Page 87 of Stealing for Keeps
“Good,” I tell him and then hand over his sketchbook. With a grin, he slides it into his backpack.
“I need a vacation,” Lacey announces.
“Thanksgiving break will be here soon,” I say.
Her voice dips into a whine. “I need a vacation sooner than that.”
“There, there.” I pat her head with a teasing smile and then, because I do love her and know she’s been working really hard on school and cheerleading, I rest my head on her shoulder.
“We should go to Whittie Lake,” Rowan says, opening his chocolate milk and taking a long gulp.
“What’s Whittie Lake?” Austin asks.
Lacey perks right up. “The Whitlock twins have this family cabin on a private lake. It’s this amazing property. Lots of room and right on the water. They don’t like to throw parties out there because their parents are really strict about things, but occasionally they invite the soccer team. And very good friends of the soccer team.”
“Oh, right.” Austin nods. “I think I heard Eddie talking about it.”
“Do you think he’d be into it?” Lacey asks, hope in her voice and eyes pleading.
“I don’t know, but we have a free weekend coming up, so it’s the perfect time to do something.” Rowan sets his milk down and then shouts across the lunchroom. “Yo, Double E.”
One of the teachers gives him a stern look for yelling, but it works. A second later, Eli and Eddie are getting up and heading our way.
While everyone else is focused on the twins, Austin moves his leg over until it’s flush against mine, then drops his hand under the table and rests it against my knee. I feel warm all over and wonder if I’m blushing.
Lacey pleads her case with the twins, even promising to make sure everything is clean before we leave. She’s very convincing when she wants something, and she must want this very badly.
Before the bell rings, they’ve agreed.
“So, are you gonna go?” Austin asks me after we’re away from the group and heading for art class.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure my sister has a dance competition in Ohio that weekend, so I’ll be on my own.”
“What about your dad? You don’t go to his house when they’re gone?”
“No, not usually. He likes to do his own thing, and it always feels like I’m imposing on him.” As I say it out loud, I realize how bad it sounds. “He’s just really busy right now at work. I’m going to spend Thanksgiving with him. We go to my aunt’s house—his sister—every year.”
I’m thankful when he smiles and doesn’t press further. “What about you?”
“If you’re going, I’ll definitely be there.”
* * *
Austin comes over after practice. My mom and sister are already home from rehearsal. Mom gives Austin a disapproving scowl as I rush him up to my room.
“Your mom hates me,” he says as I close the door.
He steps into my space. The cold from outside clings to his sweatshirt, and that along with his proximity sends a shiver down my spine.
“She doesn’t really like anyone,” I say, realizing it’s true. She’s not even that warm with Lacey, and she’s been my best friend forever.
I kiss him this time. All day, we stole glances and secret brushes of hands, and I don’t want to wait one more second.
This time, we’re more urgent. He backs me up against the door, both hands resting lightly on either side of my neck. I’m holding on to his sweatshirt like I’m afraid he’ll try to run away.
I’m lightheaded, and my body tingles everywhere he touches me.
“Claire!” My mom shouts my name and then knocks loudly from the other side of the door.
