Starlee's Turn (The Wayward Sons 2)
I laugh at his wording, because really, there’s no bigger distraction than Starlee Jones. A distraction that I’m pretty sure is worth it, which is why, later in the day when I see her walking across the lawn at the lodge, we fall into step and I say, “Thanks for talking to me the other day.”
Her cheeks are pink from the cold and her nose wrinkles. “Feeling better?”
“A little, yeah.” Talking to George helped—just like talking to her had too. “I think I’m just too all over the place. I need to focus and not get so distracted.”
“Are you calling me a distraction?”
We’ve reached the cottage and with my back against the door, I force myself not to touch her. “You are definitely a distraction, but I like it. I like you and I want to figure out how to balance all this. Life, school, family, e-sports.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“So, I guess today I’m going to play for an hour and then head home.”
“Yeah?” she says, a little surprised.
“Yeah. I should do a few things for Sierra. I’ve been a dick lately.”
She nods. “Good idea.”
“Oh, and when George gets back to school tomorrow, make sure he’s focused on his work, okay? He has two pieces left.”
Her expression is confused but adorable. “Sure, I can do that.”
“Thanks,” I say, leaning forward and kissing her quickly. I pull back and enter the cottage, closing the door between us. After a beat I open it again, run down the front steps where she stands, even more confused than before. “You’re the best,” I tell her, kissing her again, this time longer and a little harder. “Okay, focus.”
She laughs as I run away, realization finally dawning about what a massive dork I am.
I accept it. I’m a dork. And a little neurotic, but I’m pretty sure she loves me anyway.
29
Starlee
Since my only experience with house parties is from TV or books, I leave the logistics up to the boys. Their standard excuse is, “We’re going to the movies,” which requires going all the way to Mammoth Lake. Leelee waves me off when I give her this explanation, “Have fun, sweetie,” because not only does she trust me, she trusts the boys. Sierra, on the other hand, is a little more skeptical.
“A movie?” she asks. We’re all in the living room of their house. Crowley the chihuahua sniffs my feet. “What movie.”
“The new Star Wars.”
“You hate those.” She looks at Charlie, the only one who’d have a real opinion.
“Well sure, but if I’m going to argue about how much it sucks on the internet, I need to see it first.”
She frowns at that and narrows her eyes, studying each boy. Her hands are on her hips and she stares hard at Dexter. “Fine. Be home by midnight. Call if there’s a problem.”
“Got it.”
“And because it’s my job, a little reminder.”
The boys groan. I wait for the reminder.
“No drinking. No drugs. No sex. No vandalism. No breaking curfew.” She narrows her eyes at her brother. “No fights.” She shifts to George. “No emergency room.” Then Charlie and Jake. “You keep an eye on Starlee, all the time. I know half those kids are assholes.”
“What kids?” Dexter asks.
“The kids I’m sure will also be at the ’movie.’” Movie is in air quotes. “Don’t disappoint me.”
“We won’t,” I say first, feeling the weight of her words. Once we’re outside and in the car, I add, “Wow, Sierra knows how to lay on the guilt. How did she know the truth?”