The Webster Grove Series

by Puckett, Tracie

  I stood there, wearing nothing more than a knee-high cocktail dress, toeless heels, and a brown leather jacket draped over my shoulders.

  Again, I should have been freezing. Only moments ago I'd convinced myself that I was on the verge of frostbite. But something changed. I'd forgotten the cold. Everything around me, including the bitter weather, had ceased to exist.

  My blood was hot and running feverishly through every inch of my body. I wanted Alexander Rivera...

  I wanted him like I'd never wanted anything in my life— to love, to have, to hold... Though, my better judgment wouldn't allow us to exceed the one something to look forward to kiss. In this situation, one intimate moment was one too many...

  “Let's get you back inside,” he said, gently pressing our lips together once again.

  Two too many...

  “You go ahead,” I whispered, taking a deep breath and trying to compose myself.

  “Are you—?”

  “Fine,” I assured him. “Perfect, actually. I just need a moment.”

  “Take your time.” He brushed a strand of hair away and lightly pecked my cheek before disappearing through the back door.

  I stood on the small wooden deck, looking out into the dark winter night. I pulled the leather jacket tighter and closed my eyes, evaluating the consequences of our actions. I'm eighteen, so the legality of our eight year age difference wasn't the problem. There was just the one tiny issue of... well, the fact that he's my high school English teacher.

  “Steph,” I heard a familiar voice approaching from the side. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Nate,” I said, with wide eyes, watching him trek through the snow covered yard with a large camera dangling from his neck. “Merry Christmas to you too--”

  “Oh, and happy birthday.” He took a step onto the raised porch.

  Nathaniel Bryan had been one of my first friends when I moved to Webster Grove. We'd sat through countless lunches together, worked side-by-side during the fall production of Romeo and Juliet, and exchanged more than a couple of encouraging words to each other over the past months. Most notably though, he was one of the few people I felt I could truly trust.

  “Hope you don't mind the intrusion.” He put his arm around me to exchange a hug. “I stepped out to take some shots of the snow and saw you over here.”

  “Pictures in the dark?”

  “The best camera on the market,” he smiled, patting the equipment around his neck. “What brings you to Mr. Rivera's on this cold Christmas Eve?”

  “Family thing.”

  “You're gonna stick to that?”

  “Huh?”

  “The family excuse,” he said.

  Why do I trust Nate? Mainly because he'd stumbled upon a piece of information two weeks ago that had the potential to destroy my social life... and worse, Alex's teaching career. Nate's been privy to, and chosen to ignore, the undeniable chemistry between his friend and his teacher. As Mr. Rivera's neighbor, Nate sees those who come and go. Unfortunately, he'd seen me go early one morning, dressed to kill in nothing more than a pair of college pajamas, owned by Alex himself.

  “His brother is engaged to my mom—”

  “So I've been told,” he said, quieting his tone and dropping his head to look at the ground. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  He ran his fingers through his rusty-colored hair. “Is it worth it?”

  “I hope so,” I sighed, leaning my head against his shoulder. “I think I love him, Nate.”

  He put his arm around me and held on tight. “If you love him now, you'll still love him after graduation, Steph.”

  “But waiting--”

  “Is the smartest thing you could do.”

  I nodded.

  This person, the wise and insightful Nathaniel Bryan, was a different version of a boy I'd met only months ago. Usually, his approach toward life was disrespectful, lackluster, and careless. Something about him had changed.

  “Now, can I ask you a question?' He nodded. “What happened before homecoming?”

  “Meaning?”

  “You've known Bridget your whole life,” I started. “You owed her an explanation—”

  “Don't pin this on me, Steph,” he spat, his face turning red. I couldn't tell if the color change was sparked by anger or cold. “Rachel asked me to the dance.”

  “Still,” I said. “You broke her heart, Nate.”

  “I know,” he rubbed his head, probably regretful of his actions.

  “Steph,” Alex stepped out the back door. “Oh, Nathaniel,” he managed to say, obviously trying to interpret the intimate distance between his two students. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas, Mr. R. Listen, I wasn't moving in on your lady,” Nate pulled his arm from around my shoulder. He turned to me and smiled. “Just came over to say hi. I'll head home now.”

  I waved to Nate as he jumped to the snow-covered ground. I looked at Alex. “Did you need something, sir?”

  He moved closer, placing his hand on the small of my back. “I like you too much to watch you freeze to death, Miss Ghijk.”

  Saturday December 31

  “I have something to tell you,” I said, taking in a deep breath.

  Bridget sat up on my bed. Her flaming red curls bounced from her head as she leaned forward to flash her bright, blue, wide eyes.

  “Are you dying?”

  “No,” I promised. “Just something you'll need to know before the party guests show up.”

  I'd never celebrated the holidays. However, a move to Webster Grove introduced me to many unexpected changes. Suddenly birthdays were a big deal and presents were waiting for unwrapping on December 25th. Strange things were happening in the Ghijk household, and I was thankful for each and every change. Catching Cal in a Santa suit at midnight on Christmas morning was, to say the least, the highlight of my holiday season. Minus, of course, the few tender moments of passion I'd shared with his younger brother at this time last week...

  But now, it was the final day of December and I had talked mom into letting me throw a New Year’s party. The suggestion barely left my lips before she claimed the idea as her own. I'd invited Bridget, Nate, and Isaac. God knows I wanted to invite Alex, but how would that look? Luckily, he made mom's list of invites, along with Cal (of course), Blake, Adriana, Emilio, and some of Calvin's favorite employees from the restaurant.

  “Okay,” I whispered. “About the party...”

  “Nate's bringing Rachel isn't he?”

  “Possibly,” I said, knowing that Rachel would be the least of her concerns once I continued.

  “Figures,” she rolled her eyes and threw herself back on the bed.

  “Here goes,” I prepped myself for the revelation with a deep breath and a temple massage. “Cal's family is coming—”

  “Okay, so?”

  “Most importantly, his sibling.”

  “A younger brother?” she asked, enticed. “Cus Cal is kinda hot—”

  “Two younger brothers. But... they're off limits, Bridge.”

  “Then why are you telling me this?”

  “Well,” I started. “One of them… Blake, is a little creepy and a bit of a womanizer.”

  “And the other?”

  “Teaches... your first period English class.”

  “Shut up!” She sat up and threw a pillow at me. “Mr. Rivera is Calvin's brother? I knew it! Two people can't look that much alike and not be related! When did you find out? What's he like outside of class? Do you call him by his first name? What does he look like in jeans? Does he have a tight butt? Of course he does. It’s Mr. Rivera! Does he talk to you when you see him? Why am I just finding out?”

  “Deep breath, Bridge,” I plopped down next to her on the be
d. “I've known for a while.”

  “Then--”

  “I didn't say anything because it would make things awkward at school. I don't really want people knowing--”

  “Wow,” she said, still in disbelief. “He's coming here? Tonight?”

  I nodded. “Isaac too,” I tried to move past her questions. “Isn't that exciting?”

  She fanned herself. “This house is gonna be full of all kinds of delicious—”

  “Bridge—”

  “Calvin, Mr. Rivera, Nate, Isaac... no doubt, the other brother is pretty hot too, huh?”

  “Eh,” I managed, thinking back to the few moments I'd spent with the youngest of the Rivera men. He was, like his brothers, very easy to look at. Unlike Calvin and Alex, he had the personality of a slime ball. “I'd just stick to Isaac if I were you,” I said.

  Bridget wouldn't have a hard time sticking to Isaac. Since the day he walked into Webster Grove High School, sporting a bleach white smile, neatly trimmed golden locks, and a perfectly fit physique, she (and every other girl in class) has been captivated. Well, everyone except for me.

  While Alex and Nate rarely see eye-to-eye on anything, they are in complete agreement about Isaac Peyton; he's up to something and he can't be trusted. Alex's distrust stems from an eight-word note left on his door: break her heart and I break your neck. I'm unsure as to whether or not there's any validity to the threat. Alex, however, is convinced that Isaac has ulterior motives. Still, Bridget likes him and I trust him wholeheartedly. After all, he'd known about my secret crush and never told a soul.

  The bell rang downstairs and Bridget's eyes widened. “I wonder which of our lucky bachelors—”

  “Bridge—”

  “I called dibs on Isaac,” she reminded me.

  “Baby!” Mom yelled from the first floor.

  “Coming!”

  We shot out of the room and down the stairs, anxious to see who had arrived first. We reached the last step to find the door wide open and Nate standing awkwardly on the porch. His face was puzzled as he drummed his fingers across a wrapped gift box.

  “Your mom just... opened the door and walked away. I didn't know if I should—”

  “Come in,” I said, taking his coat as he crossed the threshold. “No Rachel?”

  “Nah, we kinda broke up--”

  “What?” Bridget said, sarcastically. “So it wasn't written in the stars after all?”

  “Bridge,” I scolded.

  “It's okay,” he shook his head. “I deserved that.”

  “Make yourself comfortable,” I tried to ease the tension. “Cal is in the kitchen making a ton of delicious snacks for the night. Feel free to dig in. He'll be offended if you don't.”

  “Awesome.” Nate headed toward the smell of food. “Oh,” he turned back and handed me the wrapped gift. “Happy belated birthday.”

  I smiled and started to open it. “Thanks—”

  “Not now,” he ordered. “Later.”

  “Okay,” I whined, setting it aside on a small table.

  “Steph,” his eyes widened. “Just take it to your room until you have some time to yourself.”

  The doorbell rang again as I turned up the steps. “Bridge can you—”

  “Got it,” she said, opening the door and shrieking. “Mr. Rivera!”

  I was already halfway down the second floor hall and unable to turn back in time to save him from the game of twenty questions she was about to start. I tossed the present on the bed and ran down the hallway, but not without stopping in the bathroom to check the mirror. I'd let my brunette hair down, natural curls falling across my shoulders. I pulled the glasses away and set them aside, knowing I could survive one night without perfect vision. I ruled myself acceptable and headed toward the stairs.

  “Oh my God!” Bridget clapped as I reached the foyer. “He's here! He's in your house!”

  “Calm down,” I said, hoping my heart would take the same advice. “Where did he—”

  “Kitchen, with Cal and Caroline. Nate's already in there stuffing his face—”

  “Figures,” I laughed, sharing a smile with my best friend.

  “Did you open Nate's present?” she asked, as we moved into the living room.

  “No. It's probably just some gag—”

  “I doubt it,” she said, flopping down to the couch. “He's always been a great gift giver.”

  Another half hour passed and the house was finally full. There were more than a handful of Calvin's employees and close friends making their way through each room, mingling and introducing themselves to anyone they didn't know. Blake Rivera had made his grand entrance only moments after his brother, followed shortly by their grandfather Emilio. Adriana, I was told, couldn't make it. Nate and Bridget had seemingly reconciled. They acted as though their 'friendship separation' had never happened. Mom and Calvin were still preoccupied in the kitchen and Alex was dodging my stares. Our neighbor, Isaac Peyton, was the only no-show.

  The night ticked on and I'd only seen Alexander for a few moments, each time with a considerable amount of distance between us. We hadn't even gotten close enough to say hello.

  With everyone else preoccupied with the party festivities, I quietly walked up the steps and into my bedroom. I lifted the present from the bed and unwrapped the paper. Inside the box, was an 8x10 wooden picture frame, painted lavender to match my walls.

  “How sweet,” I said, turning it over to look at the photograph behind the glass. There, before my eyes, was the most magical moment of my life caught on film.

  “I told you it was the best camera on the market,” Nate said, walking into the room.

  “Nate—”

  “I wasn't spying,” he put his hands in the air. “I was simply taking pictures on my own back porch-”

  “Why?”

  “I'm a photographer—”

  “Why are you giving this to me?”

  He shrugged. “Bridget always said that her favorite gifts were the ones from the heart. I thought you'd like a memento of your first kiss with—”

  “Thank you,” I muttered, wiping a tear as I stared at the picture. “How can you be so understanding? You're supposed to freak out and tell me how wrong I am—”

  “As your friend, I have to trust that you know what's best for you.” I sat the frame aside and stood up, pulling him into a hug “Listen,” he backed away. “The ball drops in a few minutes. Everyone is gathered around the television. If you want a moment alone with him, now's your chance.”

  I smiled. “Thanks, but I think he's been avoiding me—”

  “He's trying to keep things low key,” he said. “Trust me. Go find him.”

  We walked out together, but not before I took the time to hide the gift under my pillow. Nate turned off into the living room and I went the opposite direction, heading for the kitchen. As I suspected, Alex was leaning on the counter with his arms crossed and staring out the window.

  “Thought I'd find you in here,” I said, grabbing his attention.

  “Steph,” he smirked. “You're going to miss the ball drop—”

  “Avoiding me?” I jumped up and sat on the counter next to him.

  “Yes,” he admitted, biting his lip.

  “Okay,” I nodded and hopped back down to the floor. “I'll go join the party and leave you to your thoughts—”

  “Not so fast, Miss Ghijk,” he said, grabbing my waist and pulling me close.

  The crowd in the living room started a countdown at an incredibly obnoxious volume. I stood staring into Alex's dark brown eyes and brushed my nose against his.

  “Five,” he whispered, adding to the sound coming from the other side of the house. “Four, three, two, one.”

  Once again, I found myself lost in a passionate embrace wit
h the man of my dreams.

  Nate was right. Waiting was the smartest thing to do... but it definitely wouldn't be easy.

  Chapter One

  Saturday February 11

  “My fingers are freaking freezing!” Bridget yelled, as we jumped into the backseat of the car.

  “I told you to bring gloves—”

  “Can we please get through one day without an I-told-you-so?” She rubbed her hands together. “I swear, if she makes me leave this car one more time—”

  “I hate to bust your bubble,” I interrupted her. “But we still have one stop to make. Dinner, remember?”

  Bridget and I had spent the last six hours following mom all around the city, hopping from wedding boutiques to small-scale gown outlets, and even hitting a few of the big chains. The cool part of being the daughter of a friendless mother is that I get to play Maid of Honor opposite of Calvin's Best Man— Alexander Rivera, himself. Bridget was getting in on the action by carrying out the role of an additional bridesmaid. Thus, we were stuck helping Bridezilla plan everything from location to centerpieces.

  The trip wouldn't have been so bad had mom done the proper research. She had no idea what style she was looking for, the amount she wanted to spend, or if she was going to wear white at all. Bridget coaxed her into making the final decision; a long, traditional gown with lace sleeves and a respectable neckline. I doubt Bridge even liked the dress. After six hours of hopping in and out of the freezing cold weather she was ready to get the day over with. And so was I.

  “Okay girls,” Mom said, getting into the driver's seat. “Who's hungry?”

  “Me!” Bridget exclaimed, dramatically.

  After another twenty minutes on the road we finally reached the edge of Webster Grove and mom turned off into the parking lot of Calvin's upscale restaurant; Calvera's.

  “Are we late?” I asked.

  “Only fashionably,” mom assured me, checking her watch.

  We hopped out of the car and rushed through the front doors of the building. The hostess greeted my mother by name and instructed us to follow her.