The Lost Boys

Chapter Seven

It had been three days since Mattie had seen Paul, David, or any of the group at all, but she never felt completely free from their presence. Her dreams were definitely plagued by them, but her waking moments weren't much better. She was confused about her feelings for David, overwhelmed by her desire for Paul, and she felt like she was on the verge of some huge life-changing event that she had neither signed up for nor had any control over. And yes, despite all of that emotional turmoil, she felt completely calm.

She was ready for whatever life – or the guys – could throw at her.

"Hey, mom." Mattie greeted as she entered the video store.

She had needed the car to run errands, and since Lucy was working, it meant that she had had to play chauffeur to her mother when the latter's shift ended. Lucy was talking with Max behind the counter and they both smiled warmly at her.

"Hey, sweetheart!" Lucy exclaimed happily. She turned to Max. "Max, this is my daughter, Mattie."

Max shook her hand, smiling widely. "It's so nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you."

Mattie laughed. "Should I be nervous?"

Max chuckled and shook his head. "Not at all."

"Okay, good." Mattie turned to her mom. "Ready to go?"

Lucy nodded. "I am." She turned to Max. "See you tomorrow."

Mattie watched as Max gave her mother a fond smile.

"See you tomorrow." Max turned his attention to Mattie. "And it was nice meeting you, Miss Emerson."

"Oh, eek, none of that 'miss' stuff; Mattie is just fine. And it was nice meeting you too." Mattie leaned in so that her mother – who was already by the door – couldn't hear her. "By the way, I'm totally okay with you asking my mom out on a date as long as you treat her right."

Max laughed lightly. "I promise I'll be a complete gentleman."

Mattie smiled widely. "Good. Have a nice night, Max."

"Have a nice night, Mattie."

"What did you say to him?" Max heard Lucy hiss at her daughter as they left the store. Max waited for Mattie's playful response of 'nothing' before smiling at Marie and headed into his office in the back. He wasn't surprised to see Paul and David waiting.

"She's a lovely girl." Max mused as he sat down at his desk. His eyes found David's. "When are you going to turn her?"

It was Paul who replied, his voice eager. "Tomorrow night."

"We're going to get her brother too – Michael. Figured it'd be easier to get them both at the same time." David added. Max nodded in approval. "The younger one is going to be harder. He's spending all his time with those annoying Frog brothers."

Max rolled his eyes. "He's not even 16; I'm sure you can handle him. And as soon as you do – and all three are turned – I'll take care of Lucy."

Having said all that he was going to, Max turned attention to his computer. David and Paul shared a look before heading out the back door.

                                                                                                  ***

Friday Night

Mattie looked at herself in the mirror critically. She had gone more of a girly route tonight in her fashion choice and, after all the work she had put into her appearance, she was debating whether or not she should just change.