Even though I know exactly what that something—well, someone—is.
NINETEEN
These Kensley people are something else.They’re all gathered in the street. Dancing. It’s a literal street dance.
And they all look so damn happy.
There are street vendors and a live band playing. Lots of people crammed together, all chatting and seeming to know each other. I should feel like an outsider looking in, but somehow, I don’t.
Kelly and John are here, holding each other close and dancing. Millie has asked me to dance a couple of times, and so have some of her friends, but the only one I actually want to dance with—I can’t.
Because this is Kensley, Kansas, and I don’t see one same-sex couple dancing. Though, I know there have to be some here somewhere. Where the hell are the football coaches?
Not that Jasper would be ready to dance with me, even if they were here dancing together. I saw that flash of fear in his eyes when I brought up the street dance. He’s clearly not ready for that, and since we’re talking about this thing ending at the end of summer anyway, I kind of doubt he ever will be.
I mean, what’s the point of letting everyone know you’re with a guy when you’re not really with him anyway, and you plan to go back to your pretty little girlfriend at the end of summer?
Do I seem bitter?
Maybe a little.
“Well Jasper, honey. How are you?” I hear a sweet voice just as I turn to look at an older woman approaching us where Millie, Jasper, and I are standing on the curb, just watching the others.
“Hi, Mrs. Jensen. I’m good.”
“That’s good to hear. You’re such a good boy.” I swear she actually pinches his cheeks, and he lets her. “How’s your dad? I heard he had another surgery.”
I don’t miss the way Jasper stiffens, and Millie gives me a look that says she doesn’t either. He quickly recovers though, giving her a strained smile. “He’s doing pretty good. Thank you for asking.”
“Well, we’ll keep praying for him.”
“Appreciate it, Mrs. Jensen,” he says, and she waves happily before taking off toward someone else she recognizes.
We watch her go, and I nudge his shoulder. “Jensen? As in Sally Jensen?” I ask.
Millie cackles. “Ha! You told him about the rock incident?”
We both snicker, and Jasper scowls, but he can’t hide his smile. “She’s fucking crazy.”
Millie nods in agreement. “No kidding. She’s dating Tucker, you know? I guess that big fucker can handle her. Maybe.”
“He’s a teddy bear. He better watch out,” Jasper says, and I like this. I had friends back in the city, sure, but not like this. I feel... at ease. Calm.
Calmer than I ever have before.
That is until I see a familiar figure walking toward us through the crowd. Lucy. Her blonde hair is pulled up in a pretty ponytail. She’s wearing just enough makeup to stand out butnot so much that it’s overwhelming. Her jean shorts are short, and her shirt is cropped, but it doesn’t screamlook at melike it would on some girls.
She’s too perfect, and I kind of hate her for it.
“Hi, guys,” she says so sweetly I want to puke. But it’s real. She’s not putting on a show, and it only makes me hate her more.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“Hey, Luce.” I fucking hate the soft tone Jasper has for her, his eyes flashing with familiar warmth.
“Wanna dance?” she asks, her sweet smile like poison in my gut.
“Sure,” he answers and takes her small hand in his, and I really do think I might vomit.
