Gossamer Read online

  Laughing, I tried to cover my real feelings. “What is there to say? He caught me checking him out.” I shrugged again, hoping I sounded casual.

  “Oh please, even Cerise knew sparks were flying between the two of you. Didn’t you notice her eat-shit-and-die look? Or were you and the new guy too busy eye f–?”

  “Lexie!” I cut her off, staring at her in disbelief. “Someone is going to hear you!”

  Leaning forward, she whispered, “What does it matter if they hear? I’m pretty sure they saw.” She grinned.

  Heat rose into my cheeks. “Was it that bad?”

  “Bad? Are you kidding me? Maybe if Dylan looked at me like that we wouldn’t be broken up right now.”

  Giggling, I glanced back over in Grant’s direction. Cerise turned to walk away. Her ridiculously short navy blue, pleated skirt swayed back and forth with each step. Where was Mr. Lewis and his strict adherence to the dress code when he was needed? Completely disgusted, my gaze drifted back to Grant. Admiring his perfect profile as he began speaking with his friend again, I noticed him gesture in what I could have sworn was my direction. His friend spotted me, briefly made eye contact then gave Grant a slight, almost indistinguishable, nod. They both walked out of the cafeteria. What was that about?

  * * * *

  A haze settled upon the rest of my day, a Grant-filled haze. Every time I thought about him, I experienced the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach. My infatuation with him grew exponentially by the second, which I was fully aware seemed to be a delicate mix of psychotic and pathetic. After all, I didn’t even know the guy.

  When school finally let out, I pushed through the large double doors and was instantly blinded by the sun. I shielded my eyes, looking up. It might be spring, but the cloudless sky left us victims to the hot Texas sun. Perspiration formed on the back of my neck. I pulled off my blazer and unbuttoned the collar of my tailored white blouse. Taking the steps two at a time, I headed for the parking lot.

  I found Lexie, my ride home, leaning against the side of her sleek black car in a heavy lip lock with Dylan. Guess they were back together. Slinging my bag into her convertible, it slapped the leather seats. I hoped the thump would break them apart. Unfortunately, that was just wishful thinking because they didn’t even flinch.

  Frustrated, I dug my iPod out of my messenger bag. I couldn’t just sit in the car waiting it out. That would be awkward and creepy. I turned from the engrossed couple, leaned against the passenger door and shuffled through my playlist.

  “Kyla?” I looked up questioningly. My friends never called me by my given name. I sucked in a sharp breath at a complete loss for words. “I believe we are in the same Calculus class?” I stared into the brown eyes of Grant’s cafeteria friend as he awaited my response.

  I stood there awkwardly. Was he in my class? That was seventh period. An alien invasion could have happened in class and I wouldn’t have noticed. My mind had been on nothing but Grant.

  “Um yeah, seventh period.” It was a shot in the dark. I hoped he actually was in that class with me.

  “Yes, that’s the one.” He smiled, seemingly happy that I remembered him. “I’m sorry to bother you.” His gaze flicked over my shoulders, then back to me. “But I missed the self-study assignment. I saw you standing here and wondered if you, by chance, had it?” He looked hopeful.

  Good question, did I write down the assignment? I felt bad; it probably sucked being the new kid. Brentwood didn’t get many new students and the current ones rarely left unless they went to “study abroad” which was code for rehab or reform school. I really wanted to help the guy since he was new.

  Who was I kidding? He was Grant’s friend. He could have asked me to do his homework, standing on one foot, juggling fire and I would have jumped at the opportunity. I quickly thought back to class, vaguely remembering scribbling the assignment in my notebook.

  “Sure, let me find it.” I snatched my messenger bag out of the car and dug around in it.

  “Thank you so much. You’re a real life-saver. I already feel behind and would hate to fall even further back.” I nodded with compassion. Brentwood’s course load was pretty intense.

  “I’m Conor. My cousin and I just transferred from Crestview.”

  That got my attention. Was Grant his cousin? They sure didn’t resemble one another, but I guess that didn’t mean they couldn’t be related. He seemed to notice my piqued interest.

  “Have you met my cousin? Grant?”

  Conor’s tone remained casual but he seemed to have a hint of a smile playing around his lips. I couldn’t decide if it was friendly or amused. Maybe he’d noticed me staring at Grant in the cafeteria. Heat flooded my cheeks.

  Attempting to keep my cool, I pretended to be trying to put a face to the name, and after unsuccessfully doing so, shook my head. “No, I don’t believe I have.” He seemed to see right through my charade, but his face remained masked in politeness.

  “I will have to introduce you some time.”

  Thankfully, I finally found the notebook. I tore out the page with the info and handed it to Conor.

  “Here, you can take it. I can just get the assignment from Lexie.” I motioned in her direction.

  “Okay, well, if you are sure.” He paused expectantly, and I urged him to keep the paper. “I will let you get going. Looks like your friends are ready.”

  I glanced back, surprised by this information. Dylan and Lexie watched us. She raised one eyebrow as she grinned at me. Hoping Conor hadn’t noticed her intrigued expression, I turned back to him. “Well, it was nice meeting you. I guess I will see you in class tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Kyla. I will definitely see you around.”

  With that he turned, walking toward the breezeway. It was then I noticed Grant leaning against a pillar, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. Had he been watching the entire time?

  As Conor approached Grant, they exchanged a few words. Before leaving, Grant looked in my direction. His gaze seemed thoughtful but he was too far away to really tell.

  “Who’s your new friend, Kylie?” I turned to find Dylan giving me a sly smile.

  “Oh, that was Conor. We have Calculus together.” I twisted a lock of my dark hair. “He’s Grant’s cousin.” The last part just slipped out, having nothing really to do with the question. After all, he probably had no idea who Grant was, but I just liked saying his name. Dylan rolled his eyes.

  “Oh Grant,” he said, making his voice girly and obnoxious. “He’s so amazing. He’s the best thing to ever walk the face of the Earth.” He looked back at me. Lexie playfully swatted his arm.

  “You told him?” I asked, slightly embarrassed.

  “Oh geez, not you too, Kylie.” I guess that answered that question.

  Lexie laughed. “No, but you just did!”

  “I don’t get it. So he’s new, mildly attractive–big freaking deal.” Clearly annoyed, Dylan waved a dismissive hand.

  “Uh huh, mildly attractive. Sounds like someone is jealous,” Lexie teased.

  “Guys don’t get jealous. That’s a girl thing,” Dylan retorted.

  “Okay, if you say so.” Smiling, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Got to go. See you tonight?”

  “Yeah, I’ll drop by. But if you girls are building some sort of shrine to Grant, I’m out of there.”

  Lexie’s face lit with intrigue, “Ooh good idea. Think you can pick us up some candles? And if you could snag a few strands of his hair that would be killer.”

  I chuckled, unable to get the mental image of Dylan sneaking around the boys’ locker room out of my head.

  He eyed her skeptically. “I’m not so convinced you’re joking.”

  “Who said it was a joke?” She stared at him with her large brown eyes as she shrugged innocently.

  “Don’t let the rest of the girls around here get wind of your plans, they may crash your party.” We laughed as he walked away. “See you later,” he called over his shoulder as he made his
way to some waiting friends.

  Lexie and I slid into her car. The leather seats burned my legs so I tucked my blazer under me. She reached for her seat belt, then swore pulling her hand away.

  “Think someone needs to remind Mother Nature it’s supposed to be spring,” she mumbled, gingerly making a second attempt to grab her seat belt. After successfully buckling, she looked over at me.

  “So, what was that about?”

  “Are you two back together?”

  Our sentences jumbled together being spoken one on top of the other. We laughed.

  “Okay, you first. Dylan and I getting back together is a regular occurrence. I want to know about this Conor guy who, by the way, is not too shabby himself.” Lexie wiggled her eyebrows as her mouth curved mischievous.

  Chapter 2

  We coasted into my driveway after the short drive from school. On the way home, I filled Lexie in on the Conor details, which were unfortunately not that interesting. She went quiet, seemingly lost in thought.

  I climbed out of her car, shutting the door behind me. It closed almost silently–got to love those luxury cars. I think I would just love a car period, but then again, I couldn’t complain. I guess parents who were truly affectionate, as opposed to ones attempting to buy my affection, might be a fair trade.

  “Hmm,” she finally said. “Maybe he’s trying to get his ‘in’ with you for Grant.” She air quoted.

  “His ‘in’?” Lexie and I made our way up the long sidewalk to my front door.

  “Yeah, you know. He introduces himself with a lame excuse, then he can consider you his friend, which then allows him to introduce you to Grant without the fear of rejection.”

  I eyed her skeptically. It seemed pretty drawn out for a simple hello, but it still got my hopes up.

  I turned the key and swung open my massive front door. Like all kids from Brentwood, my house was large, much larger than any small family of three could ever need. It was expensively furnished and spotless at all times. Its pristine state stifled me. Sometimes I felt like a stranger in my own home. I preferred being outdoors and loved the unpredictable beauty of nature. It just felt right. I could relate more to the flawed beauty of a tree and found security knowing the things I saw today had probably been around for hundreds of years before and would still be there hundreds of years after.

  We walked upstairs to my bedroom, the only room in the house I absolutely loved. My eclectic mix of furniture drove my mom, with her Type A personality, a bit crazy. She preferred a more refined, clean look whereas I adored antiques, like my white vanity. My mom begged me to get rid of it or let her refinish the chipping paint, but I refused. I didn’t see why something needed replacing or made to look like new to be beautiful. I loved the delicate arches surrounding the oval mirror and the intricate carvings, consisting of tiny flowers and vines, wrapping around the table. Most of all, I loved the little drawer in front with its dainty silver handle. It had a false bottom, something no longer found in modern furniture. Only my vanity knew what I placed in that tiny compartment and, like a secret between friends, it kept it safe.

  I hung my book bag on my vanity chair and kicked off my shoes. Lexie stretched out across my bed. I opened the door to my walk-in closet and immediately took off my school uniform and slipped into my comfy clothes. Once in my favorite, well-worn jeans, I could relax. I kicked my uniform, then hesitated, sighing as I picked it up then hung my blazer and tossed the rest into the hamper.

  I plopped down into my favorite petal pink overstuffed chair. Although not as old as my vanity, it had been a fixture in my room for as long as I could remember. Lexie rolled onto her back as she leafed through a fashion magazine she had plucked off of my nightstand.

  “So, did you know five sure fire ways to land yourself your dream guy are,” she dramatically cleared her throat and began ticking them off with her fingers. “Laugh at his jokes, get in good with his boys, share a hobby, cook for him and last, but not least, let him be the center of attention.” She tossed the magazine aside.

  “Can you believe that advice?” she scoffed. “It should be more like, show up naked, the end. What guy could resist that?”

  I chucked a small pillow at her. She flipped over looking at me. “What? My process only involves one step, and I bet it would work well on any guy, including Grant.” She spoke his name in a sing-song voice.

  I blushed a little. “You’re awful you know.”

  She grinned. “That’s why you love me.”

  She stood and stretched causing her pristine white shirt to ride up, exposing her pierced belly button. Lexie was a bit of a wild child, but unlike most kids our age she didn’t do it for attention. She did it because she loved living life in the moment. I admired her carefree attitude among many other things.

  “Well, I guess I should take off. I need to get home and get out of this stupid uniform.”

  She tucked a few honey blond strands of hair behind her ear. Even with her unruly mane tugged into a ponytail, Lexie was pretty. She rarely wore much make-up. Her sun-kissed skin actually looked better without it. Her light brown eyes were large for her face but it worked for her. She was beautiful in a very unique way, but undoubtedly her best feature was her confidence.

  “No problem.” I stood to walk her out.

  “Hopefully, Grant talks to you tomorrow.” Her ponytail bounced with each step down the stairs. “If he doesn’t, I think I will just have to find a way to make it happen.” A mischievous expression lit up her face.

  I gave her a wary expression. “Just don’t embarrass me, okay?”

  “Me, embarrass you?” She pretended to be taken aback.

  I swatted her arm lightly. “I’m serious, Lexie.” I shot her a warning.

  “Yeah, yeah,” she said as she opened the door to leave. “See you in the morning.”

  “Later, Lex.” Even though our neighborhood was very safe, I made sure she was in her car before closing the door and locking it.

  More often than not, my house seemed so big and lonely when I was by myself. My bare feet padded quietly on the cold tile floor as I made my way into the kitchen. I grabbed the remote aiming it at the TV, and it sprang to life. I had no real interest in watching anything, but I liked the background noise. Not surprisingly, it was tuned to the food channel. Although my mom rarely cooked, she loved cooking shows.

  The lady demonstrated how to roll out and properly place a pie crust in a pan. I dug around the fridge and finally settled on some Greek yogurt. I squeezed in some honey, and then a little more. I plopped down onto a bar stool and folded one long leg under me. The lady filled her perfect pie crust with a mixture of berries. It looked delicious, making me wish my mom did cook.

  With my spoon flipped upside down, I slowly licked off the yogurt, imagining what it would be like to come home to the smell of pie baking, when I heard something. Lowering the TV volume, I listened more carefully. Silence fell throughout the house. Even as I strained my ears, I heard nothing. Aiming the remote back at the television, just about to turn up the volume, I heard a loud bang again. It sounded like it came from the backyard.

  Terrified to move, I peered over the bar to see out the back door. The multiple glass panes on our French doors obscured any real view. Reluctantly, I stood and took a few cautious steps toward the door. Halfway there I saw something dark run across the backyard. My heart jumped. A dog. I sighed in relief. Walking the remaining few steps to the door, I looked out noticing two small potted plants knocked over on the patio. Then, I saw a dark brown dog making its way out the open gate.

  Immediately, I thought of my dad. He was infamous for not shutting doors completely. I opened the back door and walked over to the gate. The dog turned to me. I considered petting its shiny, chocolate brown fur but decided against it. If it was a stray, that might be an open invitation to hang around. So instead, I shooed the animal away and closed the back gate making sure the latch fully engaged. I walked back inside, rubbed my bare feet on the door mat then
headed back to the bar to finish my snack.

  Just as I finished, my mom came home carrying a small bag of groceries. “Hey, honey,” she said, juggling the groceries and her leather work bag.

  I earned my nickname due to my love of honey since childhood. I couldn’t get enough of it. The sticky, sweet stuff complemented most any food perfectly.

  I stood to help her and grabbed the paper bag peering inside. Nothing good, damn. I set it down and began to empty its contents.

  “Thanks, honey. It’s been such a long day. How was yours?”

  Without hesitation, I thought of Grant.

  “The usual.” I kept my tone neutral. “Oh, I caught some stray dog running around our backyard.”

  My mom’s face fell, and she threw her hand on her hip. “Are you serious? What is the point of paying our homeowners’ association if they aren’t going to do their job?”

  “Maybe it was just lost,” I offered, not thinking it was a big deal. “I’m sure its owner will get home from work and go looking for it when they realize he’s missing.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re probably right. It’s been a long day.” She walked into the living room. I followed. She flopped down onto the couch, slid off her sensible, black heels and propped her feet up on the coffee table. I sat down on the other couch tucking my legs up to my chest, noticing my mom’s pallor. Stress lined her pale skin and her normally bright eyes were cradled by dark half-moons. She scrubbed her hands over her face then sighed.

  Working for a non-profit was a never-ending job and something someone did for enjoyment not money, which was one of the reasons I wondered how my parents could afford such a large house. They occasionally mentioned some sort of inheritance, but never went into detail, remaining elusive about their past. I had never met either set of my grandparents, but had also come to realize it was a sensitive subject and stopped asking questions.

  My mom leaned her head back causing her shoulder length strawberry blond hair to fall away from her face. I studied her delicate features, amazed at how different she and I were. My long, dark hair seemed severe next to her pale red. Her deep, cobalt blue eyes contrasted with my sea green ones, even more unusual was the yellow starburst in the center of mine. My petite mom only stood five two while I towered over her at five seven.