I slid off the stool and maneuvered around the island, pulling her in for a hug. “He’ll get there. You’ve apologized and you’re doing everything you can to make it right.”
She hugged me back and nodded into my chest. “I know. You’re right. I just should have never believed that bitch to begin with.”
“Betty caught you at a particularly vulnerable time, Jan. People like that know what they’re doing. You need to give yourself a break.”
“I know. You’re right. I just get in my head sometimes.”
I cupped her face. “Well, I’m here to tell you to stop it.”
She chuckled. “Stopping it now.”
“Thank you.”
“I made those cookies you and Billy like. Want some with your coffee?”
“If they’re cookies, duh.”
Jan laughed. “Right, let’s sit in the living room and plot your ‘get Katie back plan.’”
I grinned, gathering our treats and following her to the back of the house.
* * *
Katie
High School – Freshman Year…
Kam was late. The first bell had already rung,and he wasn’t at the front doors to walk me to geometry. I bit my lip. I didn’t know if I should wait. He’d never been late before, but if I didn’t get to class soon,I’dbe late, and I didn’t want to risk a tardy on my record.
The second I moved to walk inside, I heard, “Katie!”
I turned to see him running toward me and I waved my hand. “Hurry,” I ordered.
He reached me, taking my hand and linking our fingers together. “Has first bell rung?”
“Yes, let’sgo.”
We made a run for class, slipping through the door just as the second bell rang and Ms. Hamon raised her eyebrow as we slid into our seats. Kam gave me a sly grin as we opened our textbooks and got down to work.
When the bell rang, we gathered our things, and Kam took my books as we headed to next period. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, Dad’s just being a dick.”
I bit my lip. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s all good. I’m getting good at avoiding him.”
“Want to come over after school?” I asked. “We can study.”
He grinned, leaning down to kiss me gently. “Love to.”
“Okay, cool. Tell Billy in shop.”
He nodded, handing my books back to me. “See you at lunch.”
“Okay.”
He kissed me again, and then headed the opposite way to his next class. I watched him for a few minutes and smiled. I knew that there would never be another boy as long as I lived that I would love more than Beckham Cahill.
