SUCKER PUNCH 🛶 PACEY WITTER [book one]

CHAPTER FIVE

HURRICANE BOB

...🛶...

WEEKLY movie nights had changed, for whilst Pacey snuck off to be with their English teacher in secret and Heather was cheering on the Minutemen, it left just Dawson and Joey to continue on with the tradition. But that weekend in particular was different, for a storm was coming, a hurricane that threatened to tear the town apart. All classes and after school activities had been cancelled, including high school football games.

Heather squealed out a laugh as Grant and she ran towards her house, wind blowing wildly through her hair. As they reached the back door, the Bodean boy pulled Heather back into his chest, his lips attaching to hers "Just in case I don't get to do that again anytime soon."

The Leery girl grinned, cheeks flushing as she opened up the door and led him inside but her smile fell as she found her parents making out against the refrigerator "Gross."

The couple pulled apart just as Dawson came in from the living room, flashlights in hand "Kids, hi." Mitch looked to the boy holding his daughters hand "You must be Grant."

"Yes, sir." He reached over with his free one "It's nice to meet you."

"I was hoping Grant could stay here? Ride out the storm with us?" Heather gave her father her infamous puppy eyes "His parents aren't home and I didn't want him to be alone."

"Yes, yes, of course honey." Gale smiled when Mitch pursed his lips, eyeing the boy suspiciously and smiled at Grant "Make yourself at home."

"I'm gonna run next door and check on Jen and Mrs. Ryan, extend an invitation to them, too." Mitch kissed his wife on the cheek before heading out to grab his coat.

Dawson gave Heather a look and the girl turned to Grant with a smile "Why don't you go on upstairs? I'll be up in a minute."

When the Bodean boy left, Dawson looked to their mother "Our dad's a great guy, isn't he? Maybe on the Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford idealistic side, but solid like a rock."

Gale nodded, sipping from her cup of coffee "Without question."

"He's loyal, kind, strong." Heather listed as she met her mother's eyes "And faithful."

"Even to a fault." Dawson added before pursing his lips "So who's covering Hurricane Chris?"

Gale scoffed a little "Huh, Bob got the gig."

"Oh, that Bob." Dawson snorted "Boy, he's on top of it."

"Yeah, he's a great guy."