Life Lines

8: Realm Of Possibilities

Chapter Eight

"Ok so," Dreama popped a cherry tomato into her mouth, "what are we doing tonight, Allie?"

"We're going to have so much fun. I had to change the time around a little bit. We're meeting the guys at Bianca's at six. Then we're going to the movies. When that's over we're going back to the house where we're going back to younger years with a pirate ship bounce house."

"Seriously?" Oppie said. "But isn't that a little..."

"Well, with everything that's going on," Kaylee said looking at me. "I think it would be a good stress reliever. I always wanted one of those huge trampolines. I wonder how high we can bounce one of the guys?"

"Just as long as we don't break it," Allie said with a chuckle. "My parents have changed one rule though."

"Which one?" Oppie asked.

"They're letting us sleep in the same room—" Dreama and Kaylee started to squeal "—as long as we're all there. So even if one of us leaves the room..."

"We get it. Have you told the guys yet?" Oppie asked.

"I told them this morning after Nat finished butchering the course."

"Hey now," I said putting my fork through my chicken parmesan. "I was just having an off day."

"You haven't had an off day like that in a year. What happened?"

"Why are you assuming something happened?"

"Let's see, you were fine when we left your house last night but when you got here this morning..."

"Natalie."

Everyone at the table whipped around, including myself, and Jesse Granger stood behind me. I very carefully swiveled in my seat and plastered my best 'I just won a trophy but don't feel like smiling' smile on my face. His black and blue line crinkled a little as he smiled back.

"Can I have a word?"

"Um..." Dreama kicked me under the table which jump started my brain. "Sure." I turned around and glared at her. "Girls, I'll be right back."

I got up and Jesse led me over to the bar, waving the tender away.

"What can I do for you, Jesse?"

"It was brought to my attention that you might be seeing Union Davidson."

I stared at him and then it turned into a glare. "You know, I haven't talked to you since we were thirteen and you had a serious acne problem."

"I know and thank you for talking to me when no one else would."

"I see Clearasil did wonders for your skin. I'm glad I suggested it."

"Natalie," he tipped his head to the side while he rested his elbow on the bar, "Answer my question."

"I didn't know you phrased it as a question. Is the Elite rumor mill deficient? I'm not seeing anyone on any capacity right now. I haven't since I dumped Owen Pierce for trying to stick his hand up my shirt prematurely." I patted his arm. "Tell Kiki I said hi."

I started walking back to my table but he caught my wrist. Generally I felt the cough before it came out and I was still suppressing it. However, the second Jesse touched my skin, the cough just ripped its way out of me.

Jesse's grip on my wrist tightened as he guided me to a stool and had me sit down. I didn't know if it was a coincidence or what but the second he released me, the cough died down. He flagged down the bartender and a glass of water was promptly placed on the bar next to me.