Least Likely to Fall in Love

by Cheryl Harper

  “That was good cardio work.” Allison smiled at Lindy’s rolled eyes. “I’m not saying I’m an expert, but it’s a lot easier to see the problems in other people.” “So what do we do when we screw up?” Allison asked as she stood to offer Lindy a hand.

  “Fix it.” Lindy groaned as she stood up. Her arms would shake with the effects of this round of deep thinking for days. “Somehow, I’ll apologize before game night and then…”

  “You won’t make the same mistake.” Allison handed her a towel.

  “Is it that easy?” She hoped so. She really did. When she’d gotten his text about game night, the wave of relief had been intense. Since then, that wave had evaporated in the heat of her own worry.

  “Uh, no, probably not, but that’s where you have to start.” Allison ducked as Lindy tossed the towel at her. “Grasshopper.”

  Lindy laughed and some of the panic in her chest eased. Punching things was good for that. So was her best friend.

  Seeing Ryan’s smile and Maddie’s beret again might be enough to get her back on track again.

  The positive feeling held until she made it into school on Friday morning. Stacked on her desk were ragged sheets of paper, all of them showing a full-color photo of her and Ryan kissing good-bye with the pink sky at sunrise behind them. It would have been romantic except for the words underneath. “Mason Working What’s She’s Got.” She shook her head. “Punctuation and grammar are your friends, whoever you are.”

  Sue leaned in. “Sorry about that, boss. I’ve got Johnny patrolling and pulling down any others he finds.”

  As Lindy dropped into her office chair, she grimaced. “Thanks. I imagine the damage has already been done, but they need to come down.”

  “Sure, but I gotta say…way to go.” She winked and then hummed as she settled back behind her desk.

  Battling the old feelings of embarrassment and panic at what other people might say to her or about her, Lindy took a deep breath and opened her calendar. “Wonderful. Blake Stewart. Just what I needed to make this the best day ever.”

  Her phone rang, her day started, and she didn’t have much time to worry about what she might say to Blake until it was time for his appointment. The wording on the sign was awfully close to the words Blake’s father spit at her at the football game. But it wasn’t enough evidence to…do what? What would she even do about it if she had proof? Anything she did would make the whole thing bigger.

  Uncomfortably aware that she was using the same reasoning she had used when she was facing bullies as a kid, Lindy thought about picking up the phone to call Allison for advice. Or maybe Ryan. She was shaking her head when Sue buzzed to announce Blake’s arrival.

  Blake hemmed and hawed in her doorway until she said, “Shut the door. Have a seat.”

  He bumped the doorframe as he followed directions and then perched on the edge of his seat.

  He’s just a kid, Lindy. Remember that.

  Before she could come up with the right small talk, Blake blurted, “It won’t happen again.” He glanced over at the stack of signs she hadn’t quite decided what to do with and then added, “It was dumb, but…”

  She pulled out her wastebasket and shoved the stack in before setting it back down with a thump. “I don’t want to talk about that now, Blake.”

  He was a big kid, athletic, and scared to death. His hunched shoulders tightened just a bit and he wiped his brow. “Okay.”

  “I want to make sure everything’s going well this school year.” Lindy had tried to come up with the right way to ask about how things were at home, but she knew better than to take the direct approach. “The Saturday detentions have added a lot to your schedule. Keeping up with your homework?” She knew he was. She’d checked with his teachers and his grades had improved.

  He had to clear his throat. “It’s all good. Even detention. I’m happy to be playing football.”

  “I bet you are. You’re good. Have you thought about college?” Lindy rolled her pen across her clear desk as if his answer didn’t matter much.

  “Don’t care much where I go as long as it’s far away.” Then he gulped before returning his gaze to the floor. “But before you get all…teachery, it’s just that he expects a lot. That’s all.” He met her stare and seemed to try to convince her that everything was fine. “He doesn’t hit. Just yells.”

  Lindy nodded like that was perfectly understandable when she wanted to track down Blake’s father and treat him to some of his own medicine. “You know, Blake, parents aren’t always right. And if you need to talk to someone, need help, I’ll get it for you.”

  He shrugged. “I know, and since the thing with Maddie, Coach Ford has been talking to me. The guidance counselor has, too. And now you. I get it. Bullying is wrong. I’ll…do better.” He looked at the spot where the ugly signs had been when he walked in. “From now on.”

  She smiled. “Unfortunately, standing up to bullies is part of growing up. We all have to learn as we go.”

  He picked up his backpack. “Sure. I need to …”

  Lindy took pity on him. “Fine. Keep your meetings with Mr. Thompson. Let me know if I can do anything to help. And do a turn around the school to make sure all those signs are down.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Then he jerked open the door, bumped the doorjamb, and made his escape.

  Maddie Myers smiled brightly at him just before she breezed into Lindy’s office. “Got the latest version of the handout to show you, Principal Mason.” She closed the door and skipped over to her normal chair before she slid the mockup in front of Lindy.

  Lindy blinked at the sudden change in atmosphere and then pulled it closer.

  “Uh, sorry, I could go wait outside.” Maddie pulled out her phone. “I’m early.”

  “No, it’s just been a long day.” Lindy studied the full-color pages, impressed at the photos of happy Lincoln High students and then read over the national statistics. The last page included four quotes, all anonymous, about how bullying made each student feel. Lindy blinked away tears as she read Rob’s description of being helpless to do anything different, and Maddie’s wise words about refusing to let the situation slide, out of fear. “Let me hold onto this over the weekend. I want to go through it one more time, with fresh eyes. I appreciate all your hard work. You’ve gone above and beyond what anyone could expect.”

  Maddie shrugged one shoulder. “You started it. I was pretty sure you were crazy when you insisted that I talk to someone. Now I see.” They both looked around the room to give the emotion a chance to die down.

  Lindy rubbed her forehead. “I guessed right, then. Don’t tell anyone, but adults are often just guessing.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me.” In the afternoon light, Maddie’s face changed from grown woman to little girl. “I know I’m lucky to have a dad who guesses right. And thanks for everything you’ve done. For him and for me.”

  “I love my job every day, but my favorite thing is helping when I can.” She meant it. This was the job she was born to do. All her experiences made her good.

  “So, the signs.” Maddie blew out a sigh. “Awkward, right?”

  “Yeah. Awkward.” Lindy clicked her pen nervously. “Sorry if that’s caused you any trouble.”

  Maddie raised an eyebrow. “Me? Nah. Most everyone I know was pretty sure my dad was a stud. Little did they know. He’s going to be majorly pis… I mean, mad when I tell him, though. He nearly flattened Blake’s dad at the football field for something he said about you on one of the workdays.”

  Unsure how to answer that, Lindy frowned. She was not about to confirm Ryan’s studliness. Although she was very happy she could. “Really? I can’t imagine that.”

  “These days, he’s kind of hero. Ready to charge to the rescue.” Maddie waved her cell phone. “I can handle myself, but I never have to worry I’m alone. He’s cool that way.”

  “Let’s don’t tell him. I don’t want to be the cause of a fight. And it’s all taken care of at this point.” />
  Maddie wrinkled her nose. “O-ka-ay, but don’t let the bullies win.”

  “Very good advice,” Lindy said.

  She’d been on the verge of letting that very thing happen. No sane woman would let Ryan Myers go because of old news. And she looked forward to explaining that to him.

  Right after she apologized.

  And just like that Maddie was done with that topic. “You are still planning to come for game night, right? Chocolate would be an excellent addition to my junk food buffet.” She waggled her eyebrows.

  ***

  When she rang Ryan’s doorbell, Lindy stood tall, prepared for whatever reception she got. No matter how things started off, by the end of the evening, she was going to ask for what she wanted: another chance, another date, another kiss.

  Instead of Maddie’s exuberant bounce, Lindy got Ryan’s polite smile. “Hey, glad you could make it. Maddie’s been so excited that I’ve been contemplating tranquilizer darts.” He leaned closer. “But that has more to do with Eric than with you, so don’t be too flattered, okay?”

  Lindy laughed as he took the pan of brownies that were her contribution. Then jerked back when he yelled, “Maddie!”

  “Gee, you don’t have to yell, Dad,” Maddie said as she rounded the corner. She glanced over her shoulder and whispered, “So stop yelling!”

  He handed her the brownies. “Take these into the kitchen.”

  Maddie’s long-suffering face was funny enough to surprise another laugh out of Lindy. She hadn’t expected his serious expression but she was ready. “Before the games begin, could I talk to you…” She glanced around his porch and pointed at the swing. “Out here, where it’s quiet?”

  Ryan flexed both hands. “Sure. Just don’t break my heart. I’ll never be able to win any trivia games if I’m sobbing into my popcorn.”

  He was worried about his heart. That was a good sign, right?

  They both sat down and Lindy tried to remember all the ways she’d rehearsed her apology. Finally she blurted out, “I screwed up. I won’t do it again. I promise.” She turned to face him and watched him consider her words.

  “I’m guessing we’re talking about the note and all that.”

  “Yes, but it’s like…” She stood up to pace. “I’m not that girl anymore. And you, you’re so different from that boy that I can’t even imagine how you could be related.”

  He braced his elbows on his knees. “There’s still so much between us that it’s natural that sometimes the past rears up, but we’ll just have to—”

  Lindy waved her hands. “No, it’s not natural. I don’t want it to be. You’re just so…amazing. And I’ve worked hard to know that I’m amazing, too. And I am.” She pointed at her chest and instead of waiting for him to agree, she added, “I’m using the past as some kind of weapon, a protection against getting hurt. Because for the first time in maybe ever, I’ve met someone who can hurt me.”

  Ryan leaned back. “And I want to make Maddie my excuse. What if she needs me and I’m out with you?”

  “What does it mean that we’re waiting for this to fall apart? Why are we so ready to step back?” Lindy asked.

  Ryan shook his head as he stood up. “Love is scary. But we can do this.” He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his mouth to hers. Before she could gasp for air, he was kissing her like she’d planned to demand before the evening was over. His tongue played with hers, his hands tangled with the curls at her nape, and the hard wall of his chest sent a shock through her system with each shift. Before she knew it, her hands were in his back pockets again.

  Finally Ryan broke off the kiss with a sigh and rested his forehead against hers. “Just don’t give up. We’ll figure this out.”

  “Let’s go inside. I don’t want the next picture of our PDA to hit the newspaper’s front page.” Lindy tangled her fingers with his and headed for the door.

  Until she noticed he wasn’t following.

  Then she replayed her words in her head.

  Idiot.

  “Next picture? What does that mean?” Ryan kept a hold on her hand even when she started to backpedal.

  “Nothing. Never mind.” Lindy glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t forget you have unsupervised teens inside.” That should take care of the problem.

  Ryan shifted forward, as if the urge to run inside was hard to control. Then he shook his head. “Smart. Use my paranoia against me. Spill. What picture?”

  A quick calculation of her odds showed her no possible way out, so Lindy heaved a disgusted sigh. “It’s nothing. No problem you have to solve. I took care of it.”

  Ryan raised an eyebrow.

  “Signs. Someone posted signs with a photo of us...” Lindy cleared her throat. “The morning after.”

  “At school?” Ryan snapped.

  “I talked to Blake. It’s handled.” Lindy crossed her arms and watched Ryan process. He was rubbing his forehead so hard, she was afraid he’d reach brain matter.

  “Teenagers. Game night. Brownies.” She ran a hand from his shoulder to his wrist. “A hot kiss good night. You and me.”

  She thought it was working. Ryan straightened his shoulders. He reached around her to open the front door. “Maddie. Eric. Get in the truck.”

  Lindy’s mouth dropped open and she had no idea what to think.

  He motioned her forward. “After you. Game night starts in half an hour. We’ve got a trip to make first.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  She was doing it again. Sweeping shit under the rug that had to be dealt with.

  But this time, together they were going to do the right thing.

  “Stewart and the rest of his kind will keep this up until you call them on it, Lindy.” He made herding motions. “So, we will. Instead of hoping the whole thing will go away, we’re going to tell him to cut the shit.”

  She rolled her eyes so hard he thought for a minute she must be Maddie’s age. “It’s not necessary. His opinion doesn’t matter. At all.”

  “What about the next person he tries to push around? What if it’s one of your teachers? Or his own son at a game?” Ryan held open the door. “If you won’t, I will. I’ve learned a lot. He might be able to learn, too.”

  Lindy glanced at the kids in the backseat who were in no way pretending to be doing anything but hanging on to their every word. “Fine. I’ll do it myself. Next week. Without an audience.”

  She was strong. She could handle this all on her own. Should he listen?

  Her brave smile, the fake one that he remembered so damn well from long, sleepless, guilty nights, convinced him. He pointed. “In.”

  “I won’t tell you where he lives. How’s that?” She sniffed, climbed serenely in, and buckled her seat belt. “But I will tell you how to get to the yogurt shop.”

  Ryan pressed a hard kiss on her lips. “I admire you. Your guts. Your smarts.” Then he said, “Eric, you know where Blake Stewart lives?”

  “Yes, sir.” The crack in the kid’s voice was satisfying, but now he needed cooperation, not intimidation.

  Lindy was still squawking when he started the truck.

  “Do not tell him, Eric.” She shook a finger at him.

  Ryan turned his head to study Eric carefully, his best father-of-the-cute-girl frown on his face.

  Eric cleared his throat. “Uh, turn left on Jefferson.”

  Ryan ignored Lindy’s fuming until he lurched to a stop three houses down from Lindy’s.

  He stared in the rearview mirror. “Stay here.” Then he marched around, opened the door, and urged Lindy out of the seat.

  “This is so stupid.” She marched up the driveway. “But we’re here now, so follow my lead, bossy.”

  Ryan held up both hands and stopped at the bottom of the steps to admire the way her straight shoulders and insistent knocking did nice things for her rear view.

  When the door opened, Matt Stewart filled the doorway. “What?”

  Before Ryan could charge up the steps to convince Stewart
to use a friendlier tone, Lindy snapped, “Nice attitude. The signs were low, Mr. Stewart. No more pictures. No graffiti. If I find you’ve harassed any school staff, you and Blake will be talking to the police.”

  Ryan was trying to decide if that was strong enough when she jabbed a single finger in the middle of Stewart’s chest. Ryan rubbed his own chest as he remembered the phantom ache of her poke. “And if Blake comes to school with a paper cut, I’m calling it in. Do not test me.”

  Matt Stewart tilted his head to the side. “You think I’d hit my kid?”

  “You’ve done your best to embarrass me.” Lindy propped both hands on her hips. “But that’s all you can get away with. I’m an adult, a woman who can stand on her own two feet. That kid, he doesn’t have the same freedom. So, I’ll protect him, too.”

  She was so damn hot in that second, a warrior armed with only her confidence, her sense of right and wrong, and some impressive boxing jabs.

  Stewart glanced over his shoulder. “I don’t know anything about pictures. Or embarrassing you.” He ran a hand through his hair. “But I…wouldn’t hit Blake.”

  “I told you that, Principal Mason,” Blake said. “And the signs were my idea. I was out jogging, saw a chance to…” Blake shrugged. “I don’t even know now.”

  None of them said anything for a long, tense second.

  Then Lindy held up both hands. “Fine. This is it. No more chances. As long as that’s clear, I’ve got brownies to eat.”

  Matt Stewart nodded. “Clear.”

  Lindy’s eyes were still narrowed when she swung around and marched down the steps. “Happy now?”

  Ryan was still laughing when he slid into the driver’s seat. Her arms made a tight knot in front of her. Maddie and Eric kept their mouths shut. All he could see in the rearview mirror were bright, wide eyes.

  The tense silence in the cab of his truck lasted until he was parked in the garage. Both back doors slammed shut at the teenagers made quick escapes. Ryan gripped his keys, afraid for the first time he’d pushed her too far.