by J. L. Drake
“People make mistakes, Keith.”
“Yup, but I won’t be mistake number two.”
I looked up to find Lexi, but she had slipped away. I cursed under my breath and started to leave when I saw Coach heading my way.
“Keith, good, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s talk about tonight’s game.”
Shit.
“Sure.”
***
The ice glided beneath the blades as I skated around the rink to warm up. Clark whipped past me, showing off for the crowd. The whistle blew and we took our spots.
I used all my pent-up frustration toward Nicole to focus. Left, right, left, right, the puck flew back and forth while I planned my move. Six seconds into the game, I scored the first goal. I turned and pointed to Lexi to show her it was for her. She looked away, but I was determined to show her I didn’t care about anyone else.
My second goal, I pointed my stick straight at her and headed back to the face-off. Clark shook his head, but I could hear him laughing. The other team’s center didn’t like that, so when the puck dropped, he charged me, ignoring the puck. I shot backward while he pounded on my chest. I grabbed his shoulder and laid him flat out.
“Really?” I skated past him as the ref blew his whistle. As predicted, the guy got two minutes for roughhousing.
Third period, we were only up one goal. I nodded at Clark so he knew we were going to race up the left side and backhand it into the corner.
We pulled the move off great. The puck went back and forth between the two of us and eased into the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The buzzer sounded, and the team came rushing out as we cheered.
Once I was free from the head rubs and fist bumps, I nodded at Lexi. She looked away, but I knew she got it.
***
That’s how it went for about three months. Every game or practice Lexi attended, I would give her every goal. She would say hello in passing, but she mostly kept to herself. It was hard, but I stuck with it. I could tell she was softening a little, and it kept my hopes up. Nicole was a constant pain in my ass, but I kept her at arm’s length. I was sure she fed Lexi lies.
“Hey, man.” Clark smacked my shoulder as we walked through the hallway the student council over-decorated for Christmas. “Who are you taking to the dance?” I gave him a sideways glance, but he shook his head to stop my comment. “I heard ‘Linebacker Troy’ asked her out.”
I stopped mid-step. “And?”
He shrugged. “You need to step up your game, my friend.”
Instead of following him into math class, I raced toward her locker.
“We’re ditching this afternoon to go dress shopping,” Mimi whispered beside me. Her face looked kind. She must have figured out why I was there. “Troy asked, and she accepted.”
“So I heard.”
“She’s not interested in him, Keith.” She pulled her books free and wiggled them into her book bag. “And when he asked her, she said yes. After all, the dance is tomorrow night, and you never asked her.” She looked at me accusingly. “She seemed to be kind of sad lately. She gave her word to go with him now, so…”
“Any idea what’s bothering her?”
“Lexi share something personal? You have got to be kidding me.” She started to turn, but stopped. “Whatever it is, it’s big, because Elliot is concerned too.”
“Thanks, Mimi.” I saw the principal heading toward us and made a quick dash back to my class.
After school, I pulled into my driveway and was hit with the sweet smell of dinner on the stove.
“Hey, Mom.” I kissed her cheek as I made my way over to the fridge and pulled out last night’s leftovers. With a hop up onto the counter, I dove into the lasagna.
“How was your day?”
“Same.”
“Oh?” She glanced over her shoulder as she stirred the soup.
I gave her a shrug. “Nothing new on the Lexi front.”
“Have you tried talking to her?”
“No, I thought waiting three months in constant suffering was more fun.”
She smacked my leg but laughed. “Could you be any more like your father?”
“I could try.”
The phone rang and I reached over to answer. “Hello?”
“Keith?”
“Yes.” I knew her voice right away. “What’s up, Mimi?”
“Movies, eight p.m., tickets will be at will call.”
Before I could ask more, she hung up. My finger pressed down to hang up, then I called Clark.
“Wanna go to the movies?”
He cleared his voice. “Like a date?”
“Yeah,” I shot back, knowing if I didn’t play along, he’d give me more shit.
“You paying?”
“Yeah.”
“When?”
“We leave in an hour.”
“Shit, dude, that doesn’t leave me much time to figure out something to wear. Well, I need to do my hair and find the right shoes…”
“Whatever. I’ll be there in an hour.” I hung up, shaking my head.
“Movies?” Mom gave me a suspicious grin. “When was the last time you went to the movies with Clark?”
“Never, but Lexi will be there.”
“Oh?”
I slid off the counter, washed my dishes, and kissed her on the cheek. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
“Hey,” I heard from the bottom of the stairs. Nan rolled up in her chair and handed me a little blue bag. “Saw this and thought of you.”
“Really? Thanks, Nan.”
I pulled the tissue out and dug my hand inside to feel three little objects. Dropping the bag at my feet, I held up the keychain with a black rope holding small charms. There was a silver Army boot, a bullet, and United States flag.
“Keep you focused on your goal.”
I kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Nan. That’s pretty cool.”
As sad as it was to admit, I changed my outfit two times. I decided on jeans and a long sleeve black shirt. I liked the darker colors and knew Lexi did too.
When I was tying my sneakers, I heard Two clear her throat as she flopped on my bed behind me. My sister liked to know what was up all the time.
“You look nice.”
“Thanks.”
“You have a date?”
“Sort of.”
She moved to sit up on her elbow. “What does that mean?” She made a familiar noise when she made the connection. “Ah, you stalking Lexi again?”
I peered over my shoulder, then back to my sneakers.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you chase down a girl like this. What’s so special about this one?”
I stood and looked in the mirror. “Can’t really explain it, Two.”
I heard her grumble at her nickname. Not my fault my parents had four sisters after me. The whole nickname thing started as a joke but stuck. I knew they secretly liked it. We were all extremely close and always looked out for one another.
“Advice?” she asked as she rubbed her calf muscle. Two was addicted to ballet, but she was already having muscle problems.
“Please.” I folded my arms over my chest and waited to hear what she had to say.
“Lexi isn’t romantic. I don’t think you should go down that path. I think you’ll need to get her alone and remind her what she’s missing.”
I shrugged. She was right. Lexi needed to be pushed rather than led.
“Makes sense.”
“Oh, I know.” She grinned as she pulled her short brown hair into a ponytail. “Now, can you do me a favor?
“Depends.”
“Put in a good word for me with Clark?”
My face dropped and my hands flexed together.
“Oh, that was worth it.” She laughed, pointing to my face. “You make it so easy.”
My blood pressure dropped back down as I tossed a pillow at her.
“Dinner!” my mother called out.
I hurried do
wn the stairs to everyone gathering around the table. I hated to miss Friday night dinners, but this was too good to pass up.
Three and Four were already digging in, and my dad was still helping One with her homework.
“Sorry, all, but I have to pass tonight.”
Everyone looked up, but Three was grinning like a fool. “He’s crashing a girls’ night.”
“How did you…?” I closed my eyes. “Stop listening to my calls, Three.”
“Now, why would I do that when your life is way more interesting than mine?”
“Well, that’s true.” I laughed and ruffled up her short pixie cut.
“Good luck.” My dad gave me my exit cue.
With a wave, I headed out to my truck and down the street to Clark’s house. Within twenty minutes, we were in line at the will call office.
“Tickets for Keith,” I said into the little mic.
“Here you go.”
I met Clark at the food counter. I pulled the tickets free and smirked at the movie choice. Of course.
“Really?” Clark eyed the tickets, unimpressed.
So there I was at the movies, in line with my buddy, and handed the kid with the head gear my tickets. He couldn’t help but eye us both, and of course Clark draped his arm around my shoulders, just to be the dick he was.
“Third door on your left.”
I elbowed Clark, who only laughed harder as we entered the huge stadium style room. It only took a moment for me to spot Lexi three rows from the back. I made my way up, making sure she wouldn’t spot me. Clark and I fought our way to the seats directly behind her.
I should have known better than to think she would be alone. I just assumed she was here with the girls. Jackson, a center from our rival hockey team, grinned when he came up the stairs. Clark and I both turned our faces so he wouldn’t see us. We hated this douche bag. How in the hell did he get a date with Lexi?
“A water for my pretty.” He handed her a bottle, and she gave him a little nod. “Are you cold? Hot? What?”
“I’m fine, Jackson.”
“You sure?”
She sighed. “I’m sure.”
Clark elbowed me to speak up, but I was second guessing if this was a smart idea. Maybe this was borderline stalking.
Before I could think, Clark cleared his throat. Jackson tuned in to us, but didn’t turn around. Instead, he reached over and placed his hand over hers. Anyone would have to be blind not to see her body stiffen.
That was all I needed.
“I have been waiting to see this movie!” Clark blurted like he was at a ball game, making Jackson jump. “That Robin Tunney makes me excited.”
I had to look away or I would laugh. Clark never stopped surprising me with his movie trivia. “She was sexy in the Mayhem episode of Law and Order last year,” he added.
“Oh.” Jackson shifted around more in his seat. “What’s up, guys?”
“Jackson,” Clark addressed him. “Lexi.” He drew out her name.
She slowly turned, and her face lit up then quickly fell when she took me in.
“You’ll need to better explain that expression.” Clark pointed to Lexi.
She flipped her long brown hair out of her face. “Just a little shocked to see you guys here.”
“You’re not the only ones who like a good chick flick.”
“Right,” she muttered as she turned back around.
Jackson looked at Lexi before he spoke again. “Oh, that’s right, you two had a thing or something.” My fists flexed as Lexi swallowed hard. “When you were with Nicole, right?”
“Never was with Nicole,” I corrected him.
Jackson’s eyes lit up. “That’s not how it looked the other night at the burger joint.”
Oh, screw you, asshole. The psycho chick followed me there!
Lexi shook her head as the lights dimmed. Jackson smirked and settled in next to her.
Empire Records started, and all I could focus on was the fact that he kept finding some way to touch her.
It wasn’t until halfway through the movie when Jackson put his arm around her shoulders that she whispered something to him. She stood with her purse in hand and hurried down the steps. Clark moved so I could follow. I saw Jackson move to get up, but Clark’s hand pressed hard on his shoulder, keeping him in his seat.
“Hey!” I called out after her, but she kept her fast pace toward the front door. “Lex!” I started to jog until I was right behind her. She raised her hand to hail a cab, but I grabbed her arm and forced her to look at me. “Stop ignoring me.”
“I’m not!” she shouted in my face.
My stomach rolled when I looked into those brown eyes of hers. I hadn’t been this close to her since the last time we kissed. Her long lashes fluttered like she was fighting tears.
“Stop lying to me.”
“I’m not.”
“You are!”
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them they were red. “Keith, please.”
“Please, what?” I stepped back but still close enough to grab her if she bolted again. “Leave you alone? No.”
“Why not?”
Screw this. I hooked my arm around her waist and hauled her to me. The moment she was flat against my chest, I slipped my hand along her cheek. “Because I can’t stop thinking about our kiss.”
“That’s what you missed?” Her tone confused me. Right as I was about to question it, she stepped up and slammed her mouth to mine. She ran her hands along my shoulders, up my neck, and into my hair. I sensed something was off, but at the same time, having her back in my arms was well worth it. I dove into the kiss, tasting every inch of her sweet mouth. Her tongue danced with mine, but again something was nagging at me. I slid my hand down the curve of her spine and along the top of her pants. I didn’t care we were in public. I missed her too much. Suddenly, she pulled away and started to walk down the street.
What the hell?
I raced to catch up to her, stopping her dead in her tracks. “What the hell was that?”
“A kiss.”
“Yeah, I know. I was there.”
Her shoulders fell like she was annoyed with me. “Now you can get me out of your system. Now you can move on.”
“Move on?” I turned as she edged around me. “Wait, now.” I grabbed her hand. “Stop running.”
“Not running.”
“Yes, you are.” Ahhh, she was driving me mad.
“Jesus Christ, Keith, what the hell do you want?” she shouted, and some people from the parking lot looked over at us. I gave a little wave to show them we were okay.
“You, Lexi! I want you. No one else, just you.”
She studied me for a moment, then a tear slipped down her cheek. “No, you don’t.”
“Who are you to say that?” I didn’t like being told how to feel.
“I’m not the kind of girl you think I am. I’m not all happy inside.”
Really? “That’s a nice way to think of yourself.”
She leaned her head back and looked up at the sky. “It’s not something I think, it’s something I know.”
With a step forward, I grabbed her hand and made her follow me to my truck. I opened the door, lifted her up, and slammed the door. Once inside, I turned on the heat and shifted around to look at her.
“If you think I want you for your body, you’re only a quarter right.” Her eyes narrowed on me, and I tucked away the smirk. “I’ve never lied to you, Lexi. You’re beautiful. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. But it’s your personality that draws me in. Stubbornness and all. So we are going to sit here until you decide to tell me what is up your ass when it comes to letting me in.”
“My ass?” She folded her arms and leaned back against the seat.
“I’ve got all night, sweetheart.”
Raindrops started to bounce off the windshield, and a movie was just getting out, so I started the truck and headed down the road. She didn’t question what I was doing, so that was
a good sign. I decided to go to my favorite place. I parked at the lake and turned off the lights so only the park lamps sparkled along the edges of the shoreline.
The radio was on low, and I turned it off so only the rain could be heard.
“You know, kidnapping will land you a few years in jail.” She glared at me, but she wasn’t protesting that hard.
“Can’t kidnap the willing, Lexi.”
Her mouth dropped open, but she didn’t say anything.
For over half an hour she sat silent in the corner. I fidgeted to get into a more comfortable position. She had will, that was for sure. Little did she know, silence was my strong suit. I could outlast her any day.
Her little sniff caught my attention, but instead of looking over, I glanced at her reflection in the window.
“Fine,” she whispered and swiped her finger along her cheek. “But if I tell you, you have to promise not to tell a soul.”
Knowing that if she was in danger nothing could talk me out of getting her help, I agreed. The look on her face told me she was about to tell me something bad. She again asked for me to keep silent.
“Okay.” I looked her straight in the eyes. “I promise to stay quiet.”
She held my eyes for a minute, then glanced out the window. She started to run her slim fingers through her shiny hair.
“I’m from a small area just outside Toronto…”
CHAPTER FOUR
Richmond, Canada
Lexi
El tossed a tennis ball against the wall as I pulled my gum from my mouth to see how far it would stretch before it broke.
“Kids?” Mom called out from the hallway.
“We’re not here,” I muttered.
“Kids?”
El groaned. “We ran away because you’re making me wear this jacket.”
Dad came in looking for something, and then Mom got closer, so El sank further into my closet.
“There you are.” She looked stunning in a white silk blouse and black ruffled skirt. “We should have left ten minutes ago.” When we didn’t budge, she sighed and sat on the bed. “Look, I know these parties suck.” We laughed at her comment. “It’s just so important to stay visual at these things. Your father’s boss is a—”
