Page 7

“Thanks, Dolores.”
“I really am sorry,” Jenni apologizes again.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” I dab at my shirt with some more napkins I found from the little holder. The napkin is torn from Jenni’s assault on the poor innocent napkin container.
“You two are so cute together.” Dolores shows up with my Coke.
“Who? Me and Langston?” Jenni’s laugh is clear like a bell. “We’re practically siblings.”
That shouldn’t bother me. But for some reason it does.
“You don’t look like siblings to me,” Dolores says with a disbelieving glance in our direction. “There’s something going on between the two of you. Mark my words.”
A threatening look comes over Ronnie’s features. “Langston and my sister? That better not be true.” He glances over at my dad. “No offense, Mr. Keith. There’s nothing wrong with your son or anything. It’s just she’s my sister and—”
Dad only laughs. “None taken. I have sisters too, so I understand. But the truth of the matter is, your sister will end up with someone one day, and there’s nothing you’ll be able to do to stop it.”
Ronnie sticks his fingers in his ears. “La la la la la. I can’t hear you.”
I laugh. “You have nothing to worry about, bro. There’s nothing between Jenni and me. We’re just friends.”
Why is it that Jenni’s mouth dropped when I said that?
She couldn’t possibly be unhappy about that statement, could she? I look back at her, and she’s smiling. Maybe it was just my imagination.
“Do you two want to join us?” Dad offers.
“I would say yes, but there doesn’t seem to be enough room for us here,” Jenni says.
“Well, she could just snuggle up right next to Langston,” Weston teases.
I fight off the heat that’s creeping across my face.
“I can get you seated at a bigger table,” Dolores offers.
“Good, because the seat is sticky now.” I noticed it earlier when I put my hand on the vinyl next to me.
Soon, we are settled at the big table at the back, Jenni seated across the table, frustratingly far away.
“Jenni,” Dad says once our burgers arrive, “I heard you’re planning to race Valentine again.”
“Yes, the doctor just cleared him.”
“Better watch out, Langston,” Weston teases.
“Why does everyone keep telling me that?” I grab a fry and bite off the end of it. All the fancy restaurants in the world, and we love coming to Harvey’s. Nothing compares.
“Because she’s going to win, man. Valentine is a champion,” Ronnie says.
“And so is Thunder. He’s been undefeated for three months now.” I’m not scared of Jenni’s horse. Okay, maybe I’m a little more nervous about it. I tug on my shirt. The soda is causing it to stick to my chest, and it’s still cold and uncomfortable. I’m sure I smell great too. Unlike Jenni.
Where did that thought come from? I glance over at Jenni. She’s putting in her order for a chicken sandwich and a salad. The pantsuit she’s wearing is tailored perfectly. Jenni is one of those girls who’s always wearing the newest trends from top designers. She has an entire team of personal shoppers. The woman is drop-dead gorgeous.
Not that I’m staring or anything.
Except that I am.
I’m far from being like a brother to her, but I’m not going to let anyone know that. There’s another reason that I spend most of my time in Blue Mountain. And it’s not just because I enjoy the view.