Salty Licorice

Chapter 17

Leo's POV

Jumping out of my car in my purple blazer with matching slacks and zebra print button up. I leave my hat and cane in the car for now, at least till I get to the dance. For now I'm outside Liz's house to pick her up for the dance. I'm kind of excited to see her dress being that I've only seen a picture of it on a hanger, it looked pretty from what I saw.

I tentatively knock on the door, without much of a wait the door swings open to reveal a tanner older version of Liz, her mother.

"Hello Mrs. Neuhaus," I say in my most polite voice I can muster.

"It's actually Mrs. Arther, but please call me Natalie."

"Right, Natalie. Well, is Liz ready?" I ask, feeling anxious under her stare as well as the small curly haired boy behind her hugging her leg staring up at me with squinted eyes.

"She should be," Natalie pauses trying to move back but almost tripping over the small boy. "Elizabeth! Your friend is here!" She yells up the stairs. She picks up the curly haired boy giving me a better view of his face that are mostly chubby toddler cheeks and big doe eyes just like his sisters. Natalie walks inside farther and heads up the stairs.

Not soon after I see another boy walk into the front hall glaring at me holding a go-gurt. He just stares at me looking at my outfit with a cold look on his face. His dark hair falls just above his eyes, while in a loose shirt and shorts. He has tanner skin like his mother but brown eyes instead and his hair might be short but you can tell it doesn't have the same natural curls the toddler or Liz have.

"Are you her boyfriend?"

"Umm, no. Just a close friend." I try to smile, but he's giving me a very hard and judgmental glare.

"You better get her home safe otherwise I'll have to use my Walther Reign."

"What is that?"

"My airsoft rifle," he says with a bored tone as he slurps slowly on his go-gurt. "And from the looks of you, you'd be running home crying after just one shot at your butt."

"How old are you?" I whisper to myself.

"Leo," Liz's voice brings my attention from her little brother's threats.

A wide smile spreads across my face. She looks stunning, the green compliments her hair and complexion perfectly and her makeup is simple but still elegant and her hair is in a half up half down style that reveals her neck line but not in an obvious manner.

"You look perfect," I half squeal. I step up to meet her and grab her hand and spin her around letting the skirt of her dress flare out. "Avery won't be able to keep her hands off you," I whisper and watch her face burn a fiery red.

She smacks my shoulder with a scolding glare and I just chuckle at her antics, knowing full well I'm right. She might play it off like she doesn't care but you can't mistake the slight upturn on her lips at the mention of the superstar and the blush across her fair cheeks. She can just be so adorable sometimes.

"She looks alright," the older boy says, sounding bored still.

"Elizabeth, you look amazing sweetie," her mother hugs her.

"Thanks guys, but we really have to go." Liz starts pushing me out the door. I wave over my shoulder towards her mom as I hear her protest about leaving right away.

Clearly Liz is trying to avoid her mother going on a picture assault. I can't blame her, I don't even have my hat or fancy cane with me. We walked up to my baby, a 2012 dark purple challenger, god I love this car. When we get situated, I handed Liz the aux cord with a knowing look.