I was beside Nathan as we trailed behind the others toward Kota’s house. I stopped in the street, and glimpsed at my parents’ house down the road. Nathan paused, following my gaze to the two story gray house.
“I already checked on your mom,” he said, reading my thoughts. He wrapped his hand around mine, and tugged me toward Kota’s. “There was an empty soup cup by her bed. She was asleep. I made sure to leave some crackers for her. Marie wasn’t there.”
My eyebrows popped up. “You did all that?”
He nodded. “Luke checked on her while we were at the mall, too. She’s fine.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t sleep over,” I said softly, unsure if I wanted the others to hear. “My dad isn’t there. Should she be alone?” It felt wrong to abandon her. A couple of hours out, that was different. Usually my father came home in the evening and was there on the weekends to watch out for her. Now he wouldn’t be. Despite her mood swings, she was still sick, dying. What if she needed something in the middle of the night and no one was there?
Nathan’s blue eyes darkened and he squeezed my hand. “I’ll check on her again tonight. I promise. Okay? Try not to worry about it tonight.”
“If you’re sure,” I relented. She wasn’t his responsibility. Was it selfish to let him so I could enjoy the night out?
His serious face lightened. “You’re too sweet for your own damn good.”
My cheeks warmed again as he tugged my hand, holding it.
We were almost to Kota’s drive when North paused, turned around and faced the opposite side of the road. He cupped his hands around his eyes, as if trying to ward off the sun’s glare.
I turned, as did Nathan. Everyone stopped.
Micah and Tom were headed down the road together behind us. Tom was waving. Micah looked annoyed. Behind them trailed Jessica. I wondered if they were actually friends, but I realized that on this small street, those boys might be the only kids her age within walking distance. Or maybe she was friends with Tom. He seemed nice.
Their group caught up with us. “What are you guys doing?” Tom asked, and he eyeballed me. “Is there a school dance or something?”
Gabriel smirked. “Not tonight.”
Jessica shared a look with me, and a small smile. I took it to mean she liked the clothes. It made me feel a little more comfortable in them. “You’re staying the night?” she asked.
“Yes, I think so. Aren’t you?”
She shook her head. “I’m waiting on a ride to my other friend’s house. I’d stay but I promised her two weeks ago I’d go to her sleepover.”
She didn’t think anything was wrong with me sleeping with the guys at her house. That made me feel better, too.
Micah blew a raspberry. “That’s it? You’re sleeping at Kota’s? She made it sound like you were doing something kinky.”
Kota lifted an eyebrow. “She who?”
“Danielle,” Micah said. “She was going to pay us twenty dollars to come take a photograph of Sang and you all being stupid.”
Silent communication flew between faces of the boys. A photo?
“I think she meant to put her on Facebook,” Tom said. “Or maybe Photoshop her face onto a pig or something. I wasn’t going to take a horrible one.”
“You guys are the worst spies,” Luke said. “Don’t you know if you’re going to take secret photos that you’re not supposed to tell?”
“I don’t care,” Micah said. “I was going to take one picture. It’s all high school drama to me. Personally, I couldn’t care less. Danielle’s stupid.”
I looked at the guys, but it was Nathan who caught my glance. His expression mimicked my own concern. This wasn’t just stealing my clothes. This sounded more like she didn’t like me at all and was trying to get… revenge? I didn’t understand why.
“Jessica,” Kota said, disappointment dripping from his tone. “I can’t believe you’d agree to this.”
“I wasn’t there,” Jessica said. “I was leaving the church and when I walked past on my way home, she stopped talking to them. She wouldn’t talk to me.”
“Here,” Luke said. He pulled out a wallet from his back pocket, unfolded four twenties, and passed two to Micah and two to Tom. “I’ll pay you both double to take a picture of someone’s butt and tag Danielle on Facebook.”
Tom brightened, taking the money. “I bet I can get Derrick to post it on a day she isn’t able to log in. Maximum exposure.”
“Then it’ll be your butt on her page,” Micah said. “But fine. We’ll do that.” He turned around, heading back down the road. Tom followed. Jessica stayed with us.
“Should we be pranking her like this?” Victor asked.
“Probably not,” Kota said, but he turned, heading back toward his house. “But I let her get away with stealing Sang’s clothes. This will show her we’re not going to sit by idly any more. If she wants to humiliate Sang in some way, she’ll have to take on all of us, too.”
The others muttered in agreement.
My heart thumped, and I tried to smother the feeling that I was very happy about this decision.
Kota led the way to his front door, pulling his keys out of his pocket and unlocking it. He entered and held it open for us to join him, collecting in the foyer. Jessica floated past all of us, heading down the hallway to her room.
“Kota?” his mother called from deep in the house. “Is that you guys?”
Nathan released my hand. My fingertips tingled as he had held it so tightly, but I wondered why he let go as soon as Kota’s mother sounded close. Was it bad we were holding hands?
“It’s us,” Luke called to her. “We’re home.”
I smiled at the thought of him saying it as if we all lived there together.
Erica came out from a hallway. Her green eyes lit up and she smiled. She reached out and wrapped her arms around Luke’s neck, who was the closest, and kissed his cheek. He air kissed hers and stood back. She did the same with everyone, lastly me.
When she finished hugging me, she stepped back, still holding on to my hands and looking over the clothes I was wearing.
“Oh my goodness,” she said. “You are adorable.”
“Gabriel,” I tried to explain but it felt awkward to finish the sentence. He helped me buy the clothes? He dressed me?
Erica shook her head and pressed fingers to her lips quickly. “Oh yeah, he’s good. This is gorgeous.” She hugged me again and whispered in my ear. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
I blinked rapidly, trying not to tear up. Did she mean it? Was I wanted?
She stepped back and we moved into the living room together. Our bags were dropped against the far wall. Silas and North sunk into the couch. The others took the floor with Kota and Luke disappearing upstairs. Loud thudding thundered from Kota’s stairwell. They reemerged with huge bean bag chairs.
“Alright,” Gabriel said. “It’s about f... time.” He glanced at Erica but relaxed when she didn’t appear to notice the slight slip.
The beanbags were all the same dark blue color, big enough to sit two people and they were about as high up off the ground as the couch. It took a couple of trips to get all four downstairs. The coffee table was tucked against another wall by the bookshelves to make room.
I wasn’t quite sure where to sit until Silas scooted over on the couch and patted the seat next to him. I sat down between North and Silas, feeling eerily tiny next to them.
“Okay, kids,” Erica said over the chatter. Everyone else collapsed into the bean bag chairs and quieted. “Quick rule check. Since Sang’s here, we have to change it up slightly.”
“Aw man,” Gabriel said, but he was grinning.
“Everyone sleeps downstairs tonight,” she said, pointing to the blue carpet. “Not that I don’t trust you boys but I want Sang to be comfortable. Besides, I don’t know if all eight of you will fit upstairs together.”
I leaned into Silas. “Do you all do this often?”
Silas nodded. “Either here or at Victor
’s house. The rest of us have small rooms in our houses so it’s kind of tough with all of us.”
“Also,” Erica continued. “If I hear from Sang you guys are picking on her, I’ll beat you senseless. She’s a girl so treat her like a lady.”
There was a collection of giggles.
“Other than that, the house is yours. I know it is still kind of early but what do we want for dinner?”
“Sang has to make it,” Nathan said. “She lost.”
“They cheated,” I said but they all laughed. I did, too.
“That’s good,” Erica said and she winked at me. “Since you have to cook, you get to pick. We’ll worry about it later.” She waved her hand in the air as if dismissing us. “Other than that, try not to break anything expensive and...”
“Don’t set the house on fire,” they all chorused.
My eyes widened and I looked at Silas.
“Long story,” he said.
Maybe I was a little jealous that they had spent all these years together and I was just starting to get to know them all. Would I ever know these tiny secrets they shared?
Erica said she’d be in her room and to call on her if she was needed. She disappeared down the hallway. Jessica appeared a second later and barely waved to us as she headed out the front door. She had an overnight bag attached to her shoulder, so I guessed she was leaving for her sleepover. I was going to be alone with the boys.
Kota found the remote to the television and the others were trying to decide if they wanted to watch something or play a video game.
North stretched and settle back into the couch, his arm going around my shoulder. It rattled me funny. Did he wait until Kota’s mother was gone to do it?
North sniffed at the air and leaned toward me. He pushed his nose to my neck and he inhaled deeply. “What is that?” he asked, sitting back. His intense dark eyes and the curl of his lips made my insides twist.
“Something Gabriel made.”
“What is it?” Silas asked. He put his nose to my neck and breathing in. “It’s sweet. Soft.” He straightened again. “It’s a good match.”
My cheeks tingled with heat. “How’s the diner going?” I asked, deflecting.
“It’s missing a couple of walls now,” North said. “The freezer is installed. We’re waiting on the delivery of some little things and we need an inspection. Needs new paint. We should be up and running in a couple of weeks.”
“Can I help?”
He turned his head to me, his dark eyes curious. “Willingly?”
I smirked. “I think I can hold a paintbrush better than a sledge hammer.”
They both laughed.
“We’ll call you if we need help,” North said. “Besides, you do owe me a day of work.”
“It doesn’t have to be a favor. Really. I’ll come help. I’m right up the road. I can come when you want.”
North’s eyes softened. “Just don’t get into trouble.”
“She is Trouble,” Gabriel said. He was on his feet and he walked over to me, holding out a hand. “Come on. I want to see that skirt work.”
I didn’t quite understand what he meant, but I let him take my hand and stood up, wobbling slightly on the heels of the boots. Gabriel guided me until he was at the corner of the room where there was a stereo system. He found the power button and was flicking through CDs to pick out something to play. He found a Relient K album and popped it into the player. He hit the play button and twisted the volume up to ear ringing.
My hands started to shake and my heart was thudding. Did he want me to dance?
Gabriel wriggled his hips and bobbed his head to the beat. He snapped at me and slipped forward, his hands positioned at my hips. I panicked, my hands fluttered on their own to his chest. He half smirked and started pushing my hips until I moved with the music at the same pace he did. Once we were dancing together, the anxiety started fading. I just swam in a bikini with these guys. What was dancing now?
Gabriel let go of my hips and I swayed to the music on my own. I bent my knees a little and swung my arms close around my head like he did.
His crystal blue eyes lit up. His lips parted and he sang along as he danced. This caught me off guard and I almost stopped moving. His voice was so smooth and beautiful. He smiled at me as he sang, reached out to put an arm around my waist and started swaying with me again. His cheek met mine; his voice filled my ears until he was the only thing I could hear.
He backed off again and I wondered where he was going. Sensing someone behind me, I spun, and nearly wobbled on my high heels, and found Luke. He grabbed my hands and danced with me, too. Nathan got up on his feet, and the four of us danced and laughed together. Nathan wasn’t quite as graceful but it looked like he was having fun. I felt ungraceful and ridiculous but their smiles were addicting. I didn’t want to stop.
Luke moved away from us and came back with a CD. He popped it into the stereo. I blushed when I recognized the song.
“What’s that?” Nathan asked next to me.
“Some Japanese rock,” I said. “Luke stole one of my CDs.”
Nathan smiled and grabbed for my hand. “Sounds good to me.”
We danced to this song, too. I thought they might laugh at my music but they bobbed heads and swayed their hips. I sensed eyes on us but was terrified to look and see if North and the others were watching. I focused on Nathan, Luke and Gabriel dancing so I wouldn’t feel so out of place.
The song following it was different, a symphonic rock tune and slower in tempo. Nathan backed away from me and I watched after him, confused as to why. A hand brushed my arm.
Victor stood behind me, fire eyes ignited.
I stilled, unsure. He took my hand in his and wrapped his arm around my waist. In time with the violins of the music that streamed from the stereo, Victor held me close to his body while he led the way. My heart fluttered and I glanced down to try to avoid stepping on his feet.
“Look at me, Sang,” he said in his sweet baritone voice. He let go of my hand, his fingertips tracing my chin until my gaze lifted. My face was on fire as bright as his eyes were burning. The hand touching my chin dropped to waist. My own trembling fingers pressed to his chest. He guided me through the dance steps. His fingers smoothed across my back, fingertips traced along my ribs. My heart was melting. He was graceful, handsome.
When another song started, Kota got up and crossed the room toward us. His eyes were intent on mine. Victor and Kota shared a look that I didn’t quite understand. Victor’s eyes blazed, Kota’s were determined. Victor let go of me and Kota took his place.
“Ready?” Kota asked.
A drift of his spice filled my nose. I bit my lower lip, unsure of what he meant.
Kota moved with precision. He put his hand to my lower waist, drew me close to him and guided me through the steps.
“One, two...” he counted under his breath. He pulled me to him, pushed me out and twirled me so the skirt flared and brought me back. I had no idea what I was doing, just following his lead. He spun me, dipped me. His hands clutched at my waist. It was way too intense. His green eyes swallowed me up. The quiet smile on his lips, the way he held me close at some points until my chest was pressed against his had me floating. I was on the toes of my boots to keep from tripping. My heart was going crazy.
When the song was over, I backed away, fanning a hand before anyone else could step up. “Okay guys,” I said to them, breathless. “I can’t any more... in these heels.”
They all laughed.
I wobbled my way back to the couch, and fell into the seat between Silas and North. The others left the music on but moved to the bean bag chairs and grabbed Xbox controllers.
“Here,” North said, patting his leg. “Put your foot up here.”
He dropped a hand on my knee and brought my leg up until it was hooked over his. He unzipped the boot and tugged it off. Surprisingly, this didn’t bother me in the slightest. Gabriel had dressed me, North was undressing me. Sort of. He was
removing my shoes. Was I finally getting used to their touches and the way they did things for me?
While he was doing it, I was leaning against Silas. His stomach growled. I laughed, and his face tinted. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hungry?” I asked him.
“You were busy,” Silas said.
“Should we get started?” North asked. He finished taking off my boots and left the socks on. He pushed my legs off of his knee and stood up.
“I thought I was cooking.”
“You are,” Silas said, standing and reaching out for me. My hand disappeared into his and he pulled me to my feet. “We’re helping.”
I slipped across the carpet in the socks as I followed them into Kota’s kitchen. North opened the fridge, checking the contents. “We’ve got two pounds of ground beef. So I guess grilling burgers is out. That’s not enough for all of us.”
I stepped up next to him to inspect the fridge. As I did so, I pressed my cheek against his arm to look inside.
North shifted and his fingers closed around my shoulder and pulled me in tighter next to him. “Have an idea?”
I glanced at the contents, spotting bacon and onions. “Hmm... could make a big pot of cowboy stew.”
“What’s that?”
I snagged bacon and onions and the ground beef from the fridge. I dropped them on the counter and was looking around at the cabinets to try to guess where the pots were.
“What can I do?” Silas asked, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he leaned against the archway. His broad shoulders bulked against the baseball jersey he was wearing.
“Can you cut an onion?”
He smirked. “I think I can handle that.”
Within a few minutes, I had bacon sizzling at the bottom of a big pot. Silas chopped onions next to me on the counter and I was directing North to grab other ingredients.
When the bacon was finished cooking, I scooped it out onto a plate.
“Want me to drain the fat?” North offered. He hovered over me, watching as I worked.
“Nope,” I said. I motioned to Silas to bring his cut onion over and he dumped it in.
“Fat’s not healthy,” North said.