The Rules of Persuasion

by Amity Hope

  “Dad!” Luke shot me an apologetic look.

  I wanted to tell him he had nothing to be sorry for. If anything, I felt sorry for him. My parents had flaws but at least they had manners. “It’s fine,” I assured him, wanting to keep the peace. I quickly rewound my memory. Lenore had ordered a Caesar salad, dressing on the side “I’ll have a Caesar salad as well. Dressing on the side.”

  Edward nodded his approval.

  I almost wished I’d ordered the ravioli out of spite. Edward was one of the last people I wanted to impress. But if it would ease tensions between him and Luke, I was willing to play into this nonsense for one night.

  The waiter scribbled my order onto his pad, asked if we needed anything else, and then hurried away.

  “You know who has a great figure?” Edward unfurled his cloth napkin with a flourish.

  “Dad,” Luke said in a warning tone.

  “Jaclyn,” Edward declared. “That’s who.”

  I didn’t even try to suppress my grimace. Was he trying to embarrass me? If so, it wasn’t working. I couldn’t stop thinking he should be embarrassed. What kind of father checks out his son’s girlfriend? Ewww.

  “That girl is simply lovely,” Lenore agreed.

  Dinner was a progression of refilled wineglasses and backhanded compliments. Every now and again, an outright insult would be flung. Edward and Lenore made no effort to pull me into the conversation. I was okay with that. The less attention they paid to me, the better. It was a perk of a fake relationship. I had no desire to impress his parents.

  “Isn’t Gabe supposed to be here?” Luke finally asked. “I wanted him to meet Meg.”

  “I’d love to meet your brother,” I said. It had become clear to me that Luke and Gabe were close. I had a hunch they were a lot alike.

  His mother gave us a tight smile. “He’s not here because Edward sent him to New York for the weekend.”

  “He went to New York because he knows what it takes to get things done,” Edward corrected. He pointed at Luke. “You could learn a lot from him. In fact, you could start by concentrating a bit more on your schoolwork.”

  “Dad,” he said firmly, “I’m not quitting baseball.”

  I hadn’t realized there was a threat in his words, but Luke had read between the lines just fine.

  “I think you ought to concentrate a little more on your GPA and a little less on your extracurricular,” Edward reprimanded.

  “You told me that as long as I keep my GPA where you want it, I could play. I’ve done that,” Luke said.

  “I bet you could raise it even more if you applied yourself,” Edward argued.

  “Luke studies all the time,” I interjected. He was holding his own, but I felt the need to defend him. “His grades are excellent.”

  “There’s always room for improvement,” Edward pressed.

  Was this what it was like to have a lawyer for a parent?

  Luke gave me a strained smile before returning his attention to Edward.

  “Dad, you know as well as I do that Ivy Leagues are going to be looking at extra-curricular activities as well as grades. It’s definitely in my best interest to play.”

  “All I’m saying is you need to keep your eyes on the future, son. There’s a lot of planning and forethought that goes into success.”

  “Your father and I have tried to set you up for it as best as we can, but you seem intent on fighting us every step of the way.” Lenore’s cool gaze chilled me as she spoke. “Tell us, Meg, what are your plans for after high school?”

  I shifted in my seat, wishing I’d kept quiet, continuing to go unnoticed. It was too late for that as they both stared at me, waiting for a response.

  “I’d like to be a guidance counselor.”

  “You mean at a school?” She grimaced in distaste, as if I’d admitted I had aspirations of becoming an armed robber.

  “Yes, at a school.” I wanted to hold her gaze, but I felt myself wavering under her scrutiny.

  Her face puckered. “Why?”

  “Why not?” Luke inserted.

  “Jaclyn—”

  “Stop.” Luke slapped his napkin down on the table. “Stop trying to shove Jaclyn and me together.” He spoke his next words slowly. “It’s never going to happen.”

  Lenore blinked in surprise while Edward guzzled more wine.

  My heart went out to Luke. For the first time I understood why he would go to a level as desperate as blackmail. Even with me—his supposed girlfriend—sitting right here, his parents wouldn’t let up. Or maybe it was because I was here. I got the distinct impression Lenore was trying to make me uncomfortable.

  I was uncomfortable, but not in the way I suspected she wanted. The more his parents talked, the less I respected them. How did Luke deal with this on a regular basis?

  “Do you really think she’s that perfect for me?” he demanded. “Or is this about you and Dad needing to control everything in my life?”

  “Yes,” Lenore said firmly, “I do think Jaclyn is an exceptional young woman. I also think you’re veering onto a dangerous path. As your parents it’s our duty to steer you back in the direction you belong.”

  “Mom,” his voice shook with anger, “she cheated on me. A lot.”

  She did? He’d never mentioned that before. I hadn’t exactly asked. He spoke with anger, but hurt laced his tone as well.

  Lenore waved her hand, as if whisking such nonsense away.

  “I tracked her down. Believe me, you do not want the details of what I walked in on.”

  Lenore frowned. “Eileen recently told me Jaclyn confided in her. She said this scenario was the other way around.” Her eyes raked over me with a burning hatred. “Jaclyn confessed she found you in a compromising position with…someone.”

  Me? My partially eaten salad wanted to stage a revolt.

  Luke pushed his chair back as he stood. “You and Eileen better get your facts straight. Jaclyn’s an expert at lying and scheming, twisting everything around to benefit herself. If you believe her, over me, we’ve got a real problem. Why don’t you check the surveillance tapes from the entryway of the firm? You know where Jaclyn likes to go? Her dad’s office after hours. It’s nice and private and perfect for…entertaining.”

  I scampered after him as he hurried out of the restaurant.

  He was silent as we drove away. I let him simmer. For a while he just drove aimlessly around the edges of town. By the time we turned into his driveway his tension had eased.

  I didn’t care to witness a repeat of the evening.

  “Are you sure you want to be here?” I asked. “I thought you’d rather avoid your parents for a while.”

  “They won’t be home. Did you see the limo outside of Natalia’s? Dad’s taking Mom to Sapphire Bay for the night. They won’t be back until tomorrow.” He parked but turned to me before cutting the engine. “Do you want to be here? We can do something else.”

  He looked like he could use a friend.

  “We can hang out here.”

  He grimaced. “My Dad had no right commenting on your curves, which I think are amazing, by the way. But I’ve learned when he gets like that, the fastest way to shut him down is by not engaging.”

  “I get it.” I did. The last thing I wanted was to hear Luke and his Dad arguing about my body. I couldn’t imagine anything more awkward.

  As soon as we were inside he seemed more relaxed. “I’m glad you decided to stay. I have something for you.”

  “Is it something shiny?”

  He laughed. “No.”

  “Is it a pony?”

  Still laughing he said, “No. Do you want a pony?”

  “Not necessarily.” I just wanted to lighten the mood.

  He grabbed my hand and led me to the back staircase. I was a little surprised we weren’t going to his room. At the bottom of the steps he tugged me down a hallway, then pushed open the first door on the left and flipped on the light.

  There were no windows. The walls were painted
burgundy, the carpet charcoal gray. Movie posters were framed and lined three of the walls. The fourth held an enormous screen. The floor was tiered, three levels, and each housed a long, plush sofa.

  The room wasn’t massive, just perfect for a small group. A retro popcorn maker stood against one wall, a small fridge next to it. The scent of buttered popcorn from days past lingered in the air. A rack of movies lined another wall.

  “This is amazing. Why haven’t we used this room before?”

  A sweet smile danced on his lips. “I was saving it for a rainy day.”

  “A rainy day?”

  He moved to the massive rack that held the movies. Twisting around he held up Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “You said you love watching black and white movies on a rainy day. It’s not raining, but maybe we could watch it anyway. I bought several, so if you’d rather watch something else…”

  “No,” I said. “That one is perfect. Thank you.” I surprised us both by sliding my arms around him.

  “You’re welcome,” he said as he hugged me back.

  We stood like that for a few moments, neither of us coming up with anything to say…but neither of us really seeming to want to break away.

  “We should put the movie in,” I finally said.

  “On it.”

  I scanned the other titles while I waited. I hadn’t realized how many movies I’d missed when my life had been in an upheaval.

  “Top row is the best.” He led me to my seat. I settled in, and he reached for a remote. With one button he turned off the lights. With the other he turned up the volume. I hadn’t noticed the speakers, but the surround sound kicked in as the movie began. It was like being in a real theater, only the intimacy made it a whole lot better. The couch was so plush it was like sitting on a cushion of cotton candy.

  He set the remote on the floor near his feet. He looped an arm around my shoulders, tucking me into his side. His hand rested on my arm, his fingers lazily tracing nonsensical shapes.

  How could a simple brushing of fingers feel so good? How could it make my skin sizzle? With every seemingly thoughtless stroke, my insides liquefied.

  I wasn’t exactly sure when being blackmailed had become so enjoyable. Luke wasn’t anything like I thought he would be. He was constantly making small, sweet gestures. He’d far too easily won me over.

  His parents were gone almost every weekend. We spent a lot of time at his house. But I had given up hope of digging up dirt on him. To be honest, even if I found something, I wasn’t sure I’d use it. I was past that.

  As his warm body pressed against mine, I felt myself melting against his side. I placed one hand against his abs and fought the urge to let my fingers slide under his shirt.

  The preview clips ended and our movie started. I only vaguely noticed. I was completely consumed by Luke’s presence. Totally aware that I was feeling things I shouldn’t be feeling.

  I was also aware that there was no reason—no real reason at all—for him to be playing the loving boyfriend.

  That didn’t stop Luke from continuing to trace a trail up and down my bare arm. I turned to steal a glance at him but when I did, I realized he was already watching me. The soft glow of the movie screen flickered across his face, and when I looked at him, he didn’t look away. His face was close to mine. His lips only inches away. I realized I was staring at them.

  It was stupid of me, I knew. There should be no kissing. There was no reason for it. But that didn’t stop him from leaning in. That didn’t stop my eyes from fluttering shut. That didn’t stop us from kissing anyway.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Luke

  Rain was pouring from the sky in relentless sheets. My wipers couldn’t keep up; the outside world was a blur. I pulled over to the curb a few doors down from the little pale blue house I knew was Meg’s. I’d checked it out one time, out of fake-boyfriend obligation. I had thought more than once it would put me into accidental-stalker territory.

  Thunder rumbled, shaking my SUV.

  From here I’d be able to see Meg if she left. No way would I allow her to ride her Rebel in this weather. I wasn’t sure what she did on rainy days. Maybe one of her friends picked her up. I didn’t call ahead because I figured she’d tell me to stay away.

  Silence filled the air as I watched lightning dart across the sky. My hands strummed relentlessly against the steering wheel.

  At the park, I’d told Meg I was going to watch myself. I’d promised her I wouldn’t be crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

  Yeah, we’d crossed a few lines together the other night. But I still felt responsible. This whole scheme was my idea. In my own way, I had as much riding on it as she did.

  I wasn’t looking forward to the conversation we were about to have.

  Meg stepped onto her front porch. She stood under the overhang, looking tense, as if she were about to dart into the rain. I coasted down the block as I gave my horn a tap.

  I was violating the fake boyfriend code by being here, breaking a rule she’d underlined. I expected her to scowl, maybe even ignore me and dart into the rain anyway. But when her lips tilted and her eyebrow quirked, I knew I wouldn’t be in too much trouble.

  I pulled into her driveway, edging as close to the porch as I could get. She leapt off the steps and yanked open the passenger door, then scrambled inside and turned to face me.

  “What are you doing here?”

  I reached for my secret weapon. Holding up the white bakery bag I said, “Bringing you breakfast. And keeping you dry.”

  She sniffed the air before tugging the bag out of my hand. Her eyes lit up when she pulled out the chocolate croissant. I’d learned Meg had a constant craving for onion rings and baked goods. Not necessarily together. And it was way too early for onion rings.

  I motioned to the cup holder. “And an extra large hot chocolate.”

  I figured I was in the clear so I started backing out of the driveway. I caught a glimpse of Meg’s mom standing at the kitchen window. Meg lifted her hand tentatively and waved. Her mom waved back, and then we were cruising down the street.

  “Is that going to be a problem?” I asked.

  “I doubt it. Mom doesn’t exactly give a lot of thought to what I do. Still. You’re not supposed to be here, you know,” she scolded.

  I dared a glance her way. “I couldn’t let you ride in the rain.”

  “I would never ride in a storm like this.” She grimaced. “I was contemplating taking the bus. Or borrowing Mom’s minivan. I guess I owe you a thank-you because you saved me from having to decide which form of humiliation I preferred.”

  She moaned as she took a bite of her croissant. Her eyes were closed as she leaned her head against the seat. She looked completely blissed-out. I was lucky I didn’t jump the curb as I struggled to keep my eyes off her.

  “Did you see the weather forecast?” A lame topic, for sure, but I needed to get my head on straight. “It looks like the rainy season has officially hit. Maybe I should pick you up every day.”

  “Maybe you should.”

  “What? No argument? What’s going on here?”

  “I’m choosing a ride with you over taking Mom’s rusted-up minivan. That’s not something to get too cocky about.” Her tone was light, taking any sting out of her words.

  She took another bite of her breakfast, sighing in appreciation this time. I kept my mouth shut and drove.

  “You know, you’re really not so bad,” she teased.

  “I’m sorry,” I leaned closer, “I didn’t hear you. Could you repeat that?”

  She laughed as she nudged me away. “Stop or I won’t share my croissant with you.”

  “That’s okay. I already ate two.”

  We pulled into the parking lot. A few kids were hanging out in their cars, but it looked like most had already headed inside. It didn’t look as if the storm was going to lighten up anytime soon.

  “Here’s your rainy day,” Meg said.

  “Yeah. I noticed it showed u
p a few days too late.” I clenched the steering wheel. “About the other night…”

  She looked at me over the edge of her cup.

  “I’m—”

  She groaned, cutting me off. “Please do not say you’re sorry for kissing me again.”

  “You said from the start no kissing unless necessary.”

  “And you said from the start we should try to have a little bit of fun.”

  Right. I did say that. That wasn’t exactly what I’d meant by fun. Mostly because I didn’t think she’d be open to it.

  “You made it perfectly clear you didn’t want a real relationship,” she reminded.

  “So the other night was…?”

  “Fun.” Her face contorted into a look of uncertainty. “Unless it wasn’t, um, fun for you? If it wasn’t, I totally get it. I know I’m not exactly your type. I guess I just assumed that you liked kissing me. Since we did a lot of it.”

  I wasn’t sure that “fun” was entirely fitting. I could think of a few other words to describe the other night more accurately. But I knew what she was getting at.

  “I had a lot of…fun.”

  “Perfect. Then I don’t see a problem. Do you?”

  “You’re serious?” This was not how I thought this conversation was going to go.

  She lowered her gaze as she twisted the cup around in her hands. I knew she was going to have second thoughts. I waited for them to come but she surprised me again.

  “Let’s just say you’re not the only one with majorly messed up parents. I know you’ve promised not to tell, but every day I hear people gossiping about my mural. The principal mentions the reward during every Monday morning announcement. I feel this weight hanging over me. I’m just waiting for it to fall and crush me.” She lifted her gaze to mine again. “It just felt really good to get out of my own head for a while. You know?”

  “You’ve had a front row seat to my crazy family. So yeah, I do know. But just to be sure we’re on the same page, you’re talking no strings attached?” I had to clarify. Had to for both of us. For reasons I could never explain to her, this relationship…or whatever it was…could only go so far.