Second Chance (Cruiser & Lex, Book 2)

by Dee J. Stone

  It’s coming from the window. Getting up, I walk over as I scroll through Rey’s messages. Yo, Cruise. Wake up and get your ass to the window.

  I peer out, blinking a few times. Hell, I must be losing it. Someone who looks like Rey is standing out there. Damn, I must be hallucinating because I miss him too much. I press my forehead to the window and squint again. Shit, it is him. The same brown hair like mine, cut short. Same height. A black bag is slung over his shoulder.

  What the hell is he doing here? I just spoke to him a few hours ago. He lied about going for Mexican. He must have been on his way to the airport.

  I open the window and stick my head out. “Rey?”

  “Let me in,” he half-whispers and half-yells. “Before they wake up.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  He motions for me to keep my voice down. “Just let me in.”

  I’ve only got pants on. I grab a shirt and get downstairs, trying to be as quiet as possible. It’s not so easy when the steps are as old as hell and creak. Reminds me of the time Rey got drunk last month. He was so stressed because of the violin, Lex, his clubs, and who the hell knows what, that he got trashed. I got him upstairs without my parents suspecting anything.

  I get to the door and open it. Rey’s expression is unsure. Confused. Worried. I hold out my hands. “What the hell, Rey?”

  He laughs sheepishly. “Can I come in?”

  I widen the door and take the bag from him as he passes me. It feels like he packed an elephant and a rhino in here. I close the door and face him. “Talk.”

  He studies the house like he’s been away for twenty years.

  “You flew in?” I ask.

  “I’m beat.” He reaches for his bag.

  I tighten my hold. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “Later.”

  “Rey.”

  “Cruise, I’m beat.”

  I can see on his face how tired he is. I hand him the bag. “I got no clue what you’re doing here, but it’s good to see you. Come here.” I give him a hug. He puts his arms around me and holds on to me for a bit before pulling away. “You good?” I ask.

  “Yeah, I’m cool.” He forces a smile. Something’s definitely up. “Wrecked my room?” he asks.

  Usually, I’d crack a joke or say something like, “You know it,” but I just look at him. See how his eyebrows are creased and how his lips are pressed in a firm line.

  He heads up to his room. I follow. It’s next door to mine. Used to be mine. Actually, it was originally his. My room is right across from Lex’s. When she and Rey started going out, Rey switched over to my room so they could see each other from their rooms. As soon as he left and Lex and I got together, I asked him if it was cool that I moved back into my original room. He agreed. Now Lex is the last thing I see before I go to bed.

  His new-old room looks the same as when he left. Posters of things he’s into, like famous violinists. Books and games lined up neatly on his shelf. His Xbox is stored in its box. He’s probably the only person to keep his Xbox in its box when it’s not in use.

  I drop his bag onto his bed and sit down. “Rey.”

  He takes a few steps in. “Yeah?”

  “What’s up?”

  He goes over to his bag and unzips it. Rummages inside.

  “Rey.”

  His gaze jumps to mine. “We’ll talk in the morning. I need sleep.”

  “I’m not gonna leave until you tell me what the hell’s wrong. You took a plane and came home. In the middle of the night. Without telling Mom and Dad. Do they even know you’re here?”

  He fists his hands.

  “You can tell me, bro,” I say.

  He takes hold of his blanket and pulls it back. My ass is in the way. Doesn’t stop him, though. He squeezes in and lies down, turning his back to me.

  “Are you in trouble?” I ask.

  He doesn’t answer.

  “Girl problems?”

  A light scoff.

  “Rey, whatever it is—”

  “Don’t you know when to shut up, Cruiser?”

  Feels like a slap in the face. A hard one. “Rey, please—”

  He kicks me in the rib through the blanket.

  I stand and stare down at him. His back still faces me, shoulders rising and falling fast like he’s mad. Or crying?

  “’Night, Rey.”

  At the door, I look back and watch him for a few seconds. I see his face now. His eyes are shut tight. He opens them and meets my gaze. He rolls to his other side.

  I make it to my room and fall on my bed. I sit there, staring at my cruiser ship sitting in the middle of the room in its glass case. The ship Gramps and Gran gave me for my tenth birthday. The ship that gave me my name.

  Something is wrong with Rey. Ain’t like him to act like this. He seemed so happy in L.A.

  I lie down and stare at the ceiling. I’m not going to get much sleep tonight.

  Chapter Four

  Lex

  I shake my light blue and white poms and swing my hips before twirling around and throwing them in the air. I only catch one. When I look at my teammates, I find that most of them haven’t managed to catch theirs, either.

  Coach Lewis shakes her head. “This isn’t coming out the way I envisioned. Let’s pick this up after school.”

  We have a dance meet in a few weeks and have been squeezing in as much practice as possible. Before school, after school, sometimes during lunch period. I guess ever since we won first place at Hamilton last month, we’re on a mission to win every meet that follows, which will hopefully bring us to Nationals. We all want this very badly—my dream is to be a professional dancer, to get accepted into Juilliard and be on Broadway.

  I gather my poms and walk toward the door. That’s when I see a tall guy with brown, wavy hair sweeping his shoulders. My whole body lights up. I bet I’m going to get the same fuzzy, jello-y feeling every time I lay eyes on him. Cruiser.

  His face brightens when he sees me. I rush over and throw myself into his arms. He lifts me a few inches off the ground and does a small spin. I laugh. “We’re acting like we haven’t seen each other in months.”

  His chest vibrates as he laughs. “That’s how I feel every second I’m away from you.”

  I wrap my arms tighter around him and press my lips to his. He pulls me closer to his body as his mouth devours mine. I feel like I’ve been skyrocketed to the moon.

  When we pull apart, I say, “I’m so wiped out. I have no patience for school.”

  He fingers my bottom lip. “Been working hard?”

  “You have no idea. Coach is putting so many hard moves into our routine and won’t give us a break until we get it right.”

  He pecks my nose. “You’re the hottest, most talented Sharkette on the squad.”

  Cheeks flushing, I lightly slap his shoulder. “Shut up.”

  He puts his hands on my waist and spins me around so that my back is against the wall. “Never.” He digs his face in my neck. “You smell so good.”

  “I’m all sweaty and gross.”

  “Mmm.” His lips brush my skin.

  When a moan escapes my lips, my eyes snap open and my cheeks get even hotter. We’re right outside the gym, not the busiest area in the school, but busy enough that some kids stare and giggle. Even though Cruiser and I have been an official couple for a few weeks, I still haven’t gotten used to being…“physical” in public. Rey hadn’t had much experience nor was he as passionate.

  Ugh, I still compare them. I wish I didn’t. I know it’s normal, since Rey was my first boyfriend and he’s Cruiser’s twin. I push him out of my head.

  When Cruiser lifts his head from my neck, his eyes are heavy and I can see the fire burning in them. It makes me feel…sexy that I evoke those feelings in him. I never felt this sexy with Rey.

  Ugh, again.

  He steps away and I immediately feel cold. I want to launch myself into his arms again and let him continue kissing me with those warm, s
oft lips that take me to places I’ve never been before. But we’re in school.

  “So guess who dropped by last night,” he says.

  “Who?”

  “You gotta guess, darlin’. Actually you won’t guess. I’ll give you a hint. He has my birthday.” He rubs his forehead and frowns. “Well that just gave it away.”

  “Rey dropped by?”

  His face was so playful a few seconds ago, but now it’s laced in pain and worry. His hair falls over his eyes, shielding them from my view.

  I push the hair away. His eyes look even more pained. “What’s wrong, Cruiser?”

  “I don’t know,” he says, barely above a whisper. “He dropped in last night and was acting very weird. His door was locked this morning. I don’t think my parents even know he’s home. Something’s wrong, Lex. I can feel it.”

  I run my hand through his hair. “Why do you think something’s wrong? Maybe he got off from school or—”

  He shakes his head. “I know him. It’s hard to explain. I don’t think he’s in trouble. I mean, maybe he is.” He shakes his head like he’s telling a voice in his head to shut up. “The way he treated me and spoke to me. Ain’t like him.”

  I hug him as tightly as possible. I hate being powerless to help. It hurts so much to see him hurting. His arms come around me and he holds on like he’s drawing in my comfort.

  “Come.” I take his hand, and we sink to the floor. Cruiser doesn’t say anything, just stares at the space in front of him. I slide closer to him and rest my chin on his shoulder.

  “Can I ask you something?” he asks.

  I climb into his lap and put my hands around his neck, looking into his eyes. “Of course.”

  He rests his forehead against mine. “Do you ever feel that because you’re so happy, everything will go to shit any minute? Like the anvil’s hanging above your head and will drop the next time you laugh or smile?”

  “All the time. It’s okay to feel scared. Life’s unpredictable. But we can’t live in fear all the time.”

  He nods. “You’re right. I guess I feel I don’t deserve to be happy.”

  “Why not? Of course you deserve to be happy. You’re an amazing guy.”

  He doesn’t say anything.

  “Whatever’s happening with Rey, it’ll be okay.” I take hold of his chin and lift his face until his eyes meet mine. “It’ll be okay.”

  He nods, his face filled with doubt. “Hope you’re right.”

  Chapter Five

  Cruiser

  I call in sick for work. Juice Me is one of the hottest joints in all of Miami Beach, Florida. Yeah, I’m exaggerating because my paycheck is crap, but it is a pretty cool place. But I need to be home, for Rey. Twin telepathy tells me he’s not on some vacation or break.

  Mom and Dad aren’t home yet. I find Rey in the living room, watching CNN. I plop down next to him on the couch. “Sup, Rey?”

  “Hey.”

  He’s acting normal now. Eyes are glued to the screen like the lady is about to call out the lottery numbers. He’s got a few cans of soda on the coffee table with a bag of pretzels and an apple.

  I grab some pretzels. “Whatup?”

  He shrugs. “Nothing much.”

  “Hmm.” I munch.

  “I needed a break, okay?”

  I sit up. “What do you mean?”

  He doesn’t say anything, gaze still on the screen. I know he’s trying to keep his expression cool, but his jaw twitches.

  “Rey, Mom and Dad will come home soon. You in trouble?”

  “No.”

  “Okay.” I hold out my hands. “Was just asking.” I grab more pretzels. “So what’s up, bro?”

  He sighs and reaches for the remote to mute the TV. He still doesn’t look at me. “I…just needed a break.”

  “Rey, you can’t just leave school because you need a break.”

  He presses his lips together.

  “Did you just hop on a plane without telling anyone?”

  He clenches his jaw.

  “Shit, Rey.”

  His eyes jet to mine. “I didn’t come home to have you be all in my face.” He turns off the TV, gets up, and tosses the remote on the couch. “Going out.”

  “Wait.” I get up, too, and go after him. “I didn’t mean to be all up in your business.”

  He grabs his car keys off the table in the hall. “Is my car still in the garage?”

  “Yeah.”

  He reaches for the door handle.

  “Rey, don’t run. Talk to me.”

  He shakes his head. “I’m done talking. I need some air.”

  The door slams after him. I go back to the living room and drop down on the couch. Rey’s his own person. I’m not his keeper and don’t need to look after him or worry about him. He knows how to take care of himself.

  But hell. I am worried.

  ***

  My parents are talking about how their day was. I dig my fork into my mashed potatoes. Rey’s been out for a few hours. He’s got places to visit, friends to see. But he’s never been out for too long. He usually spent his time studying, or practicing the violin, or at his clubs and after school activities.

  His violin. He didn’t bring it home. I doubt he stuffed it into his bag. My eyes travel up the stairs and toward his room, as if searching the area. Rey’s violin is gold to him. Mom and Dad bought it for him when he was thirteen and nailed his piece at a concert. I’d say he loves his violin more than I love my cruiser ship, but no one can love anything more than I love my ship. He left it in L.A. That ain’t like him at all.

  My parents are laughing at some lame joke when the door opens. Mom’s mouth drops. Dad presses a napkin to his lips, eyes wide. “Reagan?” Mom asks.

  Rey sways a bit at the door. Smiles. He stands there like he’s not sure if he should come in. Like he’s an uninvited guest.

  Mom jumps to her feet. She runs to Rey and throws her arms around him. She kisses him more times than any guy would admit. Dad presses the napkin to his lips again. Clearly, he’s stunned. Confused. After a second or two, he gets up and hugs Rey, too.

  “What a surprise,” Mom says. She pulls him inside, shutting the door and telling him to sit as she grabs some dinner for him. Rey starts to chomp down the chicken and mashed potatoes like he hasn’t eaten anything worth crap in a long time.

  “What are you doing home, Reagan?” Dad asks.

  Rey stares at his half-empty plate. He scoops up some more mashed potatoes and stuffs his face. Mom and Dad wait patiently. Rey probably figures he won’t get out of this, so he mumbles, “I miss…everything.”

  Mom places her hand on top of his. “What do you mean, honey?”

  Rey’s lower lip quivers, a sign he’s really upset. “I don’t know. I don’t think I want to attend Kelman’s anymore.”

  I fall back in my seat and stare at him. I didn’t expect this. I’ve spoken to him on the phone nearly every day. He seemed so happy. But now I get it. He wasn’t really happy. If he was, he wouldn’t have called so much.

  “I don’t understand,” Mom says, eyebrows scrunched. “Why didn’t you talk to us? I know it must have been hard, but you haven’t been there a month. Adjusting to a new school, a new state, without knowing any—”

  Rey drops his fork onto the table. “I miss my life here.”

  Everyone gets quiet. Rey’s lip quivers again. Man, he’s really upset. He’s my twin and I get him in ways even I don’t understand. I know he’s not just having cold feet or whatever. He’s serious about this.

  “Does the school know you’re here?” Dad asks

  Rey twitches his mouth and lowers his gaze to his plate again.

  “Reagan.” Dad’s got a warning tone.

  “There’s a message for you on the machine,” Rey mumbles.

  Mom goes to the kitchen. Dad follows. I keep my eyes on Rey, waiting for him to look at me. He doesn’t. “Rey.”

  “No, Cruise.”

  “I didn’t know you were homesick.
”

  He mutters something.

  “What?”

  His eyes flash to mine. “Look, I thought going away for school would be great. Hell, I needed to get away. But I miss everything like crazy. Why do I need to go to a music school so far away? I’ll go there for college.”

  “Like they’ll take you back for college when you just quit.”

  He clenches his jaw. “Whatever. I’ll go to a different music school.”

  “Hey, don’t get pissed at me. I get how you feel. I felt the same way when I was in New York. But it was good for me.”

  “Don’t try to lecture me, Cruise. I’m not going back. I’m finishing high school here.”

  He’s got the right to do what makes him happy. And I want him to be happy. Except, that’s not so easy. Not when Lex and I are a couple. I doubt he’ll feel good when he sees us together. I don’t want to be selfish, but my relationship with Lex has been going well. Being with her in front of Rey will make me feel like a dick. The fact that I’m thinking about me instead of him makes me feel like a dick already.

  Mom and Dad return to the table. Mom’s all pale, like someone died. Dad’s eyebrows are creased. “The principal called,” Mom says. “She said to call her back ASAP. Reagan?”

  Rey puffs out some air. “I just…left.”

  “What?” Mom and Dad say.

  Rey swallows a few times. “I thought…I thought if I told you guys, you’d talk me out of it.”

  “Kelman’s Music Academy is a prestigious school, Reagan,” Dad says. “We’re paying good money—”

  “It’s not about the money, Gerry,” Mom says. “Reagan, you can’t just drop out of school and run home.”

  Rey shrugs.

  “Do you want to go back to Kelman’s?” Dad asks.

  Rey shakes his head.

  “Okay,” Dad says. “Let’s enroll him back into South Beach High.”

  “You can’t let him quit school like that. Kelman’s is an excellent school. It can open so many doors for Reagan.”

  Rey mutters something Mom and Dad don’t hear. I do, because of the twin telepathy. He said, “Now you can’t show me off to your friends.”