“What? Here?”
“Yes, here.”
“Can’t we do this over food somewhere? I’m starving!”
“Do you know how a secret works, Archer?”
He let his head fall back against his headrest. “Yes, Beeler. But I’m hungry. I’m not gonna be able to concentrate unless I get something to eat first.” As if to prove a point his stomach rumbled loudly. “Can’t we go to a drive-thru? No one will see us there.”
Truthfully, I was hungry, too. So I agreed. “Fine, but you’re buying.”
“Deal!”
Chapter Thirty
Lucas
“Is it just me or was Coach in the worst mood ever today?” Grant asked, raising his hands over his head as he stretched his sore muscles.
I did the same as we walked to my truck. “Yeah, that was probably my fault.”
“Why?”
“He sorta caught me and Casey outside the locker room.”
Grant snorted. “Making out with the coach’s daughter right outside his office? Bold move, bro!”
“We weren’t making out. Just hugging.”
“So, I’m assuming things went well when you talked to her about Columbia?”
“We didn’t exactly get that far.”
“Why not?”
“Coach interrupted.”
“Lucas! I just watched you polish off three double cheeseburgers. You only eat like that when you’re stressed. You need to talk to her.”
“I know. I’m going to. We’re going out tomorrow.”
“Why don’t we just drive over to her house now? It’s on the way home,” Grant offered as we climbed into my truck. “I’ll wait in your truck.”
“I can’t tonight.”
“Why not?”
“I already asked her, and she said she’s too busy.”
“Too busy for this face?” Grant teased, pinching my cheeks.
I batted him away. “I’m glad my misery amuses you.”
“Oh, come on, I’m just messing with you. Everything’s going to be fine. You’re gonna declare your undying love for her and she’ll be so stoked you’re giving up Harvard for her she’ll probably apply to Columbia too and you guys can go be nerds together and have lots of nerd babies. Happily ever after, the end.”
“That is if Archer doesn’t beat me to it.”
Grant balked. “Archer?”
I told Grant about the conversation I overheard in the lunchroom and how Casey’s sudden need to study tonight had my paranoia piqued.
“Luc, you’re being crazy.”
“Am I?”
“Yes! There’s no way Casey is sneaking around with Archer Montgomery.”
“How do you know?”
“I just know!”
I glared at him. Still skeptical, I stared at the steering wheel, wondering if anything Grant said would convince me that I was overreacting.
“Okay, that’s it,” Grant announced. “We’re driving to Casey’s house right now so you can put your obsessive worrying to rest once and for all.”
“Fine. It’s the only way I’m going to get any sleep tonight.”
I cranked the ignition. Click. Click. Click. Grant and I looked at each other. I tried again only to be met with the same disheartening sound.
“Are you serious?” I grumbled, smacking the steering wheel.
“Chill. We’ll just get a jump. You’ve got cables in the back, right?”
I nodded and hopped out, popping the hood. Grant met me with the jumper cables and hooked them up. Scanning the Burger Boss parking lot, we both looked for cars we recognized. In a town this small, there was a pretty good chance we’d know at least one other person craving the best fast food in town.
“Yo, Luc! Look! Archer’s truck is parked over there.”
“That’s weird. I didn’t see him inside.”
Grant shrugged. “This is good news! He’s obviously not sneaking around with Casey, and he can jump your truck.” Grant gave my shoulder a slug. “Two birds, one stone!”
I smirked, deciding I liked Grant’s efficient problem-solving. We both started in the direction of Archer’s truck, taking turns guessing what had killed my battery, but a flash of copper stopped me in my tracks. I’d know that familiar hue anywhere.
Grant saw Casey a moment after I did.
There she was, sitting in the cab of Archer’s truck, their heads bent together conspiratorially. My heart fell to my feet, making it impossible to move. Grant muttered a swear and tried to march past me. I regained my bearings just in time to stop him.
“Let’s go,” I muttered, pulling Grant back toward my truck.
“But they’re—”
“I know!” I snapped. “And I said let’s go.”
“How, your truck—”
“I know, Grant! We’ll go inside and call the tow company for a jump. Now can we please just go?”
Grant met my eyes, the sympathy in his stare making the truth of what I’d seen hit me all over again. “Okay, man. Whatever you wanna do.”
* * *
An hour later I was pulling into Grant’s driveway.
He climbed out but didn’t close the door right away. “Lucas, for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
“Yeah,” I said rubbing my temples. “Me too.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Casey
“Archer! How are you this far behind? There’s no way I can get you caught up tonight.”
“Okay, well we have all weekend. Let’s cram tomorrow, too.”
“I can’t tomorrow. I have a date.”
He smirked. “Alright, Beeler! Who’s the lucky guy?”
“Shut up,” I muttered shoving him.
He didn’t even budge, and worse he kept laughing.
“I’m not going to help you if you keep making fun of me.”
“Okay, okay. Do you have room in your busy social calendar to study on Sunday?”
“Sunday is sorta me and my dad’s day. And considering I’m already on thin ice with him, I’m not going to blow him off.”
“Come on, Beeler! You’re killing me. My make-up test is Monday!”
“I don’t know what to tell you, Archer. Ask for an extension.”
“I’m lucky Mr. Banks is letting me retake it. There’s no way I’m getting an extension. Please just meet with me tomorrow.”
I pressed my palms to my eyelids and rubbed. “Archer, I’m sorry. I’m not canceling my date. I only promised you I would help this once and I did. Just review the problems we’ve been studying a few more times and you’ll be fine.”
He hit me with his sad puppy pout, and I rolled my eyes. “Fine, I’ll send you some practice exams that you can download, but that’s it.”
He held up his hands. “I’ll take what I can get.”
“Now take me home before I miss curfew and my dad grounds me for life.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Casey
Despite my late-night study session with Archer, I woke up at the crack of dawn on Saturday. Thinking about my brunch date with Lucas made it impossible to sleep. I’d showered, done my hair and rifled through the dresses Mrs. Prince had insisted I rescue from Alex’s closet.
This date had to go perfectly. I hated that I had to blow Lucas off last night. The least I could do was look extra date-worthy today. Though, I wasn’t really sure what the right attire for a brunch date was.
I’d never been to a brunch in my life. My dad and I were more likely to have cereal for dinner than attend brunch. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t give it a try. I was willing to go out on a limb for Lucas. And it was something I might have to get used to considering his parents seemed like the brunching type.
Thankfully, Pinterest gave me some solid direction on brunch-wear, leading me to select a pastel blue dress with a high neck and cap sleeves. It fit like a glove and seemed perfect for the occasion. I was just applying my lip gloss when my dad walked by my room and did a double take.
“Why a
re you all dressed up?”
“I’m going to brunch with Lucas.”
“Excuse me?”
“Brunch. It’s this weird meal between breakfast and lunch.”
“I know what brunch is, Casey. What I’m confused about is why you think you’re going. Did you already forget our conversation? You’re grounded.”
“Grounded?” I’d never been grounded in my life. Come to think of it, I’d never really had to ask my dad’s permission to go places. We both just informed the other of our plans and everything ran smoothly. This one-eighty was throwing me for a loop. “You never said I was grounded, Dad.”
“I thought I was pretty clear about my opinions regarding your last date with the Hargrove kid.”
“Because of that photo? I told you nothing happened!”
“Maybe not, but I’m still not comfortable with what was going on in the back of that boy’s truck.”
“But—”
“I’m not finished, Casey.”
I snapped my mouth shut, shaking with indignation.
“You were also out with a different boy last night and came home past curfew.”
“Like five minutes!” I argued. “And you know that wasn’t a date.”
My dad sighed. “Casey, I realize you’re not a little girl anymore, but it’s still my job to be your father for a little while longer. And that means things are going to change around here.”
I didn’t like the sound of this. “Change how?”
“If you want to go on a date, you need to ask my permission. I need to know who you’re with and where you’re going.”
“Fine.”
“And until you earn my trust back for breaking curfew and what may or may not have been going on in that photograph, you’re grounded.”
“What? How am I supposed to earn your trust if you won’t let me go anywhere?”
Before he could answer the doorbell rang.
I looked at the time and my stomach dropped. Lucas was here!
My dad was already stomping to the door.
“Dad, wait.”
But the door was swinging open, revealing Lucas’s handsome face. His smile faltered when he saw my dad. “Hey Coach, er, Mr. Beeler. Is Casey here?”
I ran to the door and edged between my dad and Lucas before he could embarrass me further. “Hey Lucas. Can we talk outside for a minute?”
“Sure.”
I glanced back at my dad with a pleading look, but he shook his head. “I’m sorry, kid, but you’re grounded. You’ll have to go out another time.”
Lucas looked shocked.
All I could do was sigh. “I’m sorry. I would’ve called but I didn’t anticipate my dad being completely unreasonable.” I looked back at my dad, but he seemed unfazed, leaning against the front door with his arms crossed.
“Well,” Lucas hedged. “That’s actually why I’m here. I was hoping we could talk.” He looked at my dad. “If that’s okay with you.”
My dad muttered something under his breath but nodded and opened the door wider. “You can talk inside, where I can keep an eye on you both.”
My stomach dropped for the second time in five minutes and I was suddenly grateful I hadn’t eaten yet, because the idea of having perfect Lucas Hargrove in my unperfect house was making me nauseous.
“No, that’s okay, we can talk later—” I started, but Lucas interrupted me.
“I’d like to talk now if you don’t mind.”
The sharpness in his voice caught me by surprise and I decided whatever it was must be important. So, taking a deep breath, I pushed my pride aside and let him in.
I did a mental scan of my house as Lucas followed me inside. My bedroom looked like a tornado had hit it since I’d torn apart my closet putting together the perfect brunch outfit, the kitchen sink was probably still full of dishes since I’d gotten home too late to bother with them last night and I’d bet money that my dad’s socks were still on the living room floor!
Kill me now!
Lucas
I’d debated whether or not to show up today. After seeing Casey and Archer together in the parking lot last night I wondered why I was even bothering. But after much consideration I’d decided I needed answers. Sleeping on it had made me calm enough to confront Casey without saying something I’d regret. So here I was, ready to give her one more chance to tell me the truth.
But this was it.
I’d spent my whole life competing. Competing for my parents’ approval, competing for the best GPA, competing on the baseball field. I wouldn’t add competing for affection to the list. I deserved better.
As much as the idea of giving up on this thing with Casey before it really started killed me, I reminded myself that I didn’t want to be with someone who couldn’t be honest with me. It was the one thing I valued most.
Following Casey inside, I had to remind myself why I was here. Being inside her home where childhood photographs of her smiling at me with an adorably toothy grin was making it difficult to stay focused. Getting a glimpse inside the walls where she’d become the girl I loved was crushing my resolve.
I did my best not to stare at all the photos, awards and trophies proudly displayed in her cozy living room as I took a seat on the couch. The room was small but comfortable. Her home possessed a warmth mine didn’t. I found myself envious of the comfortable surroundings. It was a nice change from the stark interior of my own home, where the wall coverings and décor were professionally curated to look like they belonged in some minimalist architecture magazine.
“Sorry my dad’s ruining our brunch plans,” Casey said pulling my thoughts back to her.
“Actually,” I took a deep breath. “I’m not really in the mood for brunch after last night.”
Concern pulled at her pretty features. “Last night? What happened? Is everything okay?”
“That sorta depends on you,” I said.
She frowned. “I don’t understand.”
Just say it, Lucas! I took a deep breath and tore off the Band-Aid. “I saw you with Archer last night.”
“What? Where?”
“Grant and I were at Burger Boss.”
Shock bloomed across her face and my heart went into free fall.
“It’s not what you think,” Casey rushed out.
“So, you weren’t with Archer last night when you told me you were too busy to hang out?”
“No! I mean, yes, I was with him, but . . .” she trailed off.
“But what?”
“It’s complicated.”
My heart hit the floor with a splat. ‘It’s complicated’ was the last thing I wanted to hear. It was code for, I like you, but I like him, too.
I thought I was strong enough to hear whatever Casey had to say, but I’d been kidding myself. I suddenly felt ill and she hadn’t even confirmed my suspicions yet. My heart could only take so much.
“Let me uncomplicate it for you,” I said praying my shaky legs would hold me long enough to reach the front door.
“Wait!” Casey chased after me. “Lucas, please. Nothing happened with Archer!”
I turned to see tears streaming down her face and it stopped me in my tracks.
“I promise, Lucas. Archer and I are just friends,” she said as she wiped at her tears.
I could already feel myself caving. Crying was like Kryptonite. It was the only weapon that could weaken my resolve enough that I couldn’t remember why I was even walking out on Casey in the first place.
She was by my side now, her soft hand taking mine. “I wouldn’t lie to you, Lucas.”
“But you did,” I reminded her. “You told me you were too busy to hang out last night.”
“I know, but it’s because I had to help Archer.”
“With what?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Why not?”
Casey blew out a breath. “Listen, Archer and I are just friends. He needed help with something that he wants to keep private, so that’s all I can te
ll you. But I promise that’s all it was. I was just helping a friend.”
I looked at the ceiling and exhaled. I didn’t like it, but that didn’t make it not true. And could I really fault her for helping someone? It was her kindness and genuine heart that drew me to her in the first place.
“Lucas, I’m so sorry. I realize how awful that must’ve looked and I feel terrible knowing I upset you. Please tell me how I can fix this.”
I let my eyes meet hers and knew I was going to cave. Her big brown eyes were the saddest chocolate saucers I’d ever seen, and I couldn’t bear to be the reason she looked so unhappy. I moved closer, wiping the damp streaks from her tears. “Just be honest with me, Casey. That’s all I ask.”
“I promise,” she whispered.
I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t be this close to her and not have her in my arms. I pulled her into a tight embrace, and she exhaled against my chest. Her heart was beating furiously against my ribs, its frantic beat matching my own.
She was as upset as I was, which suddenly left no doubt in my mind that Casey and Archer were just friends. Even if they had been more, I’m not sure I’d care. Not when it felt this good to have her in my arms. Holding her erased all rational thinking, replacing it with unexplainable devotion.
“I’m so sorry, Lucas,” she whispered. “You’re the last person I’d ever want to hurt.”
When she looked up at me, I was stunned by sudden clarity. It was too late to pull away from Casey now. My heart already belonged to her. So, I did the only thing I could. I smoothed her hair back and smiled through the unexpected surge of emotions making me take this leap of faith.
“I know,” I replied, dropping a kiss on her lips while handing her my heart on a silver platter. “I know. And I never want to hurt you either.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Casey
What a rollercoaster. My morning had gone from good, to bad, to worse and back to good again. Actually, make that great. I hadn’t thought I’d enjoy having Lucas in my kitchen but watching him cook was a pleasure I’d never expected.
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