The Practice Date - (Young Adult Romance)

by Victorine E. Lieske

***

  Monday came and Jane dragged herself out of bed. Another week of school and seeing Lance hanging out with Nick and Tiffany. She wasn’t looking forward to it.

  But when she approached her locker she saw Lance leaning up against it. He smiled and her stomach did that fluttering thing again. “Hi,” he said, moving out of her way.

  “What’s up?” she asked, sliding her book bag into her locker.

  He shrugged. “Nothing. Just thought I would walk you to class.”

  She squinted up at him. “Why?”

  He scanned the hallway as if he didn’t know what to say. Then he grinned. “Practice.”

  Right. She rolled her eyes but made sure he didn’t see. “Fine.” She pulled a notebook out of her bag and slammed her locker. She started down the hall, making him catch up to her. When he put his arm around her, she stopped short. “What are you doing?”

  He looked exasperated. “Walking you to class!”

  “Aren’t you afraid Tiffany is going to see us?”

  He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Maybe she’ll be jealous.”

  A lump formed in her throat. Now he was using her to make Tiffany jealous. She wanted to tell him to get lost, to never talk to her again, but a much bigger part of her couldn’t do that. Especially not after what he told her this weekend. So she forced herself to smile. “You’re right. That’s a good idea. Make her jealous.”

  They walked down the hallway getting a few looks from some of the students. When they got to her Biology class, he took her hand. She could see Colleen in her desk staring at them.

  “See you later.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Before she could react, he slipped down the hall and joined the throng of students.

  As she walked to her desk Colleen’s eyes widened. “Are you and Lance a thing now?”

  Dazed, all she could do was shake her head.

  “No? You sure looked like a thing.”

  Jane slid into her chair. “He wants to make Tiffany jealous.”

  Colleen’s face turned red and she frowned. “I can’t believe you would let him do that.”

  “Let him do what? Kiss me? You think I don’t want him to kiss me?”

  “Of course you do. But don’t you want him kissing you for you and not because of some other girl?”

  The room felt hot and Jane closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “I know. I do want that. It’s just…”

  She heard Colleen sigh. “You want to be near him. I get it. I’ll totally shut up about it.”

  “I know I’m being stupid and that I’ll regret it later.”

  “Probably.” Colleen put her hand on Jane’s shoulder.

  “But for now…oh, man, is he a good kisser.”

  The bell rang and Colleen whispered, “Tell me later.”

  ***

  The rest of the week sped by with Lance doing his best to make Tiffany jealous and totally destroying Jane’s heart in the process. By Friday afternoon she was ready to give up. She couldn’t take much more.

  Lance strode to her locker. “Do you want to go out for dinner with me tonight? Maybe try out that new Chinese place?”

  Don’t look at him. Don’t look at him. Too late. She looked. His brown eyes stopped her heart. “Okay,” she said. Why was she continuing to torture herself?

  “Great,” he said, grinning. “It should be fun.”

  “Yeah. Fun.”

  Lance didn’t notice her despondent mood. He put his arm around her shoulders. “I’ll pick you up at six, okay? I’ve got something I need to do first.”

  “Sure.”

  He dropped her off at her house and sped away. While she watched him leave, she wondered what she was doing. At some point he would stop this charade and go after Tiffany. Maybe Tiffany would reject him. The thought gave her a little comfort.

  She decided to change out of her jeans. She chose a cute black skirt and some layered shirts. She put her hair up, thinking that might be a nice change. Then she put on a dab of perfume and a little makeup. She frowned at herself in the mirror. Not a great improvement. At least she didn’t have any zits today.

  She went upstairs to watch for Lance out of the living room window. Andrew wandered over to her. “Are you leaving?”

  “Yes.”

  Andrew stared at her, his face contemplative. “You smell good.”

  She laughed. “Thanks, Drewbie.”

  Right at six Lance pulled up and hopped out of his car. She met him at the door. Andrew started chanting, “Lance and Janie sitting in a tree…”

  Heat rose to her face and she rushed out, urging Lance down the steps. He chuckled. “Andrew must have been watching out the window when I brought you home last week.”

  “I guess.”

  She noticed he’d changed his clothes too. He was wearing khaki pants and a hunter green sweater. It looked good on him and she tried not to stare.

  When they entered the restaurant, the smell of soy and ginger made her mouth water. Lighted paper lanterns hung from the ceiling and a gold bas relief dragon filled almost one entire wall. The hostess showed them to a table and handed them menus.

  Lance leaned over the table and said, “You look fantastic tonight.”

  Fantastic? Her? He had to be thinking about what he would say to Tiffany on prom night. “Thanks,” she said, a hole opening up in her chest. This was no longer fun.

  They ordered their food and made small talk while they waited. By the time her soup arrived she was starving. The hot and sour tasted perfect. “This is delicious.”

  Lance beamed. “I thought you’d like this place.”

  He looked so happy. They ate their meals in silence. Lance kept glancing around the restaurant, and Jane wondered what was up with that. Was he expecting someone?

  Just as she pushed back her empty dish, the waiter stopped at their table and set a plate down in front of her. It had a fortune cookie on it. Then he did this little bow thing, winked at Lance, and took off.

  She looked up at Lance, slightly confused. “You ordered me a fortune cookie?”

  A smile spread across his face. “I did.”

  “Do they usually bring it out on a plate?”

  He shrugged. “I dunno. Open it.”

  She pulled open the cookie and slid out the slip of paper. “Will you go to the prom with me?” she read. Her heart lodged in her throat. Lance was going to ask Tiffany to the prom this way. Perfect. “She’ll love that,” she said, her voice cracking.

  That was it. She couldn’t do this anymore. Tears filled her eyes and she stood. “I can’t…” No more words would come.

  She ran out of the restaurant.

  Tears streaming down her face, she continued to walk down the sidewalk. She didn’t know where she was going, only that she couldn’t be around Lance anymore. But of course she heard footsteps behind her and then Lance put his hand on her shoulder. “Janie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  She turned to face him. “I just can’t do this anymore.”

  “The last thing I wanted to do was make you cry.” He stuffed his fists into his pockets and looked down at his feet. “I thought maybe you wouldn’t mind going to the prom with me. I didn’t think it would upset you so much.”

  Jane stared at him. “Wait…what? I thought you wanted to go to the prom with Tiffany.”

  His eyes met hers. “I did…at first.”

  “You said you were in love with her!”

  “Why are you so mad?”

  She shoved his chest, but he didn’t budge. “Because I thought you were practicing.”

  “I know.” His face fell. “That’s my fault. I was afraid to tell you I had changed my mind. I was enjoying spending time with you.”

  She took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm down. “So, you let me believe you were thinking of Tiffany while we were on our dates…while you danced with me…and kissed me?”

  His cheeks turned pink. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kiss
ed you.”

  “I wanted you to kiss me,” she said quietly.

  Confusion hit his face. “You did? Then why are you so upset that I asked you to prom?”

  “I thought you were going to ask Tiffany this way…with the fortune cookie and everything. I didn’t want to be your practice girl anymore. I wanted you to be with me.”

  He smiled and stepped forward, reaching out to her and taking her hand. “Does that mean you will go to prom with me?”

  “Yes, you dork, I’ll go to the prom with you.”

  He pulled her close and she laid her head on his shoulder. “I guess I messed this whole asking-you-to-prom thing up,” he said.

  She laughed. “Other than making me believe you were trying out your moves on me for Tiffany, you were perfect. I loved the fortune cookie. I’m sad I didn’t get to eat it.”

  A deep chuckle came from his chest. “I’m glad you didn’t eat it.”

  “Why?”

  “I couldn’t figure out how to get my own fortune in it, so I cracked one open, replaced the note, and then super glued it.”

  ***

  Jane sat in front of the mirror in her room. The dress she had picked out felt silky and smooth next to her skin. Red. She felt daring wearing a red dress to prom.

  Her mother pulled her hair into a French knot and fastened it. It actually looked good with her light makeup and lipstick.

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, mom.” She stood and gave her mother a hug. She feared she’d been taking her mother for granted, especially after learning about the health issues Lance’s mom was going through. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

  Her mother got a surprised look on her face and then smiled. “I’m sure you have.”

  “Good. Because you deserve to hear it every day.”

  Lance showed up wearing a black tux with a red rose pinned to his lapel. He looked fantastic. He held out a clear box with a wrist corsage for her. A matching red rose.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said, wondering for a small moment if she were dreaming.

  Then they were forced to pose while Jane’s mom and dad took pictures. She had to admit she didn’t mind it so much.

  When she stepped outside she gasped. A long, black limousine sat in front of her house. “Lance, this must have cost a fortune.”

  He shrugged. “I had a few extra dollars lying around.”

  Of course, his Star Wars collection. “Don’t you feel bad about selling your collection now?”

  Lance slipped his arm around her and pulled her close. “Not at all. It was worth it.”

  Her heart raced. The limousine pulled up in front of a nice restaurant and again Jane was surprised. “You’re still not a tablecloth kind of guy.”

  “That doesn’t matter,” he said, chuckling.

  “I thought maybe you’d take me to Stuff-a-Burger.”

  His smile crinkled the skin on the corners of his eyes. “Not today.”

  While they waited for their food Jane grew curious about something. “Lance, you said that at first you did want to take Tiffany to the prom.”

  “Yeah. I did.”

  Jane took a sip of her water and then continued. “When did you change your mind?”

  Lance’s eyes bored through her. “The day we talked, you know, about my mom. I realized that you meant more to me than I had thought. And then after we danced I had the strongest urge to kiss you.”

  “I thought you didn’t like that kiss. You ran out of there so fast.”

  He grinned. “I liked it a bit too much. I think my feelings for you startled me. I had never thought of you that way before. You were always like a little sister to me.”

  “Yeah, I kind of got that feeling from you.” She squirmed. Should she tell him? Before she had totally decided to come clean, the words were coming out of her mouth. “I guess I should tell you…” She fiddled with her silverware. “I’ve had a crush on you since we were kids.”

  “Really?” Lance seemed genuinely surprised. “I didn’t know.”

  “I kind of figured that when you asked me to help you get with Tiffany.”

  He cringed. “I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot.”

  “No, don’t be sorry. Look how things worked out.”

  “I’m glad they did,” he said.

  He took a sip of his water. “Are you going to blog about tonight?”

  “You know about my blog?”

  The corners of his lips twitched. “Sure. I check it every day.”

  Jane laughed. “I was wondering who my one fan was.”

  “You have a real talent with words.”

  A thrill of pleasure ran through her. “Thanks.”

  After dinner they left for the school. When they got out of the limo, Nick whistled. “Wow, you went all out, Lance.” He came over and put his arm around Lance’s shoulders. “And I think you got the prettiest girl in the school.”

  Jane felt her cheeks blush. Her? Pretty? “You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?”

  He laughed. “I just call it like I see it.” He gave Lance a pat on the back and then waved. “Have fun.”

  Lance took her hand and walked her into the gym. Balloons and streamers covered the walls and ceiling. Loud music played over the speakers sitting on the stage.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  “Yes.”

  He pulled her close and moved to the music. His cologne mixed with the smell of his soap. She had an urge to ask him what soap he used, but decided that would be stupid.

  “How did I ever have eyes for Tiffany?” He rubbed her back with his thumb. “She doesn’t compare to you.”

  A moment later he was wearing her lipstick.

  The End

  Books by Victorine E. Lieske:

  Not What She Seems – Romantic Suspense (Suitable for Young Adult)

  The Overtaking – Young Adult Romance/Science Fiction

  Coming Soon: Witness Protection – Romantic Suspense – Read a sneak peek on my blog! www.victorinewrites.blogspot.com

  www.victorinelieske.com – To be notified by email when I release a new free or low cost book, join my email list. Just go to my website.

  email: vicki@victorinelieske.com (Email me, I’d love to hear from you!)

  And now, a sneak peek at Not What She Seems:

  Chapter 1

  Steven stalked down the hotel hallway toward his room, gripping his briefcase, glad that no one was around. He needed to get out of his Armani suit before someone recognized him. Not that anyone staying in this run-down hotel would be hanging around his social circles. But someone might recognize him from the news.

  Excitement shot through him. He almost felt like a little kid. If he could get away with it, he would be just another regular person by tomorrow.

  He heard footsteps coming up the stairs. A young tow-headed boy appeared, followed by his mother. The child ran down the hall sideswiping him, knocking his briefcase out of his hand. Files and papers spilled out onto the floor.

  The boy turned around. “Oh, sorry.” He bent down and scooped up some files, while his mother rushed to help as well.

  “No problem, I need to sort through these anyway.”

  The young woman flashed a smile at him, and then turned to her son. “Connor, you need to be more careful,” she said, getting down on her hands and knees. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a loose bun, with several curly blond strands hanging down. She was quite attractive, despite her frumpy sweat pants and t-shirt. Steven found himself checking out her left hand. No ring. Then he mentally smacked himself. What was he doing? He needed to get away, and have some time for himself. Forget about women. They all wanted the same thing from him. He had six point four billion reasons why any woman would want to be with him. Unfortunately, none of them had anything to do with his personality.

  Oh, he was good looking enough. He knew that. His jet black hair and bright blue eyes turned plenty of heads. But he could always tell the moment
they recognized him, and the mild interest would be replaced with strong attraction.

  The woman handed him a pile of papers, with an apologetic look on her face. “Sorry about that. He’s just been cooped up in the car too long I think.” She stood and brushed some hair from her face.

  “It’s no big deal.” He adjusted his overnight bag on his shoulder. “Thank you,” he said, searching her face for any sign of recognition.

  “You’re welcome.” She shied away from his blatant staring, looking to the floor, then to her son. “Come on, Connor, we need to get going.”

  Steven turned around. She hadn’t recognized him. That was a good thing. His plan might work. Pulling out his key card, he walked to his door while they disappeared into their own room. He made a mental note of the woman’s room number. Maybe he would pay for her bill as well. Her tattered clothes gave him the impression the seventy five dollars a night might be a bit steep for her.

  ***

  Emily opened her hotel door, and followed Connor into the dimly lit room. Richard sat on one of the beds, waiting for her.

  “Who were you talking to in the hallway?” he asked, his hair hanging in his face, concealing his dark eyes.

  “No one. Just some guy down the hall.” She turned her head away.

  “Well, what were you talking about?” He glared at her, and she knew she had better satisfy him.

  “Nothing. He dropped some papers, and we helped him pick them up. That was all.” She folded her arms and her eyes flashed at Richard, daring him to keep it up.

  He stared back at her for a moment, and then lowering his voice he said, “Well, who is he anyway?”

  “I don’t know. Some guy that looks like Steven Ashton.” She reached up to her hair, fiddling with it.

  “Yeah, right. Like Steven Ashton would stay in this dump.” Richard kicked off his shoes, letting them land in the middle of the floor. “You and the kid get the bed by the air conditioner. The noise will keep me up all night.”

  He stretched out on the bed and turned on the television with the remote. He fell asleep on his back, still in his dingy Iron Maiden t-shirt and jeans. Emily rolled her eyes as his snores filled the room. She dressed Connor in his green dinosaur pajamas, brushed his teeth, and tucked him into bed. She smoothed his long blond hair out of his eyes and kissed his forehead. He desperately needed another haircut. She would have to trim it herself again. Richard would never let her spend the money to get it done at the barber shop.