Page 21 of Something Like Summer

The doorbell rang, causingboth Allison and Ben to jump.

“Aren’t you going to getit?” he asked her when she didn’t move.

“Nope. I’mgrounded.”

Shivers went down Ben’sspine as footsteps came tromping from the hallway behind them.There was a pause when they neared, before they continued quickerthan before.

“What the hell is he doinghere?” Mr. Cross grumbled as he entered the room and sawBen.

“He brought me my wallet.”Allison nudged Ben, prompting him to dig it out of his pocket. “Ileft it at school today.”

Mr. Cross scowled andstarted to say something, but the doorbell interrupted him. Shakinghis head, he marched to the door and threw it open.“Yes?”

“Mr. Cross?” A figurecould just barely be seen beyond Allison’s father.

“Who the hell areyou?”

“I’m Ronnie Adams. Yourdaughter’s boyfriend, sir.”

The door began to shut.“She’s grounded!”

“I’m here to talk to you,sir. About your daughter. Please.”

Mr. Cross stood there insilence, momentarily unsure how to react. Finally he stepped out ofthe way, allowing Ronnie to enter.

Ben hadn’t seen Ronniesince biology class last year and was unaware how much he hadchanged. Ronnie had always been moderately attractive in a grungesort of way, but now he had come into his own. The shoulder-lengthdreadlocks had been culled, revealing a handsome face with evenfeatures. The concert T-shirts and ratty jeans were gone, replacedby trendier clothing that fit closer to his body. He had eitherbeen working out or the oversized shirts of yesterday had disguisedhis nice pecs and narrow waist.

“Do you know this person,Alli?” Mr. Cross demanded as they neared the couch.

“Yes, he’s the guy youthrew a whisky bottle at,” Allison said.

Ben held his breath,waiting for an explosion, but instead Mr. Cross apologizedreluctantly to Ronnie.

“It’s okay. It didn’t doany damage, sir,” Ronnie said politely.

He was being a bit toocordial, in Ben’s opinion, but it had gotten him this far, whichwas more than he had expected.

“I can understand why youwere angry,” Ronnie continued. “I should have asked permission totake your daughter out.”

“Well, that’s why she’s introuble,” Mr. Cross huffed, working himself up. “She won’t be goingout with anyone for some time.”

“I understand, sir,”Ronnie responded calmly. “I respect your authority. I just felt Ishould come by to apologize and to introduce myselfproperly.”

Mr. Cross eyed Ronniesuspiciously. “You can’t stay. She’s grounded.”

“That’s fair. I’ll be onmy way then.” Ronnie held out his hand to Mr. Cross, who took itafter a moment’s hesitation. “Maybe once Allison is no longergrounded, you would allow me to take her out again? This time withyour permission?”

Multiple expressions foughtfor dominance on Mr. Cross’s face until it settled on perplexedacquiesce. “That might be possible.”

“Thank you, sir,” Ronniesaid with one final handshake. He spared a single nod and smile atAllison before he headed for the door.

As soon as the front doorwas shut, Mr. Cross wheeled around and pointed an accusatory fingerat Ben. “You think it’s funny, saying my daughter is with you whenshe’s out with a stranger?”

“No,” Ben answered, tryingnot to make eye contact.

“You’re damn right it’snot!” Mr. Cross boomed.

“Dad,” Allisoninterjected. “It wasn’t his idea. It was mine!”