Between Octobers

October 20th

October 20th

It was after two in the morning by the time Evan and I got back to the house after my beautifully awkward date, which consisted of mediocre music, a near outing by wanna-be stalker girls and their sneaky photos, a surge of forgiveness for the unforgiveable, and way too many dances granted while wearing high heels.

My head was clouded and my feet hurt. But not too much to notice Lily's tone was unnaturally clipped while she gave me the rundown of the night's activities. The boys were altogether well-behaved, with the exception of an incident when Arnold was coaxed into the house, courtesy of Caleb. I chuckled as she explained that he was put on a time-out, and that was when he fell asleep, around nine-thirty. Noah went for a sleepover at a friend's house a few houses down, but would be back early in the morning to cut the grass, if it wasn't raining. Her attitude throughout the entire explanation was standoffish.

I was about to ask her to join me in the kitchen for some girl-talk when Evan tugged at my elbow. "Grace, may I speak to you for a moment?" He walked into the kitchen, expecting me to follow.

I looked to Lily. Her arms were crossed, her chin stuck out defiantly. She was glaring at Marcus' back as he unplugged the video game controllers.

"What is it?" I asked Evan as we entered the kitchen.

He hesitated, examining me carefully. "Yeah, um, I was supposed to ask you something the other day, but I forgot it until now. What's wrong?"

With volume, I replied, "Nothing," then answered quick and discreet. "Something's up with Lily."

He continued as if I hadn't responded. "Noah wanted me to ask if he could have a more mature birthday party with his friends this year, but we can talk tomorrow. It's kind of late."

He sweetly pecked my forehead and started to walk out. Dissatisfied, I stopped him and stole a long kiss. Once my mind was emptied of all logic and my stomach thoroughly knotted, he pulled away, chuckling darkly.

"You aren't ready for what I want, yet have no trouble making me want it."

I shrugged. "You mix me up." 

"Gracie," he whispered breathily into my ear and held my hand, tugging me with him through the living room and out to the driveway.

"I can't remember the last time I had so much fun."

"I'll come by in the morning, first thing. What time do you want to go for breakfast?"

"Nine?" Leaning in close I offered, "I'll pick you up if you want."

It seemed like a good idea, since Lily and Marcus may not want to spend much time together in the future. The thought brought a twinge of sadness. They'd been getting along so well. 

"You're hooked, aren't you?" Evan pointed at his chest and flexed. I smiled, staring at the ground. "It's alright—so am I." He murmured breathily into my ear and scraped his teeth across my lobe. The goosebumps didn't stay on just my arms, but spread out all over my neck and back, too. He smiled with satisfaction. "Goodnight, my Gracie."

 I watched him and Marcus hop in the black SUV. After the car was lost down the hill, I walked inside. Lily was on the couch, sulking. Her arms still doubled across her chest, her legs folded on the cushion as she glared at the wall.

I took my place beside her. "What happened?"

"Marcus is an ass! He thinks I'm interested in Evan." She turned to me and huffed.  

"Why does he think that?"

"It's a misunderstanding."

I wasn't sure how to respond, so I stayed quiet.