The Exception (3 page)

“She is wearing this, just in a different color.”

Gabe’s jaw about hit the floor when I said that, but he quickly recomposed himself. Then he started to laugh. “You are trying to kill me. Well alright, let’s get this thing over with.”

Gabe practically didn’t leave my side for the remainder of the night – giving death looks to anyone he thought was looking too long. It probably didn’t help that Dylan and Ryan started making catcalls and whistling as soon as we made it downstairs.

The party was a lot of fun. Maya had basically invited our entire class, including some of the seniors, most of whom were on our team. Everyone had a great time swimming and hanging out by the pool. There were even a good number of people dancing in the makeshift dance floor Maya had created in the gazebo. She had it cutely decorated with little dangling stars, which she said added to the romantic effect. She really did think of everything.

Once the sun went down, the pool lights turned on at the same time as my mom came out holding a lit birthday cake while everyone sang “happy birthday” to me. When I had blown out the candles, everybody started cheering and Gabe pulled me into a hug as he kissed the top of my head and whispered, “Happy Birthday, Emma.”

I was looking around at all the faces that were now chanting “cake” and I couldn’t help but feel a little bummed that the one face I really wanted to see never showed up. I knew it was a long shot after the way Maya had invited him, and then there was the fact that I didn’t even know him.
But wait, what was I doing? I have got to stop thinking about this boy. Especially since I haven’t said one word to him. Like ever.

I quickly shook that thought out of my head before grabbing a piece of cake for myself.
I had only taken two bites when I heard, “Dylan Andrews, you better not!” coming from a giggling but trying to sound serious Maya. “Put me down!”

I looked over my shoulder to the pool just in time to see Dylan tossing Maya in. “Gladly!” I watched as Dylan threw his fist up in the air, making a show out of his triumphant victory. He had just started to walk away from the pool when his eyes found mine. His eyebrow went up as he cocked his head to the side. I looked at him curiously, then he shouted, “Birthday girl next!”

“Oh. No. You. Don’t.” I hollered, jumping out of the chair I had been sitting in, letting my cake fall to the ground as I made a mad dash around my backyard away from Dylan. Through some sort of primal instinct Ryan and Gabe had joined this game, and now I was being hunted by three of them. I had just turned the corner around the tennis court fence when I saw Ryan coming from that direction. I quickly turned to head back the other way when I face planted into Gabe, who quickly grabbed me and threw me over his shoulder. “Gabriel Shawn Walters, do not even think about throwing me into that pool! I’m finally dry!” I furiously kicked my legs, trying to break free.

“I would never,” he countered in a mocking voice walking up to the pool. “I’m jumping in and I’m taking you with me!”

“Eeeek!” I squealed as he jumped in.

As soon as he surfaced, he threw his fist up in the air and all the guys cheered at their ridiculous victory. “Oh you think that was funny do you?” I swam back toward Gabe and dunked him, taking him by surprise. He popped back out of the water and looked at me with a shocked expression before smiling and yelling, “chicken fight,” cueing everyone to jump in the pool and partner up.

The party lasted until around eleven thirty. Once the last of the stragglers finally left, Maya and I went back to my room and got ready for bed. In bed Maya rolled over and looked at me. “You bummed prince charming didn’t make it tonight?” I told her no and gave her the same excuse I had given myself earlier “that I didn’t even know him” then turned over and closed my eyes. Even though I had said it out loud this time, it didn’t sound any more true then when I had thought it to myself earlier. What was it about this boy?

Chapter Three

Monday morning came way too soon. To make matters worse, between the tennis tournament, my birthday, and thinking about Jake Reynolds, I had completely forgotten about my history homework that was due today.
What is my issue? This is so not how I need to start this school year.
I was deep in thought, while getting my book out of my locker for my first class, when Maya nudged my shoulder.

“Don’t look now, Em,” she said, gesturing across the hall.

I glanced up and it took me all of like five seconds to realize what she was talking about. Then, before I could even think about what my legs seemed to be doing all on their own, I was standing right in front of Jake, prompting him and the guy he was with to stop talking and look right at me.

“Hi, I’m Emma,” I blurted out, while noticing that his eyes were a piercing shade of blue. Like mesmerizingly blue. A girl could get lost in those sapphires.

Oh God, awkward, think Emma think.

“That, um, was a great game you played with Ryan on Friday,” I offered, mortified that I had just walked right over and introduced myself. What was the matter with me? I don’t do these kinds of things. I just need to stop while I’m ahead and walk away.

But before I could turn around he said, “I’m Jake and this is Evan,” gesturing to the guy he had been talking to. “I see you finally found some clothes,” he chuckled. I was about to ask him what exactly he meant by that when I felt Maya loop her arm around mine.

“Yes. Well, would you have rather me worn this to a pool party that you didn’t bother attending. I think not. And I see you have traded a blonde for a brunette.” Maya gave him a flirty wink.

He looked a little confused at first but must have realized what Maya was getting at. “Oh uh, Maya this is Evan, Evan, Maya.”

“Great, now that we all know each other Emma and I had better get to class. Later boys,” she said while walking away and taking me with her.

“Oh my gosh, Em! What was that?” Maya asked once we had turned the corner down the hall. “You just march right up to him and start talking? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”

“More like freezing. Talking would require words that make sense and form an intelligent sentence,” I sighed frustratingly. “I mean, why the heck can’t I speak when I get nervous? He probably thinks I am such an idiot!”

“A cute idiot!”

“Oh, please. He seemed annoyed or scared. Definitely not interested.”

Just then the warning bell sounded letting everyone know it was time to get to class. I have no idea what we talked about during first period – something about verb tenses. As if I didn’t have a hard enough time understanding my Spanish teacher on a normal day. All I could focus on during class was how humiliated I was about what I did, and the rest of the morning went by pretty much the same way. After Spanish was English with Ryan, who always saves me a seat since he gets there before me, next is calculus, then history with Ryan and Maya. Each class was sort of a blur. All I could think about was trudging up to Jake and blurting out my name.

After class, the three of us walked over to the senior parking lot to meet Dylan and Gabe for off-campus lunch. Maya had already filled Ryan in on the events of this morning but hadn’t informed Gabe and Dylan since we didn’t have any classes with them because they were seniors. Well, Ryan was a senior too, but since he transferred from private school his junior year, it worked out that he had a couple of classes with us. Maya was just about to spill the beans when Jake and two other guys walked by. One was Evan, who I recognized from my public humiliation earlier.

“Hey, Emma. We are going to Taco Villa if you guys want to join,” Jake said casually, stopping right in front of me.

“Eer um, yeah, we might see you there,” I uttered awkwardly.

“Cool. We’ll grab a bigger table just in case then,” he replied, like no big deal.

I stood there trying to figure out what just happened as he jogged over to hop in the back of Evan’s Jeep. And dang if he didn’t even make that look sexy.
Good Lord, I have got to get a grip.
It wasn’t until they were driving away that I realized all four of my friends were looking at me questioningly. Maya was the first to speak up.

“Did I miss something between first and fourth period?” she demanded, raising an eyebrow.

“What? No. What are you talking about?” I stammered.

“Really,” she said flatly. “You’re going to go with that after Jake walked right up to you and asked if we wanted to join them for lunch?” She put both hands on her hips, while keeping both eyes narrowed on me.

“I have no idea what just happened. I hadn’t even seen him again until just now,” I said, still trying to process everything.

“Again?” Gabe chimed in.

“For the love of God,” Ryan exclaimed, “Dylan, do you have your keys with you?” After dangling his keys in the air, Ryan continued, “Great, now everyone get in Dylan’s truck and Maya will explain everything on the way to lunch. Emma, where are we going?”

“Anywhere but Taco Villa,” I said quickly.

“Roger that. Subway?” Dylan suggested as he started his truck.

After everyone approved, we headed to Subway and Maya filled the other two guys in on what happened this morning.

“Smooth, Em. Real smooth,” Dylan joked.

“Oh gee thanks, Dylan. How did you know I wanted you to add your sparkling two cents?”

“Everyone likes my sparkling two cents. I’m Dylan Andrews,” he countered with his usual cockiness.

“Seriously, Dylan. One day someone is going to come along and knock you off your high horse.”

“Oh there will definitely be knocking,” he said suggestively while smiling wildly.

“Oh. My. God. I give up.” I threw my head back and rested it on the back of the seat.

The entire car was cracking up as we pulled into Subway. The guys thought it would be funny to reenact the morning over and over again while we ate, causing everyone to laugh harder. Even though Gabe was laughing and participating, I’m pretty sure I saw a pained expression cross his face once or twice throughout the whole ordeal.

After lunch, the afternoon passed quickly. Why was it that when you couldn’t wait for something time seemed to pass so slowly, but when you were dreading something it seemed to get there all too quickly? After the way this day had gone, I just knew I was going to run into Jake at practice. I somehow had gone an entire year not realizing we were on the same team, and now I couldn’t seem to stop running into him.

As luck would have it, Maya and I had just pulled into the parking lot closer to the tennis courts when Jake walked up. I closed my eyes and prayed he didn’t see us.

No such luck.

“So I didn’t see you guys at lunch,” he said with the same casualness he had used earlier.

Maya gave me a quick glance before saying, “I’m going to go warm up. See ya in a sec.” Then she walked toward the courts we always warmed up on.

I turned my attention back to Jake, trying to act as casual as he had, before shrugging. “The guys really wanted Subway.”

“Yeah, Subway is good,” he said, fidgeting with his tennis racquet.

“Yup.” I just knew my face was turning red. This whole thing was so awkward. I was about to say we should get to practice and quickly walk away, but he spoke up again.

“Well, we should probably get to practice, but would you want to hang out for a little while after?” he asked coolly.

“Eeer yeah,” was all I could get out before watching him smile and then turn to walk away toward the rest of the team.

I don’t know how long I had been standing there trying to process what had just happened for the second time today, when Gabe walked up and asked what that had been all about. He must have seen Jake talking to me. I told him he just wanted to know where we ended up going to lunch. I wasn’t about to include the fact that he had asked me to hang out after practice. He apparently must have been satisfied with my answer because he threw his arm around my shoulder and started talking about something that happened in physics as we walked up to the courts.

I couldn’t help but notice the grimace on Jake’s face when I walked up to the courts with Gabe’s arm draped over my shoulder. Gabe must have noticed it too because he tightened his grip as he yelled over to Dylan, who was warming up a couple courts over, to save him a spot. Then he pulled me in and gave me a quick kiss on the lips before jogging over to Dylan’s court.

“What the heck, Gabe?” I shouted after him.

Still jogging, he turned around and back trotted as he jokingly yelled, “Don’t worry babe, I’ll sneak in later.” With a grin that stretched from ear to ear, he turned back around and finished jogging over to a very shocked Dylan.

I shot him a look, then stomped over to Maya’s court to warm up, making no attempt to hide my irritation. What was going on today? I only got to warm up for about five minutes before coach yelled for us to take a lap and then grab a partner for mixed doubles. Gabe and I always paired up for mixed doubles, but I was still irritated about the little stunt he pulled earlier. So I asked Ryan to play with me instead. But before he said anything he was glancing around, not sure what to say, knowing Gabe and I always played together. I snapped my fingers in his direction, “Ryan Bennet, do not look for Gabe. I can play with someone else if I want to.”

“Yeah, but this is kind of y’alls thing and um…”

“It’s fine. Today I want to play with you.” I snapped as I pulled him over to a court.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Bennet?” Gabe called out as he was jogging over to our court.

“You really think I’d play with you after that little stunt you pulled?” I stated.  “Uhhh no. March yourself over there and find a different partner,” I said, shooing him away with my free hand.

After giving me his best plea and pouty face, he realized I was serious and walked away. He ended up partnering with a very excited Michelle. Knowing that he had to play with an annoying sophomore all practice, I couldn’t keep from smiling and feeling as though vengeance was mine.

Ryan and I played great all practice, though I couldn’t help but miss Gabe. This really was our thing. Not to mention, we usually didn’t lose when we played together.

At the end of practice, I was talking to Maya, Dylan, and Ryan by the gate when Gabe walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my middle. Snuggling his head in my neck he whispered, “Still mad at me?” I shook my head no and felt him smile against my cheek. I was turning to face him when I saw Jake looking over at us with a scowl on his face. Realizing what this must look like, I quickly stepped away from Gabe and stood closer to Maya. Gabe was frowning when Jake walked up.

“We still hanging out?” he asked, glancing over at Gabe.

“Uh, Yeah,” I quickly replied. “I just need to put my stuff in my Jeep.”

“OK cool, I’ll walk with you.” he offered.

I could tell Gabe was about to say something. Maya must have sensed it too because she stepped in. “I guess that leaves the four of us. Come on boys one of you is buying me ice cream!” she said in true Maya fashion, practically dragging Gabe along behind her. It didn’t take much convincing on Dylan’s part, and Ryan was always up for ice cream.

As the four of them were walking away, I turned back to Jake who was gesturing with his hand for me to go first. Neither one of us said anything on the way to my car. I had just opened the back to put my gear in when he asked if he could hop in.

“Uh, sure,” was all that came out.
Why couldn’t I seem to speak around this guy?
I quickly put my stuff in the back of my Jeep and then walked over to the drivers seat so I could turn on the AC. It was the end of August and we were still dealing with the dry West Texas heat in the high nineties.

“So what do you want to do?” I asked, adjusting my air vents.

“I thought we could just listen to some music and talk for a while if that’s OK with you.”

“Yeah, sure,” I turned the radio to my favorite country station.

Hunter Hayes just started playing when Jake began, “You and Gabe huh? How long have y’all been together?” I couldn’t help but pick up on the annoyance in his voice, but on the outside he still had that calm, casual thing going on.

“Oh, we aren’t actually together. He’s one of my very best friends. I guess I could see why people would think we were together though.”

“You guess? The guy freaking kissed you before practice and can’t seem to keep his hands off you.” he let out, this time not hiding his frustration.

A little shocked at his reaction, it took me a second to respond. And a small smile touched my lips as I realized, he sounded jealous. “Yeah, I was upset with him for that. I don’t know why he did that.” Not wanting to talk about Gabe and I any longer, I redirected the conversation to him. “So that girl you were with at the mall was really pretty. Is she your girlfriend?” I was trying to sound as nonchalant as possible, but at this point I was just thankful words were coming out.

“That’s right, you were at the mall with Maya the other day. No, that was my sister Quinn. We were picking out a gift for our grandmother. Her birthday is a few days after yours. How was your party, by the way?”