I’d like to give you a true kiss.But that moment had been lost.
“One more piece of advice.” Instead of leaning forward and devouring her mouth like I’d wanted, I took her hand. It was warm and soft, and it felt perfect against mine. “Find something to dream about and make it your reality.”
She tilted her head. “I’m not sure I’m following you.”
“The only reason I made it the last few years is because I looked to the future. I know this”—I waved at the room in a vague gesture—“is temporary and my life won’t truly start until I’m legally considered a man and finished with school. My dream keeps me going.”
“Of being a hotshot rockstar?”
I smiled. “Yep. It’s what makes me get up in the morning and gets me through life.”
Terri nodded, a speculative gleam in her eyes. “I think…” She squeezed my fingers and looked down at our joined hands. “I believe you’ll get everything you want, Pax. And thank you.”
Sliding her hand from mine, she walked to the door and pulled it open.
“Is this my cue to leave?” I teased.
“I don’twantyou to leave, so that’s why it’s probably the right thing to do.”
She was right. If I stayed, we’d do more than kiss, and I didn’t want to rush anything. Not with this girl. She had enough problems with her cold mother and clueless father. I didn’t need to add myself to the list.
So, instead of cradling her face in my hands and devouring her mouth, I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, CC.”
“Night, Pax. Thank you for making me feel better.”
“Always,” I said as I pulled the door shut behind me.
****
The next morning, in the car on the way to school, Terri turned toward me, the seatbelt straining across her chest.
Today, she wore the khaki pants of our school uniform and a teal-colored bow which completely clashed with her fuchsia shirt.
Mrs. Kingston had nearly choked on her toast when Cotton Candy appeared in the kitchen. The older woman had demanded she march right back up the stairs and find a different bow to match her uniform. Instead of obeying, CC turned to me with a grin and ignored her mother completely.
Mrs. Kingston had huffed out a breath and stormed from the room.
Cotton Candy’s eyes had twinkled as she slathered a thick dollop of cream cheese on her bagel and bit into it.
Lana, wide-eyed, had swung her attention from her sister to the swinging door separating the kitchen from the breakfast nook.
“I’m going to do it,” Terri said, bringing me back to the present.
“Do what?” The sprawling mansions zoomed past the car window. I used to think I missed this life after mom had died and dad had lost everything, but now, watching how the Kingston’s treated their family, I wasn’t so sure.Why have all this wealth when all it seems to do is make one miserable and callous?
“Try out for the cheer squad.”
I eyed CC. “I didn’t know you liked sports.”
“Nah, I don’t.” She shrugged. “But it’s something that’ll help me stay in shape. Plus, I think it’ll be a first step to stop being afraid to try new things, to go against the grain. Maybe I’ll even make new friends.” Her eyes shone with hope and excitement.
Lana battled zombies on her phone.
I was torn with Terri’s decision. On one hand, I was delighted she wanted to take her future into her hands, but on the other, I wasn’t so sure joining a throng with the likes of Katrina and her friends would be in CC’s best interest. Still, who was I to judge?
“Well, I think it’s great, then.” I gave her upper arm a gentle squeeze.
Moira’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror and I hastily jerked my fingers from CC’s skin.
