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Miss Daynes

Space travel itself isn’t very difficult. Especially when you manage to secure a spot on one of the luxury passenger liners that offers deep sleep beds as a complimentary service.

I’d traveled from Atoll 4 to Talos in what felt like only a few hours. True, the actual journey had been a period of 34 days by Hyperlite but since it hadn’t felt like it, I was still the sick and nervous but also excited wreck that I’d been when I left.

“Miss Daynes?” My personal automated assistant from the journey beeped from the wall next to me.

“Yes?”

“Are you ready to disembark? I just received the signal that your escort has arrived at customs.”

“Escort?” I pulled up short, taking a step back. “I did not arrange for an escort. Enquire who sent them and proof that they were sent by a legitimate source.”

“Indeed. A wise decision.” A slight pause. “The captain has advised me to direct you to the south parlor to wait until we have heard back from the customs office. Follow the blue light and I will show you the most expeditious route.”

I made my way to the parlor and found it empty. So I sunk down on the biggest, most comfortable looking seat available.

I wasn’t there for more than a minute or two when my assistant beeped again. “Miss Daynes. Customs has verified your escort’s identity and confirmed with your mother that she did request that he pick you up when you arrived. Shall we proceed to the debarkation area?”

I groaned as soon as I heard the word ‘mother’. “Yes.”

My assistant bid me farewell as I reached the outer door. It was after I was making my way to the customs office that it occurred to me that I had not obtained the name of my mother-approved escort. Instead, I was forced to look around wondering who would come up to claim the honor of my company.

If only I had been able to secure the ticket and accommodations without my mother knowing. Then I would have been able to have a real vacation. Of course, without her financial assistance and insistence on only the best for her only child, I would have also made my way on the cheapest passenger liner and be slumming in whatever place I could afford. Each option had their pros and cons.

However, the choice had been taken from me when mother had found a few of the brochures I had stupidly brought home. I had been so careful at looking into travel information only while at the library.

As soon as she knew my itinerary, everything else had been planned down to the minute. Unfortunately, Mother had friends on Talos that she had informed of my arrival so I would be required to attend the events my mother had already accepted on my behalf. I shuddered as I remembered the list she had handed me as I was packing.

A hush fell over the area surrounding me as a voice right next to me spoke, “Miss Daynes.”

I turned to discover the crown prince of Talos. Hurriedly I bowed. “Your Highness. Forgive my lack of manners. I did not see you here.”

“Make no mention of it. I should not have snuck up behind you. However, I was still in the office talking to the stationmaster when you arrived so I was unable to greet you properly. Did your mother make no mention of me before your departure?”

“No. She did not.” I blushed and glanced away. “I admit. There is a possibility that if I had known, I would have hidden away so that you would be unable to escort me.”

“Am I truly so terrible of a choice of escort? I usually receive quite the opposite reaction. I promise to be on my best manners.” His face gave away no hint of what emotion he was feeling.

I gave half a curtsey. Maybe I was trying to sort of apologize. “The only thing wrong with you that I know of is your title. I was hoping for a low key, less formal vacation. Walking out of here on your arm will provoke the gossiping and my picture will be everywhere before the night falls.”

“Aw yes. That would be a problem. One that I cannot resolve and fulfill my duty as escort.” He looked around. “Give me one moment and I will see what I can do.” In a louder voice he said, “Forgive me, miss. I believe I have mistaken you for another. Enjoy your visit here on Talos.”

I stared in surprise as he walked away without looking back. Now what? 

Several minutes later a man who looked to be either a royal messenger or driver approached me. He stopped right next to me but didn’t look my way. No one seemed to notice him and I breathed a little sigh of relief.

“His Highness has arranged a decoy car to transport you to your hotel. It will be just outside the main entrance. It is a small white Lio model with a small swan-like decal on the back window.” He slipped me a paper and was gone in seconds.

I held in my pleased smile, momentarily wishing that I didn’t have to give up time with the prince in order to have an anonymous vacation. Holding tightly to the paper I made my way to the car that was waiting right where the man had indicated.

Once inside and on my way, I opened the note.

Miss Daynes.

I hope that you are able to have a truly enjoyable time here at Talos. I envy you your chance at social freedom, even if it is only for a short time. Now, I am hoping that since I have done you a favor that you will do one for me. Have dinner with me tonight? I assure you that we will go somewhere where there will be no photographers or snooping gossipy people about to ruin your anonymity. I will have a car pick you up outside your hotel if you are interested. All you would need to do is inform the front desk of your hotel to let you know when Jacob has arrived.

By the way, please call me Holden.

P.S. Since your mother didn’t inform you that I would be your escort I wanted to make sure you knew that my father expects you at our ball at the end of the week. I  regret not being able to provide you with anonymity any longer than that..

I held in my squeal. I had a whole week of anonymity and a date with a prince. And I wouldn’t have to have my picture taken for it to happen. Thanks to my mother, I can’t remember the last time I had gone on a date that wasn’t highly publicized.

Naomi ~Part 2~

Click here to read the previous Naomi short story!

Naomi paused to look more closely at the man who practically oozed appeal. “And why would my friend tricking me into a speed dating auction be perfect?” The snap in her voice echoed in the shadows.

He stuck his hand out. “I’m Kieran.”

“Serial speed dater?” She resisted the urge to stick out her tongue, keeping her arms crossed.

He nodded with a chuckle. “I can understand why you’d think that, but no.”

The same assistant that had been trailing the woman in charge approached with a broad grin. “Oh perfect! You’re ready!” She bustled up, looking around before checking her clipboard. “And where is the male wild card? A Max Devlin?”

“Here!” Max came jogging forward, his mischievous grin on full display. “Dang Mimi, you look nice!”

Kieran turned back to her. “Mimi? Your name is Mimi?” 

She groaned. “No. Only Max calls me that and I can’t get him to stop.”

Max stepped up beside her, hand out. “That’s me. Max. And you are? If you’re one of the daters and are interested in spending time with my lovely friend then you should probably stop wasting your time up here and get down to sign up like all the other hopeful lackeys down there.

“Are you done posturing?” Kieran’s hands were in his pockets and he looked like he was ready to take a casual disinterested stroll on her heart.

“Mr. Holbrook. It’s time.”

Kieran nodded at the assistant then towards Max. “We’ll introduce you first, Devlin. Your friend is garnering more interest than you, so we will need to allow the men more time to vie for her attention.”

“I didn’t even want to be here.” Naomi stepped up. “Why are we giving me extra time? I’d rather be home on my couch doing anything other than pasting a smile on my face.”

“Aw don’t be a spoilsport, Mimi. It’ll be fun.” Max nudged her in the side.

She shot him a look. “Max. This is turning out just like the skittles.”

“Skittles?” Kieran asked.

Naomi smiled and shook her head. “Just another one of Max’s crazy ‘fun’ ideas.”

“Mr Holbrook.” The assistant broke through their whispered conversation.

“Yes, yes. Mr Devlin. This way.” As Kieran led Max toward the stage he looked back at her. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Like I have a choice.”

Naomi watched as Kieran introduced Max to the women waiting for the event to start. He asked him a few questions and gave him a chance to make himself look good. 

“He’s good.” The assistant piped up.

“Max is always good at convincing people to like him.” Naomi muttered as she watched.

“I was talking about Mr Holbrook. Isn’t he dreamy?” The girl sighed.

Naomi’s reply froze in her mouth. In what felt like only seconds Naomi found herself being nudged onto stage and walking toward Kieran’s smile.

“Welcome to the stage, the lovely Naomi Watts.” Kieran raised his hand out to her. “Let’s take a moment to get to know our other wild card of the evening. Miss Watts, I am sure the first question on everyone’s mind is…” He paused for dramatic effect. “What is your favorite color?“ For just a second he turned to fully face her so that the audience couldn’t see him wink at her.

She batted her eyes at the group of men now watching her closely. “Oh pink, totally. It’s the color of love, right?” She forced out a sort of breathy giggle.

Kieran nearly stumbled over his next words as his head whipped back around to look at her. It took him a second but he recovered admirably. “Indeed it is. And what do you look for in a man? For a date?”

“Oh good question.” Naomi bubbled. “Definitely got to be a hottie.” She threw a huge wink at the crowd. “Also it wouldn’t hurt if he was successful and made my insides turn to mush just by looking at me in that gorgeous smoldering way that only real men know how.” Playfully tapping his arm she gave a sigh, furiously batting her eyes at him.

“And do you think that you’ll be able to find him here tonight?” His eyes were pinned on her with a searing intensity even though his smile was still directed at his enthusiastic audience.

“Hope so.” Blowing a kiss out at the group of men, she bounced her way back off stage to face a bent-over-double-in-laughter best friend.

“That was amazing!” Max couldn’t stop laughing. “I didn’t know you had that in you. You are going to have dates for the next year of your life!”

Naomi shoved him hard. “You’re an idiot.”

Looking back on stage she found Kieran still glancing towards her as he explained how the night was going to go.

Max and the assistant left to go find his sign up sheet and get him set up in his little private booth off to the side. She presumably had one on the other side of the room that she would be shown to shortly. She sighed.

“That was quite the show.” Kieran stepped up next to her. 

She folded her arms and faced him. “Show?”

His slow drawling smile heated her core, making her flush. “Let me guess, your favorite flowers are red roses and if there was a beach nearby, walking along it in the moonlight would be the perfect date.”

Naomi stepped close to him, as close as she could manage without touching him. “Now Mr Holbrook, why would I think that? It sounds so…cliche.” She batted her eyes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an audience to entertain.”

“Are you going to be honest with any of them?”

She shot him a look. “If I were looking for the love of my life at a speed dating arena then yes I would. If I was looking for a date, there’s no need to bother. All those men signed up to talk to me because of my picture. They aren’t interested in what I say, so it doesn’t matter what I say.”

“Miss Watts.” Kieran’s sharp tone stalled her dramatic exit. 

“Yes, Mr Holbrook?” She was back to using her over-the-top flirty voice. 

He folded his arms, causing him to look even more fierce. “I’d listen.”

Her smile softened. “Of course you would. And might I point out that you are also not out there signing up to talk to a woman based on her picture. Thus proving my point.” She shrugged. “I’m not going to go out and give any part of my real self to that bunch out there just so Max can enjoy his night getting girl’s numbers.”

“Admirable.” Kieran nodded.

Seconds later the assistant bustled up and was eagerly going on and on about how everyone had liked her. 

“Naomi.”

She was startled at hearing her name. She glanced back and saw him open his mouth but before he could she cut him off. “It’s green.” With a smile, Naomi turned away as he started laughing.

Check back next week to read more about Naomi!

Naomi

“Max.” I complained. “What is this?”

The large room was filled with what looked like a hundred small tables, each with only two chairs. Glancing back at Max’s face I knew I was going to regret agreeing to get out of the house with him.

I punched him in the arm. “Max. What have you gotten me into?”

“You’re a volunteer! You can think of it as charity.” He cheerfully announced.

“Charity? What kind of volunteer?” 

“Naomi, don’t worry about it. It’ll be fun.” He put his hand on my back and pushed me into the room.

I pushed back. “You are not exactly inspiring confidence, Max.  Remember when you said that it would be fun to jump on my mother’s dining table?”

I watched him cringe.

“Yeah. I was grounded for months.”

“So one time one of my ideas didn’t work out.” He laughed. “Chill. This will be fun.”

“One time? What about our first night of college? Or the time you tried to sneak skittles into everyone’s drinks at the hottest club in the city? Or when you dragged me to the opening day of the Red Sox in a Yankees jersey?” I put my hands on my hips. “I could keep going.”

Max didn’t look bothered in the slightest. “Those are some good memories.” 

“What did you volunteer me for?”

He pointed. Following his finger I groaned at the large sign declaring ‘Specialized Speed Dating’.

Dread filled me. “Please tell me that you volunteered me to pass out name tags or ring the bell.”

“That would be absolutely no fun. I volunteered you to be a wild card.”

“I don’t even know what that means.”

A stunning and sophisticated woman in a black sheath dress came striding toward them with an effusive smile. “Max Devlin?” At his nod, she practically sighed. “You are just in time. And are you Naomi Lancer?” At my nod, she began to gush. “Oh my goodness, when I heard we had two volunteer wild cards I just knew this was going to be a wonderful night. Now, if the two of you will follow me.”

I punched at Max again but he caught me, pulling me in under his arm. “What is a wild card?” I whispered.

“In uno?” He chuckled at his own hilarity.

“No, you dunce. You know exactly what I mean.”

They were interrupted by the coordinator.

“Alright Max, we are going to drop you off right here. Serena will help you get ready. Naomi, follow me.”

We only took a few steps before I was walking up next to her, feeling underdressed in my plain jeans and tshirt.

“So my friend Max didn’t really clarify to me what it would mean to be a wild card. Could you give me some more details?”

“Oh sure.” She didn’t slow down as she pulled up her clipboard to glance at it. “A wild card is a fun twist we throw in to spice up the night. The room is split up into specialties, the ones people are looking for in a significant other or the ones they fall into themselves. So we have a business specialty, one for computer engineering and software, gamers, high level executives, small business owners, athletes, and more. We pride ourselves on providing more than an average, ‘throw everyone together and hope two people find each other who might have a chance at a relationship’ event.”

“So they sign up for which group they want to speed date in? How do you avoid confusion if an athlete wants to date a doctor but all the doctors are in the medical group or are off looking for a small business owner to date?” There were too many variables for me to make sense of it all.

The woman shrugged. “We do our best. We have the first hour of the night where all the men are in the group that is their profession and the women choose which group to speed date in. The next hour we have all the women in their profession group and the men choose the groups they are interested in dating. Then the last hour is a big social, where everyone gets to mingle and connect.” 

“So I don’t mean to repeat myself but I still don’t understand where I come in.”

The coordinator chuckled. “Sorry, I sometimes go off on a tangent. A wild card, you, will be available for dates by request. We get you all dolled up and take a gorgeous picture of you. Then the men of all the groups can choose to request you specifically. Then they will each get a time slot to meet you.”

“Why doesn’t every girl desperate for a date sign up to be a wild card then?” I was bewildered. It didn’t sound like it was beneficial to not be a wild card.

“Most ladies prefer to feel like they have more choice.”

I glanced around the room we were in. “It looks like what I would assume speed dating looks like. You all sit down and one side cycles through. Not much choosing.”

“Ah but they get to choose their group.”

“I don’t have to say yes to a date with any of the men that sign up to meet me right?”

“No.” She hastily assured me. “This is where I’ll leave you with the experts to get you ready.”

And just like that, she was gone and I was surrounded by several smiling people who were pulling out clothes for me to try on, asking about my skin, and fingering my hair. I was going to maim Max.

People were arriving and I was surprised to see how many men took one look at my picture and headed straight to the sign up sheet. 

“Sizing up the suitors?” I looked to my left to see a dark haired man in a charcoal gray suit leaning against a nearby chair, his light green eyes focused on me. “By the looks of it, you’ll have plenty of attention.”

I blushed and stepped further into the shadows. 

The man had noticed my retreat and made his way over to stand next to me. He turned back to watch the newcomers.

“What brings you here tonight? Looking to meet your prince charming or handsome knight errant? That happily ever after story?”

“No.” I stepped away. “I’m here for a friend.”

“Is she desperate for a man or a love story? Or both?”

I looked straight at him with a sultry smile, or at least as sultry of a smile as I could muster. “No.”

He was better at the sultry thing. In fact, he made it look natural and effortless. “That’s it? No insightful details into your delightsome and alluring personality to entice me into asking you out?”

I laughed. “My friend dragged me here to torture me. HE wants me to get out of the house more and sees it as his personal mission to see it happen.”

“Brother?” His eyes sparked.

“Friend. Annoying life-long friend.”

The sparks in his eyes heated. “Perfect.”

Come back next week for more of Naomi!

Kali ~Part 3~

To read more of Kali’s story click here: Part 1 & Part 2

Settling down on the large overstuffed sofa, Kali couldn’t decide whether to smile or scowl over toward the kitchen where she could hear Dillon moving around. With a sigh, she pulled the thick blanket onto her. With only the lamp next to her, the small living room felt cozy and almost romantic. Her mom and Mrs Anders had definitely done their research to find a cabin where they wouldn’t be able to avoid each other. They’d even managed to manipulate their transportation so that neither of them could leave before the weekend was over.

Kali cleared her throat and shifted the blanket once again. 

“When was the last time you snuggled up to watch a movie?” Dillon entered the room with a large tray laden down with two small cups that were almost the size of shot glasses and a porcelain gravy boat filled to the brim with liquid chocolate. At her raised eyebrow he shrugged. “It was all I could find. Well, it was this or mugs the size of soup bowls.”

With a nod, Kali moved the blanket covering her feet to show him where he was going to sit. “That’s fine. I’ve missed your chocolate.” 

He set the tray on the empty coffee table and plopped down almost on top of her. The weight of him forced out a little oof before she slugged him.

“What was that for?” She moaned.

He moved off her and laid his arm around her shoulders, settling in next to her. “Encouragement.”

“Encouragement for what?” Her bafflement was apparent. “To pummel you and call off the deal?”

“No.” He squeezed her shoulder as he turned on the tv. “You never answered my question. And before you have a chance to avoid it, our deal has officially started and I will be counting any kisses from here on out.”

“You agreed to a friend movie night with no kissing, Dillon Anders.”

He shrugged, nudging his shoulder against hers. “One, the movie hasn’t started yet. And two, I have all weekend. Answer the question.”

“You never could bear to lose at anything. Now, what question are you going on about? If I wanted a toe curling kiss?” Kali scoffed even as she blushed. “This is not the way to convince me otherwise. Besides, I thought I answered that question very clearly when I said no kissing.”

Dillon propped himself up on his elbow, placing his sly happy grin closer to her face. He cleared his throat. “I wasn’t talking about kissing, Kali. You brought that up. And this no kissing deal of yours only lasts until the movie ends and then its game on in the kissing department.”

Kali wanted to move back but her stubbornness wouldn’t let her retreat, so she rolled her eyes instead. “I’ll be sure to push the dresser in front of my door.”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her until she burst out laughing, which resulted in an all-out tickle fight that lasted through the opening previews and credits.

Finally he pinned her arms to her sides with a wide grin. “Now, you will answer the question.”

“What question?” She couldn’t stop laughing.

“When was the last time you snuggled and watched a movie?”

Her laugh quieted then stopped. “Maybe I was avoiding that question.”

“Which makes me all the more curious about the answer. You know how nosy I can be.” He pulled her into his chest and leaned back into the couch. “Did you have a bad experience? Bad memory? Or was it a dating tradition with one of your exes and that’s why you’re avoiding it? I’m not like our moms, I don’t mind if you tell me about other guys.” He winked.

“Let’s just watch the movie.” She pleaded softly, training her eyes on the tv.

“Kali.” Dillon softly tugged her chin to have her look up at him. 

With a slow sigh she let him guide her gaze up. “It’s just been a while.”

“A while?”

“Yes.”

“If I told you how long it’s been for me, would you do the same?” He whispered, glancing over at where the movie was playing.

Kali nodded.

His eyes locked on hers. “I haven’t snuggled and watched a movie with a girl since our last movie night when we fell asleep.”

“At all?” Kali shook her head. “I distinctly remember my mom going on and on about that one girl, Jamie I think, and how she was stealing you away from me because she would let you kiss her while you watched movies. I never heard the end of it.”

“Jamie?”

“Yes. Jamie. She lived down the street.”

Dillon chuckled. “I remember who Jamie is. I just never dated her. My mom invited her over for dinner a few times my sophomore year but that girl got on my nerves. I don’t even want to talk about her.”

With a small gulp, Kali peered up into Dillon’s face. “You really haven’t done this with anyone else?”

He shook his head slowly, his warm gaze never leaving hers. “It was our thing. And I couldn’t have our last movie night be waking up to my mom taking pictures while both our moms went on and on about cute grandbabies and a spring wedding as soon as we graduated.”

“I remember. I woke up and screamed at them that it was never going to happen.” With a gulp, Kali nodded at the tv. “We were watching this same movie. Do you carry this movie around just in case I might be around to finish watching it with you?”

“Kali, you didn’t even look back when you stormed out of the room. That night, I lost my best friend.”

Sitting up straight, Kali shook head. “I had to. You understand that, right? I wanted to live, date, make mistakes, fall in love, break hearts, go to college, all of it. My mom had me married off and making babies before I had ever had a boyfriend.”

Dillon pulled her back into him, hugging her tight and settling back into the couch, holding her like he always had during all their movie nights in high school. “I understand. And a part of me did then too. It just hurt. I’ve missed you.”

Kali sniffed, trying to hide the lone tear snaking its way down her face. “I’ve missed you too. I just hate being told what to do.”

“I know.” 

Halfway through the movie Dillon whispered into her ear as she was fading towards sleep. “I’m going to kiss you Kali Richards, until you can’t think of anyone but me. 200 times and more.”

Come back next week for a new story!

Kali ~Part 2~

If you want to go back and read the first short story Kali was in, click here!

Kali scowled over at where Dillon had easily withdrawn, her lips still a little tingly from his sneaky kiss. He had begun pulling out everything he needed to make homemade drinking chocolate. 

“That kiss does not count. I didn’t agree.” She folded her arms and fought back the urge to go over and snatch the chocolate away from him. However, her rational brain was not letting her emotions trick her into getting too close to him before some rules were put in place.

He glanced over and shrugged, a smile dancing in his eyes. “Is this your way of agreeing and getting me to kiss you even more? Need I remind you that you are the one trying to not be kissed this weekend?” 

His wink had her insides mushing a little. She disguised her almost gulp as a huff.

Dillon stopped gathering supplies and speared her with a smile that was much different than any other one she ever recalled him directing her way ever before. It was almost charming. “I’m going to assume that you still like drinking chocolate better than that watery hot chocolate crap.”

No, charming wasn’t the right word. It was more than that. She stared at him as her brain struggled to put a more fitting word to it. Not flirting. Not daring. Alluring? Yep. He had never, ever tried to draw her in before.

She stayed where he had left her and watched him work. As he moved to pull out the pot and light the stove, she moved a step further away. If he was planning to sneak in any more kisses like he had the last two, she was going to have to maintain a safer distance from his lips…him.

“So why haven’t I seen you around anymore, Kali?” Dillon laughed a little as he stepped back over to his gathered ingredients. “I know it isn’t because our families are seeing any less of each other. Your mom is pestering me about my grades and my social life as much as my mom is. Both of them get all riled whenever I tell them about any girl I date or even look at because it isn’t you I’m talking about.”

Kali huffed a laugh and flicked on the stove, setting the cream to heating, forgetting her need for distance. “I’ve been actively avoiding all things Anders. Especially their twerp of a son. It was working pretty well.”

“Until today.”

“True.” She watched as Dillon spun in another circle and laughed. “Dillon, are you lost?”

“Ha ha. I was looking for a glass bowl.” He stuck his tongue out at her.

She shrugged. “Don’t ask me. It’s not my cabin.”

“Do you want chocolate or not?” He began opening every cupboard.

With a dramatic sigh, she threw open the cupboard nearest her and leaned down to peer in. “It isn’t here.” 

His voice came from directly behind her. “You sure?”

She shot up straight and turned to glare at him. Instead, she found herself in a quick peck of a kiss. 

“Does that count as one?” He laughed as he moved in closer. “Or should I try again and be less sneaky so you know it’s definitely a kiss? Either way, I’m up for the challenge. What’s my tally up to? 5?”

“None! Those haven’t counted. You are going to extreme measures in order to get a girlfriend, Mister.” She squinted up at him. “Or is this to finally get our mothers off of the whole soulmates thing? ‘Cause kissing seems like the opposite direction.”

He shrugged and moved away, once again looking for the bowl. “Or maybe I just like winning. And if we haven’t started counting yet, when will we? Because I’m beginning to think you are just angling for free kisses.”

“ Free kisses! From you? You are the one that made this bet…deal…thing up! I haven’t agreed.” Kali threw open the next cupboard and it took her several seconds before she realized that she was glaring at a small glass bowl. “Found one.”

When he moved to take it, Kali stepped further away. “How badly do you want this bowl?”

“What?” His grin broadened as his arms went out wide. “You want a real toe curling kiss? Cause that can be arranged, even if you didn’t have the bowl. Or are you teasing me?”

She shook her head. “Taunting, maybe. However, I did not say anything about kissing.”

“Then what do you want in exchange for that bowl?” His eyes were twinkling as he remained there, only inches from fully pressing her up against the counter.

With the cabinets open next to her, she was boxed in even though he was still not touching her at all. She immediately hid the bowl behind her. 

She saw her error too late. Dillon took an easy step forward and wrapped his arms around her, effectively pinning her arms behind her. His grip wasn’t tight. In fact, she was pretty sure he would let go if she attempted to break free at all. Her skin tingled slightly as his arms softly brushed against hers.

“If I agree to cuddle on the couch and watch a Jane Austen movie with you, can I have the bowl?” His breath sent wisps of air across her neck.

Her mouth dropped open. “How?”

A blush crept up his neck slightly before disappearing again as he shrugged. “I know all sorts of things about you.”

“My mother?”

He nodded.

Kali hesitated still. It had been a long time since she had some good solid friend time, snuggled up watching a movie. For a brief instant she thought back to when she and Dillon used to do that very thing, back before their mother’s had decided they were soulmates and began pushing. “We used to be friends.” She whispered. 

He chuckled. “Kali, you were my best friend. I hated our moms for a long time for what they did. I lost my best friend to their conniving.”

“Ok.”

“Ok what?” His forehead wrinkled in confusion.

She nodded and looked up at him. “I will give you the bowl in exchange for a friend movie night…with no kissing.”

He whooped and pulled away. “Best deal I’ve ever made. Done! Let’s make chocolate.”

Come back next week for another snippet of Kali and Dillon and their kissing contest!

Kali

Suitcases thunked to the ground. “Dillon Josiah Anders. Please tell me you had nothing to do with my mother dragging me out into this middle of nowhere cabin and locking me inside with you.”

Dillon turned abruptly. “Kali? What are you doing here?”

She halted her angry march across the room and stood still. “You didn’t plan this?”

“No.” He laughed. “I was told that I was meeting my brother here for a quick hang out. Then we were supposed to spend the rest of the weekend skiing.”

“It’s Thursday. Don’t you work?”

He plopped into a large leather armchair. “Yes. But not until Monday. I took today and tomorrow off to get in some good brother bonding time. I’m guessing that won’t be happening. Unless he came with you?” His eyebrow raised.

“Ugh!” Kali screamed. “No.”

“What’s it been? 3 years?” Dillon leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “Maybe it’s time for us to catch up.”

She stomped right up to where he was lounging on the large black sofa, hands on her hips. “You know very well our mothers have been plotting, scheming, and dreaming for the two of us to somehow magically fall in love and get married so they can be related and have grandbabies together.”

He lazily raised his head to meet her glare with a firm and steady gaze. “And?”

“So they’ve trapped us here!”

He simply looked at her as she glared.

“Doesn’t that bother you?” She demanded.

“No.” He smiled his lazy charming smile up at her. It was the same one he used to give her when he’d tossed her toys out the window and into the snow. She hadn’t found them until spring.

Kali kicked the couch. “What? Do you enjoy being manipulated and prodded?”

“No.” He sat up. “But the kitchen is fully stocked and I don’t hate you. So I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t relax, kick back, and enjoy a free vacation courtesy of our mother’s obsession. Unless you’re planning to fall in love with me. Then we would have a problem and I would be forced to exile you to one of the small little rooms in the basement.”

Huffing and folding her arms because she didn’t know what else to do with them, she continued to glare. “I am not going to fall in love with you, Mr. Anders. You are a complete stranger to me.”

He shrugged and stood. “Strangers meet and fall in love all the time, Kali. That aside, come check out the kitchen.” He was almost out of the room before he glanced back at her. “And I know it’s been a long time but I still go by Dillon.”

Putting on her sweetest smile she laughed. “From what I remember you like to be called Danny, or was it pudding pop. Isn’t that what Irene called you after you kissed her on my doorstep?”

He let out a full-bodied laugh. “I had forgotten about that night. That was funny.”

“She was heartbroken when you broke up with her two days later.” Kali folded her arms. “What excuse did you give her? I was just trying to bug my neighbor? Or something vague like ‘we are just moving down different paths’?”

“Hey, give me a break. My mom was coming down on me hard to date you. So my rebellion was wrongfully aimed your way. Can’t you move past that? We are adults now.”

“You egged my car.”

He walked into the kitchen, calling back to her “You can’t prove that was me.”

“Why would I need proof? You aren’t denying it. And what about the time you convinced my first boyfriend, the guy I had been crushing on all year, that I was a bad kisser? You had no basis for that. I am not a bad kisser.”

Kali stormed into the kitchen after him, determined to face him while she was finally getting a few things out into the open.

She wasn’t expecting him to swoop in behind her, spin her tight into his arms and kiss her soundly. It took several seconds for her brain to remind her that she had been in the middle of yelling at him.

“What are you doing?” She breathed unsteadily as she leaned back against the counter in shock.

“Now I know.” He gave her that smile again. 

Her knees twitched and her pulse skittered. “Know what?” Her eyes narrowed when she realized what he had said.

“How wrong I was.” He didn’t look away, the intensity of his gaze sharpening his vivid golden brown eyes. “You are not a bad kisser. I’ll go apologize to whatever his name was and inform him that I was wrong. Maybe I can even arrange for you to go on a date together.”

She glared at him, opening her mouth to finish yelling at him, but he cut her off.

“And I changed my mind. You are more than welcome to fall in love with me this weekend if it means I get to keep kissing you like that.” He smirked.

She pointed at him, her finger slamming into her chest. “Don’t do that again.”

“What?” His hands went out. “Admit when I am wrong?”

“No. Don’t kiss me again.” She almost stumbled over the words.

With one step he pressed her softly into the counter. “Why not?”

Kali’s mouth hung open. “I…”

“Please, Kali.” He smiled as his face drew closer. Temptingly close.

“What?”

“One more kiss.” His arms went around her.

Her brain finally showed up. “What? No!” And she pushed him away.

“This might be a fun weekend after all.” Dillon leaned on the counter next to her. “I quite enjoyed kissing you. And you know how much I love a good challenge. So how about this…if I don’t manage to kiss you more than 200 times this weekend I will forever leave you alone, no matter what any of our parents or friends say. Not even a good car egging opportunity.”

Kali folded her arms. “And if you do?”

“You will agree to happily be my girlfriend for at least 3 months.”

“No.”

He shot her a smile as he sauntered over to the fridge. “Kali, if I manage to get that many kisses in, I can practically guarantee that you will be thrilled to be my girlfriend for any amount of time. But if you think about it, one way or another it will finalize the potentiality of a relationship between us for our parents.”

“True.” She was deep in thought, when he once again swooped in out of nowhere, pulled her in, and gave her a short sweet kiss.

“One.”

Come back next week to read more of Kali’s cabin trip with Dillon.

Julie

Glancing up at the sky, Julie shook her head. It just had to rain today, of all days. The weatherman had been predicting rain for weeks with nothing to show for it. Everyone had been waiting and praying for it to come. She had been praying for it to come.

Now, the only day she had to walk home was when it was actually going to rain.

And if the darkness of those clouds was any indication, it was going to be a deluge. She hugged her thin sweater closer.

Stupid weatherman. She had given up on the weatherman’s predictions of rain. This was all his fault. If she died of a cold or being side swiped by a car in the pouring rain, she was going to haunt him for the rest of his life.

The first few days that he’d predicted rain she had brought an umbrella and her thick warm coat…and drove. Now, she was not prepared to be soaked for the 20 more minutes it would take her to hurry home. And that was if she really moved and didn’t stop for anything.

She kicked at a rock and hurried faster.

The rain had started as barely a mist with the occasional drop here and there when suddenly the heavens opened and began to dump water in droves. And it definitely wasn’t a delightful, warm summer rain that’s fun to run around in and splash in the puddles.  This was icy cold rain that pelted slivers of freezing water through the thin material of her clothes. She was shivering in seconds.

“Jenny!” A voice called from the open window of a passing car. Must be nice to be in a car. Although, with his window down, he probably wasn’t much warmer than she was.

Julie ignored him and continued trudging.

“Jenny. Come on.”

Julie glanced around to see who this guy was talking to. Yet there was no one else out there on her side of the road.

The car slowed next to her and she finally looked over. And there was David, reigning champion track star of their high school, grinning at her.

“Hey Jenny.”

Hugging her sweater closer to her body she tried to keep the shivering to a minimum. He pulled his car over but stayed inside. “Are you crazy? What are you doing out here in this rain?”

“My name’s not Jenny.” Julie tried to wipe the water out of her eyes but it was useless. The water just kept coming.

“What?” He leaned his head out the window as if it would help him hear her better. All he was rewarded with was wet hair and water in his eyes.

Smiling, she stepped closer. “Nothing, Dwayne.”

“My name isn’t Dwayne.” He flashed her a grin. “It’s David.”

“Oh really?! Imagine that.”

“Can I give you a ride?” David motioned to his passenger seat.

Julie couldn’t do anything more than nod.

He pulled further off the road. “Climb on in.”

As she walked around the front of the car she could see his window rolling back up. With a sigh of relief, she plopped down in the passenger seat, wincing at how wet she was making his car.

Quickly he turned up the heat on her side and grabbed his dry jacket that he must have thrown on his back seat. Once she was situated, he grabbed the wheel and smiled over at her. “Well Jenny, where to?”

She couldn’t help a little eye roll. “My name is Julie, not Jenny.”

“No.” He stared at her. “Really?”

She would have been mad at him except he looked and sounded so surprised.

At her nod he smacked his head on his steering wheel. “Ah. That’s why you called me Dwayne. No wonder I could never get your attention when I said hi in the hall. I feel so stupid right now.”

Julie shrugged with a sheepish smile. “Would you feel any better if I admitted that I never heard you calling me or I would have responded.”

“Well then, I am glad I happened to stop and see if I could give you a ride home.”

“Thank you for stopping.” She paused. “And for being persistent in trying to get my attention. That rain is cold.”

He nodded and pulled back onto the road.

“So what were you doing walking in the freezing rain without even something warm to keep you from getting sick?”

“My car wouldn’t start this morning.”

“Aww man. So you had to walk to school too?”

Julie found herself nodding, eyes on her lap. Now that she was warming up she was noticing how tired she was. With a sleepy blink, she focused on the road and the storefronts they were passing.

“Do you need a ride tomorrow?” He broke the silence as if it had never been there.

She groaned. “I hadn’t even thought about it.”

“Well, before you stress any more, now that I’ve brought it up, can I offer you rides to and from school until you don’t need me anymore?”

Julie so easily could have stared at him in open-mouthed shock. That was a generous offer.

“You don’t even know where I live, or how far out of your way you’d have to go to come get me.” She blurted.

He nodded, eyes staying on the road. “This is true. Speaking of which, we are going to be heading out of town soon, so if you don’t want me to get lost I could use the directions to your house now.”

“Oh yeah. Sure. Turn right in two streets.” She pointed up ahead.

There was more pointing and directions interspersed with wonderfully not-awkward silence.

She had just pointed out her house when he tapped her knee. “The offer still stands. I’ll come by tomorrow morning just in case.”

“You just want to spend more time with me.” Julie laughed at her joke as she climbed out of the car.

But David didn’t laugh. “I wouldn’t say that I don’t. See you tomorrow, Jenny.” With a wink, he pulled out of the driveway and drove off as she stood there, stunned.

Melody ~Part 4~

If you’ve missed any of Melody’s previous posts, click here for part 1, here for part 2, and here for part 3!

“Melody! There you are.”

Mel froze with her hand on her doorknob. “Mrs. MacCallister. You were looking for me?”

“No. Actually I was looking for Marco but I swear that boy is hiding from me.”

Mel laughed. “He might be. After all, you let Violeta in.”

“What?”

“You do know how Violeta treats Marco. He’s probably worried that you are looking for him to tell him that she’s back.”

Mrs. MacCallister pursed her lips. “Indeed?”

Mel swallowed a gulp. “He hasn’t told you?”

“Told me what, specifically?” Her smile seemed patient but Mel suddenly had an itch to be anywhere else.

“Did you want help finding him? Dinner with Valencia is tonight, right? Maybe he’s in his closet trying to figure out what to wear to impress her.”

“Mel, you would tell me if there was something I needed to know, right?”

“Like what?” Mel shrank, instantly recalling how Marco had been acting toward her lately. Would she want to know that her son was trying to convince Mel that he really liked her, in order to save himself from any other girls his parents were planning on foisting on him? 

“Anything.” Mrs MacCallister shrugged. “I know that you and Marco no longer get along but I hope you still consider me someone that you can talk to.”

Mel immediately nodded.

“Oh, my dear.” Mrs MacCallister gave her a hug. “You don’t have to help me find Marco. Go ahead and do whatever it was you were on your way to do.”

Mel nodded again and silently went into her room. She didn’t close the door as she watched Mrs MacCallister walk away. 

She did, however, slam it shut in surprise when Marco’s voice came from further inside her room. “Is she gone?”

“Marco?” She whisper-screeched. “What are you doing in my room?”

His chuckle echoed through her. “Would you believe me if I said I was waiting for my fair maiden to return in order to steal a kiss?”

“Ha.” Mel flicked on the light and looked around for him. He wasn’t visible. “We are not playing hide and seek.”

He emerged from her closet, holding up one of her dresses. “What were you talking to my mom about?”

“You.”

“Really?” His eyebrows shot up. “You talk about me with my mom?”

Mel crossed her arms, eyeing the dress he was waving around. “Not usually. She’s looking for you.”

Marco barked a laugh. “That’s why I was in your closet.”

“Because my room is the last place she would think to look?”

He nodded, smiling.

“Probably because she assumed you were too much of a gentleman to be in a young woman’s room.”

“What are you wearing tonight?” He asked, ignoring the jibe. “This dress?”

Mel shrugged, wandering over to her bed and flopping onto it. “What does it matter? It’s not like there will be anyone there for me to impress.”

“You don’t want to impress me?” Marco shot her an exaggerated pout.

She didn’t move. “If I was going to ever impress you, it would have happened already. You know me too well to be impressed by me because of a dress, even that one.”

Marco dropped onto the bed next to her, hands behind his head. “I didn’t know you could dance.”

Mel looked over at him. “And now you’re impressed?” She scoffed. “Yeah right. And before you even think to ask, no I will not dance for you. I know how that brain of yours works.”

He propped himself up on his elbow and smiled down at her. “Though I wouldn’t mind my own private performance, I wasn’t going to ask. You’ve always impressed me, El. I just never let you see it.”

Mel blinked, speechless. It took several seconds to find her words. “Why do you randomly call me El sometimes?”

It was his turn to stop and blink before smiling slyly. “You haven’t figured it out?”

“What?”

“You don’t remember?” His smile deepened further. “Sitting in the treehouse down by the lake? We were 8, maybe.”

“No.” Mel wracked her brain, trying to remember.

Marco sat up. “When you do, let me know. See you at dinner.” He reached the door and paused. Looking back, he winked. “Don’t forget, you’re sitting next to me.”

Mel rolled her eyes. “She’s just going to sit on your other side, genius.”

Shaking his head, he left the room.

Mel lay there on the bed, searching her memories for that one time in the treehouse. It didn’t help that they had practically lived at that treehouse that summer. Turning memory after memory over in her head she began to smile, remembering all the fun they used to have. Shaking herself free of the past, Mel glanced down at the dress Marco had left on the bed. Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember ever seeing it before, and she couldn’t. In fact, of all the dresses she had, she knew this wasn’t one of them. 

Glancing back at the door, her eyes narrowed. Shrugging off her suspicions she tried the dress on, pleased to see that it fit and actually looked really good on her. On impulse she decided to wear it, even if Marco had been the one to suggest it. He couldn’t possibly have bought her a dress. Maybe Mrs. MacCallister had snuck it in her closet as a surprise.

However, when she walked into the formal dining room she immediately knew who had snuck the dress in, and it wasn’t Mrs. MacCallister. Marco’s eyes gleamed with pleasure as he drank her in. She was practically a puddle in her gorgeous high heeled stilettos by the time she made it over to the table.

“Oh Melody!” Mrs MacCallister exclaimed. “What a beautiful dress! You look so grown up, dear.”

“Thank you.” Mel smiled at her and moved to take her seat. 

Mr MacCallister rose. “Now, Valencia Drent and her parents will be arriving any minute. Marco, you will be nice and be on your best manners.”

“Dad.” Marco protested, even as he stood to pull out Mel’s chair. His hand slid down her arm as she sat.

“Ah, see.” Mrs MacCallister chimed in. “Be sure to get Valencia’s chair as well. What a wonderful idea. I didn’t realize you had been listening when I made all those suggestions the other day. Did you perhaps get a gift for her as well?”

Mel’s eyes jumped to Marco’s at the question, glancing down at her dress. He held her gaze as he answered, “No, Mom. I didn’t get Valencia a gift.”

Mel blushed and hastily looked away, but not before she saw him smile. And that stupid smirking confident smile of his instantly set her heart and cheeks aflame.

Melody ~Part 3~

If you missed part one of Melody’s story, go ahead and click here to start from the beginning.

If you want to go back and read part 2 of Melody’s story, click here.

“Why didn’t I know you could dance?” Marco cornered Mel on her way to breakfast. “I thought I knew everything about you.”

Mel rolled her eyes as she folded her arms. “Why would you know? When and why would I have told you anything personal about me, Marco?”

“When did you start dancing?” He persisted. “Wait. How does my mom know?”

“I talked to your mom, Marco. We are more friends than you and I have been for years.” Mel shrugged. “I started dancing when I was 7. My mom put me in a ballet class because all of her friends had put their daughters in one.”

“7?”

His flabbergasted face had Mel laughing. “Sorry to tweak your world. You don’t really know me.”

“Yes I do.” Marco’s eyes flashed. “I do know you.”

“How?” She challenged.

“I…I am a brilliant observer.”

Mel moved around him. “So you are finally admitting that you are a creeper. Kudos.”

He growled as he fell into step beside her. However he came to an abrupt halt, dragging her into a nearby corner when his mom called out, “Marco, Violeta is here to see you.”

Mel shook him off. “Sounds like you have company. I’m off to breakfast.”

Before she could leave the sheltered confines of the curtained corner, Marco snatched her arm tightly.

“Don’t.” He whispered.

“Who’s Violeta?” Mel’s interest was piqued as he pushed himself further back into the corner, as if he could convince the wall to let him sink into it. 

He shook his head. “New neighbor.”

“And you don’t like her either?” Mel laughed. “I might as well go meet her.”

“No!”

His emphatic response gave her pause. This was not normal Marco behavior. Where had the overconfident, brazen, surprisingly flirtatious guy gone?

“What is wrong with you?” She whispered, no longer trying to leave. She softly laid a hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?”

A spark of something lit his eyes for a moment as he looked into her face but it was quickly squashed by a melodic, lilting voice that seemed to echo along the corridor. 

“Marco.”

Mel shivered.  Whoever this Violeta person was, she had a thing for her new neighbor. Her low voice seemed a mix of seductive minx and psychotic serial killer.

“Is that her?” Mel whispered, stunned to realize that somehow the hand she had placed on Marco’s shoulder had somehow ended up tightly pressed in his own hand, their fingers interlocked and almost intimate. Mel couldn’t process her surprising feelings that surged from her now tingling hand and arm.

“We can’t hide in here forever.” Mel tugged on his hand gently. “Introduce me to your neighbor. Pull out that cocky, bad boy attitude I’ve seen for years now and get out there.

His eyes locked on hers and he straightened. There was something quixotic about the way he morphed into the Marco she had known over the past few summers. “I want to kiss you, Melody Carmichael.”

“In your dreams, Marco MacCallister.” She whispered back with a smile.

“That’s not a no.” He inched closer.

Mel used his momentum to yank him out from behind the curtains and down the hall. He didn’t let go of her hand though. Turning the corner they were met by a girl their same age, slinking down the hall with cat-like fluidity. Mel was surprised she could manage any sort of gracefulness with the towering heels she was wearing, but she did.

“Marco.” She purred, ignoring Mel completely. “It has been far too long, darling. My parents insisted we stop over in Paris for a quick shopping spree. And how could I say no? Please do not be angry that we had to be apart for so long.” She pinched his cheek and pulled him in for a swift lip-smacking kiss. “Don’t worry, my dearest, for I will insist you come along with us on our next trip. I cannot bear to be apart from you again.”

Mel stood there shocked, watching as Marco stiffened and froze. It wasn’t until Mel squeezed his hand that was still interwoven with hers that he shook himself free and took a large step back.

“Violeta.” His voice was sharp. “You know we aren’t together. I won’t be going anywhere with you or your family.” His voice turned to warm honey as he continued. “I’ll be far too busy weighing my options. Haven’t you heard? My parents are only inviting the elite over for dinners. I’ll have a wonderful array of lovelies to kiss from.” He paused with a feral smile. “I mean pick from.”

Violeta’s eyes narrowed for a blink of an eye before turning on Mel, her gaze skittering sharply over their clasped hands. “And is this kissing buddy number one?”

Mel opened her mouth to put the arrogant girl in her place but Marco beat her to it, pulling her behind him.

“This is Melody Carmichael. You will never speak to her or of her again with such disrespect.”

Hatred shimmered out of Violeta’s eyes at Mel. “She must not be very important. I’ve never heard of her. Is she your maid? You know what I’ve said about kissing the help. So unbecoming.”

Mel saw Marco’s shoulders stiffen with rage and pulled on his hand. When he glanced back at her she shot him a soft smile. “She obviously doesn’t know what she is talking about or who she is talking to. I don’t need her validation to know who I am. Walk with me in the garden?”

Mel was once again stunned at how quickly Marco transformed, this time from rage to sweet and considerate.

“You want to go on a walk with me?” His voice was back to the playful bantering tone he had greeted her with when she had first arrived. “Lucky me.” 

He completely ignored Violeta as he turned and escorted Mel out to the back patio, his eyes only on her. 

Mel, however, could not resist glancing back at the girl who still stood there staring in shock. “You may want to look up my name. It may be useful information, neighbor.” Looking back up into Marco’s eyes, a flutter shot down her spine as she whispered, “You owe me.”

His velvety laugh tore into her already weakening wall. “Could I pay you back with a kiss?”

“And become kissing buddy number one? No.” She shook her head with a laugh. “I’m sure I’ll think of something though.”

Marco’s eyes snared hers as he became instantly serious. “When I kiss you, Melody Carmichael, you’ll know that you are far more than a kissing buddy ever could be.”

Click here to read the next part of Melody’s story! And tell your friends!

Melody ~Part 2~

To read Part 1 of Melody’s story, click here.

Before settling into the room that had been hers for every summer spent at the MacCallister’s house, Mel methodically worked her way around the room, checking for traps and tricks left by Marcos. After one rough summer of finding prank after prank in her room, it had become a habit, or more like a ritual, to give her room a thorough once-over after arriving. She was startled to discover that there was nothing to find, not even a small harmless bucket of water. After catching him in her room she was sure there would be more of them than usual, not less. She even double checked half the room before she convinced herself that maybe there was nothing to find…yet.

With only a few minutes left before she would be expected for dinner, Mel let herself mull over the revelations Marco had dropped on her. He had only tormented her because his parents liked her? And now, he had decided that he did like her. What a load of codswallop!

He didn’t even know her. Not anymore. 

“I guess this will be the summer of enlightening Marco, and both our parents, to the fact that even friendship between the two of us is never going to happen.” She said to her empty room. 

It wasn’t until she arrived at the dining room that she encountered Marco again. Thankfully neither of his parents were there yet. She was surprised to find him already sitting, right next to where she usually sat.

Seeing her, he smiled cheerily and patted the seat next to him. “Don’t look so worried, Mel. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Marco, you are always on your best behavior around your parents and I still wouldn’t sit by you. Why would this year be any different?”

“Because this summer I have different motivations. So I really will be on my best behavior. My better, newly improved best behavior.” He winked. 

She folded her arms and didn’t move any closer, surprised that she was having to fight down a smile. “Different motivations?”

“Keeping the newest hopefuls that my parents bring at a distance.” He winked. “And showing you that I do actually like you.

Mel was about to groan when the MacCallisters came in, hand in hand. When they saw them both there already, they stopped and smiled. 

Mrs MacCallister stepped forward. “Oh Melody, I can’t even begin to say how much I missed you. Why do you keep breaking my heart and leaving?”

Mel gave her a bright smile. “If I had a choice, I wouldn’t.”

“Oh you flatter me.” Mrs MacCallister blushed. “Come, come. We had all your favorites prepared in honor of your arrival.”

Mel was left with no choice but to sit next to Marco when Mrs Callister guided her over to the chair next to him and pulled it out. Mr MacCallister beamed over at Marco. Mel rolled her eyes at Marco when neither of his parents were looking. 

Marco only smiled benignly at her. Maybe he thought he looked charming with that stupid smile of his. She’d never admit that he did.

“So Melody, how was school this year? Did you do well?” Mrs MacCallister beamed her way.

Mel nodded as she served herself extra mashed potatoes. “My mother signed me up for cheer again. And this time they wouldn’t let me switch to another elective so I was stuck for the year. Other than that, it was great.”

“Good grades?” Mr MacCallister chimed in.

“Yep.”

Marco leaned over. “You were a cheerleader?”

“It wasn’t my choice.” She growled low so his parents wouldn’t hear her.

“Then how didn’t you get kicked out for not being able to do any of their stuff?” He pushed. “Don’t they do flips and crazy moves?”

It was his mom that answered. “Marco, you forget that Melody is a dancer. She could probably do those cheers without trying.”

Mel shook her head. “It took some effort still. Unfortunately they knew I could dance so they weren’t going to let me get out of it.”

“Where’s your cheerleader uniform?” Marco whispered. “You did bring it, right?”

“No, I didn’t.” She glared. “Eat your food.”

“Melody, dear.” Mrs MacCallister interrupted. “I wanted to let you know that this summer is going to be a little different than usual.”

“How so?” She turned away from Marco, fully turning away from him.

“We are going to be inviting some friends over that have children the same age as you and Marco.”

Mr MacCallister added, “It’s about time you two start networking. You are both old enough.”

Marco huffed.

Mel purposely avoided looking at him, instead looking over at his mom. “How often?”

“We’ll start with one this Saturday, give you a chance to settle in. Her name is Valencia Drent.”

With a nod, Mel went back to eating. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to say. Marco took the opportunity to chime in instead. 

“Mel doesn’t need time to settle in. Maybe you should invite David Cole over tomorrow night. We could hang out after dinner. Wouldn’t David and Mel look great together? They could network over a movie in the dark. I promise I won’t peek.”

Both parents ignored him and continued eating. Marco winked her way and whispered. “Well that ended that conversation.”

After that, dinner went by quickly. Mel excused herself first, tired from her long drive. Unfortunately Marco followed her out. He held out his arm and bowed deeply. “Shall I walk you to your room, fair maiden?”

“What do you want?”

He glanced back toward the dining room and hauled her further away. “I just need to talk to you for a second without the parents listening in.”

She yanked her hand free and slowed.

“When the Drent girl comes to dinner, I’m going to need you to sit next to me.”

“Why?” She smiled over at him. “Scared of a girl?”

He glared. “You will be sitting next to me every time there is a guest. Because they are always going to be girls. And I need a buffer. You know what they meant by networking, right? They are trying to marry me off.”

“Oh?” She stopped walking, forcing him to stop as well. “Is that why you brought up David Cole? You want to marry me off too? You know he annoys me even more than you do.”

“Yes.”

“So you want me to sit by you every time there’s a guest? I’m a guest, genius.”

He smirked and nodded. “Every night it is.” With a wink he strode away down the hall, leaving her staring and shaking her head at him. “Maybe we could even watch a movie together…to network.”

Click here to read part 3 of Melody’s story!