“You’re persistent, aren’t you?” I found myself smiling in the dark.
“I am. And I don’t intend to leave you alone until you’re mine.”
Wow. Should I be flattered or scared? “You might have a long wait.”
Alec chuckled again. “I can wait, but I doubt I’ll have to.”
“We’ll see.” I yawned again.
“Yes, we will. Now shut those gorgeous eyes and dream of me.”
“Ha!”
“Goodnight,” he whispered.
I replaced the receiver and snuggled back under the covers, but sleep eluded me. Thoughts of Alec commandeered my head.
7
Boy Trouble
My happy little world started to splinter apart. On one hand, I had Pete. Like a faithful dog, he waited patiently for me between classes, ate lunch with me every day, and called me most nights. I adored him. But he had yet to kiss me, and it didn’t look like he would find the nerve to try. A big unspoken roadblock, it barricaded our future. If we couldn’t even kiss each other, how could our relationship progress?
On the other hand, Alec emerged from the shadows. And he was the polar opposite of Pete: aggressive, self-assured and persistent. He began to wear me down with his incessant calls, deep voice and oozing charm. It was undeniable: I liked him now, too. His curly blonde hair and muscular build crept into my thoughts unbidden. Everything he wore showed off his buff body, and his letterman’s jacket boasted his athletic talent, embroidered with every championship title and award earned in his high school years.
A heaviness permeated as I vacillated between liking two boys. Pete didn’t have a clue about Alec, and I flat-out lied by avoiding the topic—a sin of omission, my mother would call it. If Pete found out, he’d be mad and hurt, and I lose him for sure. But I couldn’t bring myself to give up my friendship with Alec.
Something awful was destined to happen—Pete would find out or Alec would tire of waiting—and only I deserved the blame. My suffering was guaranteed no matter what. I agonized over how I landed in such a mess and my friends were totally unsympathetic. Neither had been asked on a date, and with Homecoming on the horizon, their single status was a genuine concern.
The Skyline soccer team beat Fremont 5-1, a resounding triumph for their last game of the season. I clapped in celebration as they ran their victory lap. The guys played terrific, including Pete, who blocked tons of goals despite the other team’s relentless attempts to score.
Afterward, the team carpooled to Round Table Pizza in Montclair to celebrate. We secured two of the oversized circular tables near the jukebox under the watchful eye of King Arthur and his knights in various poses. In short order, we devoured pitchers of soda and several extra large pizzas.
Alec and some of his friends walked in, finding a table directly in my view. He smiled and waved hello from where he sat, and I jerked my head down and stopped breathing.
Pete glanced my way. “Are you friends with that guy?”
I nodded noncommittally. “Sort of.”
“Why? He’s a total jerk.”
“Um…is he? I don’t know him well enough to say.” I gulped. Could someone just kill me and get it over with?
“He thinks he’s God’s gift to football for one thing.”
“He is a pretty good player.”
“Are you sticking up for him? What, do you like this guy or something?”
“No! I’m just saying he’s a good athlete. I don’t think you should rag on someone for that.”
Pete eyed me with suspicion. I could tell he was nonplussed, and I didn’t want to fight, especially about Alec. He went back to eating his pizza. I stole a glance at Mr. Deep Voice, who stared at me with his disarming grin. I averted my eyes with lightening speed.
“Do you have a quarter? I want to play some music.”
Pete fished a quarter out of his sweatpants and I stood and walked to the jukebox. I didn’t really care about the tunes but I needed a minute to compose myself and come up with an escape plan. I scanned the selections, even though I knew them by heart: The Beatles, Chicago, Gerry Rafferty, Paul McCartney and Wings. Unable to focus, I remained indecisive, tapping my fingers on the side of the machine.
“Finding anything good?”
I cringed, and glanced over to find Alec standing next to me.
“Maybe I could be of some assistance.” How could he be so relaxed? I was freaking out!
“Help yourself. I think I better go.”
“Sure. We wouldn’t want to give your boyfriend the wrong idea.” He winked.
I mumbled something incoherent and sat back down next to Pete.
“Outside. Now,” Pete said through gritted teeth.
I dragged myself up and followed him out the front doors. We stood facing each other on the sidewalk. I crossed my arms and braced for the unknown.
Pete’s eyes blazed. “Is something going on with you and that guy?”
“No.”
“It sure looks like it!”
I cleared my throat. “He might like there to be, but there’s not.”
“What do you mean?”
I let out a deep breath. “He’s made it clear he likes me.”
“When? How? Where?”
“He’s called me a few times.”
“He’s calling you? And you never thought to mention it?”
I shrugged, helpless. “I know it looks bad, but I’ve tried to discourage him. That’s why I didn’t say anything to you.”
“He doesn’t look discouraged to me!” Pete shouted.
I froze. My heart slammed against my chest. No coherent words formed.
“Do you like him?” Pete jaw twitched, his eyes hard.
The question I most dreaded. I stared at Pete helplessly.
“I said, do you like him?”
Tears trickled down my cheeks. Pain stabbed my chest. I remained utterly confused. What could I say?
“It’s a simple question, Anna. Answer it.”
“I don’t know,” I choked out. “I like you,
