at Northside.”

  “You don’t know him.” I said defensively.

  “He’s known as a thug. I heard my friend’s sister talking about him when I was over at his house. She has a thing for him, and I guess she saw him at a party in Northside. He was with a group of guys who were bad news.”

  “He is different with me.” I shrugged trying to convince myself as well.

  Robbie snorted and adjusted the radio. When he changed the station, I didn’t
argue, too caught up in thoughts of Jaxon and what people thought they knew about him.

  Chapter 26

  Ariel

  Jaxon’s car was packed full of junk food, blankets, life jackets, and charcoal. He laughed, saying he had to make room for me since riding in the trunk was probably not an option.

  “Do your friends know that I’m coming along?”

  “Yep, they want to meet you.”

  I smiled. “I want to meet them too. You say they’re an older crowd?”

  “Yeah, but not like parents. John is around thirty and was our crew leader. His brothers worked for him too, and I hung out with them a lot last summer. It’s his uncle who owns the marina. They’re cool.”

  “Do you go to his cabin a lot?”

  “At least a couple times last summer. He texted me this morning and told me he was able to get five jet skis. The water will be cold, but with enough beer, we’ll still swim.”

  “I’ve never ridden on a jet ski.”

  “Never?”

  “Don’t sound so surprised. I just moved to the lake this year.”

  “I guess it’s pretty common around here. My friend Alex will bring his ATVs. His brother has a few too. They’ll let us ride them through the trails.”

  “Can I ride with you?”

  “You don’t want to ride by yourself?”

  “I’m not sure. Do you think I’ll flip?”

  “Only if you drive recklessly. You can ride with me at first and then you can get your own.”

  I thought about how excited Jaxon seemed. I liked seeing this side of him. His normal mask and brooding look were gone, replaced by a guy who couldn’t stop smiling. He held my hand during the car ride and brought it to his mouth to kiss it many times. When we got off the highway onto some back roads, he finally let go of my hand to control the steering wheel better. The roads were a little treacherous as they wound through trees and a few cliffs. We finally neared a large cabin with a wraparound porch.