“Then don’t do it.”
“I want to. I’m just not sure.”
“Think about it. Get back to me tomorrow.”
I nod as I open the door. “I’m going around back so Brock won’t see me.”
“I’m gonna head to the gym. See you tomorrow?”
“Yeah. Same time, if that works.”
“You did really good today.” He smiles, and it’s one of the few genuine smiles I’ve seen since I moved here. Everyone here seems fake, but I don’t get that feeling from Jackson.
Even though we just met, I feel like I know him. Maybe because he’s a lot like me. Alone. No parents around. Unable to trust people. Feeling angry and hurt but not able to show it.
We’re different and yet we’re alike. Maybe that’s why I keep showing up here. I finally found someone I connect with.
As I’m about to close the door, I stop.
“You forget something?” Jackson asks.
“No. I um, just wanted to say that I don’t need to think it over. I’m good with the plan.”
“You sure?”
“Not entirely but I want to at least try it. Maybe it’s wrong to go against my cousin like this but I really don’t consider him family. I never even met him before I moved here. I don’t owe him anything. And it’s not like I’m hurting him. If the football team doesn’t go to State, it’s not the end of the world. So I guess the question is, do you trustme? Because if you don’t, then we don’t have a deal.”
“Trust is earned. And you’re still earning it.”
“Same for you.”
“Then I think we might need to spend more time together. You know, in order to build that trust.”
The way he’s looking at me — that intense stare, that slight smile on his face — I feel that flutter in my stomach coming back.
“I agree. See you tomorrow.”
He drives off, and I’m left with this dumb smile on my face, which I notice when I see my reflection in his windows as I go around back.
I really like Jackson. When I’m with him, it’s the only time I feel happy here, which makes me feel guilty because I shouldn’t feel this way. I have a boyfriend. A guy that I love. But being with Axl is different. He’s familiar. Safe. Even when we first started dating, there wasn’t that rush of excitement I feel when I’m with Jackson.
On my walk back to the house, my phone dings. It’s a text from Brock reminding me that my curfew starts tonight. Why does he think I need a curfew? I can’t go anywhere. I’m stranded at the house.
Back in my room, I go to my closet to try to figure out what to wear to dinner. If we’re going to another fancy restaurant, I’ll need to find something nice to wear.
“Rumor!” Brock’s voice booms through the door. “Are you in there?”
I open the door. “What do you need?”
“Where were you?” he demands.
“In my room.”
“You weren’t here an hour ago. I knocked several times and you didn’t answer.”
“I was sitting by the pool. Why are you so interested in what I’m doing every second of the day?”
“When I need to find you, I should be able to. I shouldn’t have to search for hours.”
