by Nicole Marsh
She interrupts, snatching her bag off the ground easily, making it appear lighter than it sounded. Her other hand grabs onto my elbow with a surprisingly firm grip and she steers me towards the school. “Well, you’re already here. Might as well come check it out, never know, you might be interested. There’s nothing else to do before class starts anyways,” she says in a steady stream.
“Well, sure, I guess,” I reply, even though it doesn’t seem like I have much choice at this point.
She’s right… There really isn’t anything else to do anyways.
Chapter 13
I slam my tray onto the table next to Collin, louder than I meant to. Glancing left, then right to check no one is around waiting to tattle on me, after I make my next statement, I quickly whine out, “I wish you had warned me about the cheerleading meeting this morning. Katie found me while she was on the warpath and now, I need to be here early tomorrow, to learn the routines for tryouts.”
Collin wraps a comforting arm around my shoulders after I plop down on the bench next to him. “Sorry McKenzie. I really didn’t know.” His voice sounds genuine. I believe him, but still emit a huff of frustration.
“Weren’t you a cheerleader in middle school?” Matt asks from across the table, his brow furrowed like thinking is difficult for him.
“Yeah, but now we’re in high school,” I point out like he’s slow. “I don’t have the time to be a cheerleader.”
Or the money, for that matter.
“It’ll be okay, I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Collin drawls, the words soothing me despite the fact that they don’t offer a solution to my problems at all. “We’ll get you here early tomorrow too. What time do you need to meet the team?”
“At six,” I reply with a frown. “That’s so early though, you don’t have to drive me.”
“Nah, it’s okay,” Collin replies giving me one more squeeze. He removes his arm to pick up the slice of pizza from the tray in front of him. “We have early practice anyways.” He takes a massive chomp of the cheese covered dough, chewing quietly before he continues, “Honestly, if you made the team, it would make it easier to drive you to school every day. A lot of the practices for football and cheerleading line up, so we’d have similar schedules.”
Drive me to school every day?
As in long term?
While I mull over his words, surprised by his commitment to driving me, the rest of the girls arrive at the table. Placing their trays on top of the gray surface, they slide into the empty spaces on the bench, filling in the gaps between the football players.
Isabelle flips her deep, rich auburn hair over her shoulder. The movement is incredibly sassy, but her voice is sweet when she asks, “How are you, Kenzie?”
Collin answers for me while I chew a huge bite of pizza. “She’s good. McKenzie was telling us she’s trying out for cheerleading.” He smiles at her warmly and a flare of jealousy bubbles low in my gut. I tamp down the unnecessary feeling, reminding myself Collin is nice and nice people smile at other people.
Isabelle grins at me, but the look lacks any of the warmth or happiness that typically accompanies the expression. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were interested Kenzie. I hope you make it.” Her tone is a direct contradiction with her words, she even pauses between “you” and “make” like she silently added a “don’t” in between.
I dip my head and take another large bite of pizza, in lieu of responding.
She turns her attention to Collin next. “Why do you always call her McKenzie? Doesn’t she prefer to go by Kenzie?” she asks.
I continue to eat silently, even though Isabelle is now talking about me like I’m not even at the table. I’m also curious to hear Collin’s response so I don’t interrupt. Acting like I’m engrossed by my tray of free lunch, I watch him out of my peripherals.
He shrugs, then replies simply, “I’ve never met another McKenzie. It feels unique, like I should appreciate the name because it’s special.” He meets Isabelle’s gaze directly before glancing at me while I pretend to read the label of my milk. Then, he turns back to his food, finishing the rest of his pizza in two bites.
“Well it’s kind of weird. You should just call her by her nickname, since that’s clearly what she prefers,” Isabelle snarks out. Her jealous tone has the entire table pausing their own conversations, eager to become privy to the drama.
Thankfully, Katie intervenes. Drawing the attention away from my newly blooming relationship with Collin by asking a question to Jeremy, who’s sitting across the table at the furthest point possible. “Do we have English homework already? What kind of BS is that?” She shouts, to be heard across the distance.
Matt rolls his eyes and joins in, “I hate when teachers assign homework the first day.”
Their conversation slowly takes over, the loud chatter around the table resuming as everyone becomes immersed in their complaints about homework, forgetting the conflict with Isabelle. I remain silent, thinking over Collin’s words, and a small smile creeps onto my face.
I read between the lines, he calls me by my full name because he thinks I’m special and unique.
Turning, I face Collin and snag his hand off the table, intertwining my fingers with his. I use the affection to reassure him, I like him calling me McKenzie, now that I know the reason why. He’s started talking to Alex, but he shoots me a smile and pulls our connected hands to rest in his lap, on top one of his thickly muscled legs. The motion tugs me closer, making our thighs press together and I can feel his warmth radiating through his jeans.
Summer snags my attention, effectively distracting me from my imminent swoon over all things Collin. “Kenzie, do you need a ride to practice tomorrow? Katie told me you’re trying out for the team. Yay!”
Her enthusiasm causes a genuine smile in response. “Nah, Collin already said he would drive me,” I reply. “Thanks for offering though, I may need a ride or two in the future,” I tack on, wanting her to know I appreciate her thoughtfulness, and her overall chipper demeanor which quickly overshadows Isabelle’s rudeness.
“Oh, any time!” She replies, her voice as bubbly as champagne.
“How many spots are there? Open on the team that is,” I address the question to the table generally, since almost all of the cheerleaders are sitting with us. Or maybe I’m sitting with them, since this is their usual table.
“Three,” a beautiful dark-skinned girl named Heather replies. “I think you have a good chance; I remember your moves from middle school,” she adds with a grin.
I smile at her and the conversation between the cheerleaders devolves into guessing who the other two empty spots will go to. I half-listen, knowing they’re including me, but unable to participate without knowing the talent of the other girls trying out for the team.
The bell rings, trilling abruptly and slicing through the sounds in the cafeteria, including the conversations at our table. With a groan, I join the others, stepping over the bench and grabbing my backpack with my free hand, in preparation of heading to class.
I have calculus next, and as much as I would like to delay that torture, the teacher is a notorious hard ass on anyone that’s late. Especially on the first day.
Collin stays seated, twirling his legs around to face my direction. He tugs on our connected hands and the motion causes me to stumble forward into him. The height difference from our positions causes my modest chest to smash right into his face.
“Oops, sorry,” I say, taking a half step back, so his face is no longer squished against my boobs.
Collin smirks and raises a single brow. “I wasn’t complaining,” he drawls out.
I giggle, knowing the charming Collin Franzen is joking.
His face transitions into a warm smile as he rises from the bench. Collin releases my hand to wrap both arms low around my waist instead. “Can I walk you to class?” he asks, a serious expression replacing his teasing one.
“Of course,” I respond, ignoring the growing feelings his eas
y touches are nurturing, to focus on his words.
“Where are we headed?”
“Calculus,” I reply, ending the word with another groan.
Collin quickly drops his arms and latches onto my hand, striding towards the door with purpose. “We better hurry, Mr. Lutz is a total jerk. He’s my first class in the morning,” he throws the words over his shoulder as he propels us through the halls and across the school.
He finally slows his pace when we reach the hallway containing my class. He drags me to a stop, a few feet away from the door, out of sight from everyone inside.
“Aren’t you going to be late now?” I ask, in a half-whisper, not wanting to get caught even though we aren’t doing anything wrong.
“Worth it, to walk my girl to class,” he drawls.
My girl.
Collin drops his head, lightly pressing his lips against my forehead. My body melts against his, over the sweet gesture of affection he’s given me for the second time today. He steps away and our eyes connect, a sizzling heat traveling between us.
I could stand in the hallway all day, staring at Collin Franzen. He seems to be more aware of himself and the time, as he slowly backs away from me. “You better get to class, the bells about to ring,” the meaning of his quiet words wash over me, helping me to regain my senses.
Pacing a few steps towards the classroom, I reach the doorway then turn my head to watch Collin’s retreat. The second our gazes meet he yells, “I’ll meet you at your locker at the end of the day, Kenzie.” He’s still retreating backwards, his eyes smoldering in my direction.
I immediately curse out Isabelle, already missing my full name on his lips. “Call me McKenzie,” I shout back, seconds before the bell sounds.
“Ms. Carslyle,” an irate voice calls from inside the classroom.
Sighing deeply, I face the room, my eyes sweeping over the full desks until they land on the last empty one. I stride across the room to the far side, near the bay of windows, and plop down into the seat, right in front of Isabelle.
I sense movement behind me as she sways forward, closing in on my back, her breathing audible with her nearness. “So glad you could join us, McKenzie,” she whispers in a mocking tone.
Keeping my eyes facing forward, I force my body not to react to her jibe, but groan internally.
Of course, the entire class heard that.
Chapter 14
The beeping of my alarm cuts into my consciousness far too early the next morning. I didn’t give myself much time to get ready following the sound, wanting to milk as much sleep as possible before beginning my day. With that knowledge in mind, I force myself to shove the covers down and leave the comfort of my bed.
I quickly throw my hair into a tight pony and dress in my sports bra, a pair of work out leggings, and my tennis shoes. Throwing a long, ancient tee over my head, I scoop up an outfit for after practice and shovel it into my backpack along with the rest of my school supplies.
In under ten minutes, I’m outside the trailer locking the door. My timing is almost perfect, as I spot Collin bumping along the uneven road leading through the park, heading in my direction. He pulls onto the grassy patch in front of my trailer, which is starting to acquire permanent tire marks, from the number of times he’s picked me up recently.
I rush the car, eliminating his chance to get out, not wanting to waste time standing in my yard and risk being late for practice. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to join the cheerleading squad, but after Isabelle’s attitude yesterday, I’m confident I do. Partly out of spite, but also to prove to myself that I can have a life and make it on the team.
If I make the cut, I’ll have to figure out the time and money thing later.
I open the door to Collin’s SUV and move to reach for the handle to clamber inside, but stop short when I notice the passenger seat. My heart melts a little more for Collin, as I spot the goodies he brought. Two protein bars, a giant bottle of water, and a reusable thermos are nestled against the back of the seat, waiting for me.
Raising my eyes, I meet his emerald gaze. “Is all of this for me?” I ask.
A shy smile blooms and he nods. “Of course, can’t have my girl dragging at practice. Anything I can do to help you make the team, I’ll do it,” he replies.
My girl. Again.
He gathers the food and beverages onto his lap, and I swing inside, firmly shutting the door behind me. I lean across the seat and watch his lids grow more hooded with every inch I move closer. Hovering above his mouth I say, “I’m not going to kiss you, yet.” Then slide my face to the side to gently kiss his cheek, stealing a move from the Collin Franzen playbook. My breath fans over his face and ear as I whisper, “But thanks for being my guy and looking out for me.”
I hear his swallow, the noise thundering in our close proximity. I’m unable to contain my smirk, leaning back and settling against my seat, keeping my eyes locked on his heated green gaze as I latch my seatbelt into place. He maintains eye contact as he hands me the treats, he brought for me.
Without seeming to realize, he slowly sways forward. My smirk grows larger and his eyes flit to my mouth. I run my tongue over my lips and watch as he traces the movement with his eyes, seemingly unable to look away. I think I have him, I’m sending the same vibes I did the other night.
Kiss me.
But Collin is stronger willed than I gave him credit for. He clears his throat a couple of times then drags his eyes away from me to stare out the front windshield. He fiddles with the center console for a few seconds until I feel cool air blasting through the vents. I stifle a laugh as I watch him redirect the closest one, to douse him in cool air, before reversing onto the dirt road.
I’m disappointed he didn’t kiss me, but also thrilled with the power I hold when he’s fixated on me, like he was just a few minutes ago. Sorting through the items in my lap, I inspect the thermos, bringing it to my lips after a quick sniff of the contents. I take a sip of the coffee, emitting a small moan as the rich flavor crosses my tongue.
My Folgers has nothing on the coffee brewed by Collin Franzen.
He laughs and I realize I spoke the words aloud. “They’re coffee beans specially imported from Morocco. They’re kind of expensive, but my dad has always said quality is better than quantity.”
“Wise man,” I mumble before taking another long swig from the thermos, containing what I would consider a delicacy. By the time this is all over, Collin will have me spoiled by all his rich gifts.
The rest of the drive passes quickly in companionable silence as I chomp through my protein bar and sip on my coffee, courtesy of my guy. My eyes remain focused out the windshield, watching as Collin pulls into the front row of the parking lot, into the same spot as yesterday.
We both get out and link hands at the hood of the car, our fingers fitting together like they were made for this. Like we’ve been holding hands for our entire existence. My thoughts stray into the realm of fantasy, the one where I didn’t get closer to Collin to rob his house. We stroll to the front of the school happily ensconced in each other.
He opens the door for me, ushering me to enter before him. Together we amble towards the gym stopping a few feet short from the entrance. Collin twirls me around, wrapping his arms low around my waist and squeezing me tightly against his firm body. “Good luck in there,” he murmurs against my hair. “You’re going to crush it.”
Stepping backward, I lock gazes with him. “You too, kick some butt on the football field,” I say with a grin.
Collin chuckles and reluctantly drops his arms to his sides. “Oh,” he tacks on like an afterthought. “My parents were asking about you… they wanted to know if you could come over for dinner in two days.”
“They want me to come over?” I ask, hesitantly. I’m nervous about spending time with Collin’s parents, even though learning the layout of the Franzen house is supposed to be my ultimate goal. The whole reason behind spending time with Collin in the first place.
“
Yeah,” he says with a shrug. “They want to get to know the girl I’ve been spending so much of my time with lately,” he states simply.
I guess that makes sense, for someone with parent’s that actually care what their kids are up to. “Okay, I’m free Thursday,” I agree slowly.
Collin laughs, “Don’t sound so reluctant. They’re really cool, you’ll have fun. I promise. My parents are chill and great cooks.”
I chuckle, surprised by his ability to read me so well after such a short time, but I don’t know why. He’s consistently shown he pays attention, even when I don’t realize it. He knows me already, despite the short length of our friendship.
My lips fall into an easy smile. “I’ve never done this whole ‘meet the parents’ thing… but I’m excited to do it with you,” I admit.
The words are truthful, but I try not to linger on them. The more time I spend with Collin, the less and less I’m convinced my agreement with Derek is the answer to my problems. I don’t have time to dwell on that now though, I need to keep my head in the game to learn the cheer for tryouts. The last few minutes before dancing and cheering is not the time for solving all my money problems.
Collin steps forward again, leaning down to brush his lips against my cheek. He hovers close by and I angle my face so our lips are mere inches apart. Heat pings between us and I slowly drift towards him.
Summer’s peppy voice interrupts our daze, “Girl, we’re about to get started. You better get in here and stretch.” My head pops up and I connect gazes with Summer at her post near the gym entrance. She offers me a small smile before stepping back through the doorway, parting with, “Hurry up, Kenzie!”
Blushing, I shoot a remorseful grin to Collin and back away, keeping my eyes locked on his for just a little longer. Once a few feet of distance separate us, I give a quick wave, then hustle into the gym.
