Page 19 of Fireworks

“Nothing, she was just being a dork, like usual.”

I knew one thing for sure, Nathan King was an asshole who didn’t care about anyone but himself and how his actions may look to others. The kiss meant everything to me and absolutely nothing to him.

*****

PRESENT DAY

“Mom, I’m going to stay over at Maddie’s tonight, okay?”

My mom was slipping her shoes on as I internally prayed that she would say okay, have fun, and didn’t ask questions.

“Sweetie, are you sure that’s a good idea? Asher told us what happened at the pool today. Don’t you think you should just take it easy?”

Of course, my brother would have told everyone. I fought hard to suppress my eye roll.

“I’m fine, mom, promise. I just had nothing to drink.”

I knew I was technically an adult, but I still lived under my parent’s roof and it didn’t feel right to come and go without letting them know what I was up to. Well, mostly. They wouldn’t have approved of me going to spend the night at Collin’s house for the night when his parents weren’t home. Hell, they didn’t even know that Collin and I were, well; we weren’t anything other than friends. We just had a pleasant arrangement for the summer to have fun, no strings attached, which was not something my parents would ever understand.

My mother stood hugging me.

“Okay, but you still have to come to dinner with us.”

I had already been subjected to Nate’s presence for most of my day. My stomach churned at the thought of spending any more time with him. As my mother pulled away, I had an idea that was probably more diabolical than I had ever been before.

“Can I invite someone to come with me, at least?”

My mother smiled.

“I think that would be okay. Maddie?”

I shook my head no.

“Collin. We’ve been spending a lot of time together and we were supposed to hang out this afternoon, but it got messed up. I just think it would be a nice way to make it up to him.”

Her face lit up at the idea that I would ask to bring a boy around them.

“Of course Collin is welcome. He’s such a sweet boy.”

My mom had known Collin since we were in elementary school, so she knew he was sweet and harmless. Just the guy they would love for me to bring home and introduce as a boyfriend. That’s how things went in Summit Creek. You started preschool with kids and you graduated with those same kids. Their moms knew yours and if you did anything wrong, word got around fast. Half the moms were ready to marry off their kids by the first grade.

Walking back to my room to grab my phone. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. This was going to be a fun night now. Nate wanted to act like I was a child and not man up to what he thought of me. Fine. I would show him just how childish I could be. He could sit the whole night watching me flirt with Collin. Little did he know that I’d also be going home with him.

My fingers typed fast as I could since I was finally alone and able to use my phone without someone peering over my shoulder.

Katie: hey sorry about today. Would you be up for dinner with my family before I came over tonight?

Pressing send, I waited as I saw the three little dots scrolling before a new message came through.

Collin: I figured tonight was off. You feeling better?

Katie: Yup. So will you come?

His message popped up quickly,

Collin: of course

I sat for a moment before texting him one last time.

Katie: just don’t mention me coming over tonight. My mom thinks I’ll be at Maddie’s

A winking face emoji popped up on the screen, followed by a thumbs up. I couldn’t help but smile. I wasn’t even sure what I was going to do tonight, but I sure as hell would not sit at a dinner all night with my family and Nate without someone to keep me company. It didn’t hurt that the person was also going to be a pleasant reminder for Nate that I was free to do what I wanted with whomever I chose, and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it.