Page 52 of Tempted

“Well…what does she like? Other than thecolor blue.”

“Books…music…drawing…”

“What kind of music?”

“I don’t know. Talk to her friend Chrissy.She said she’d help. And you can do it at Scythe, so you don’t haveto worry about the location.”

“That’s something, at least,” she sayspensively.

“I have an idea I think she’d like.”

“What?”

“She mentioned that she missed her prom. Ifigured that could be the theme or whatever.”

She gasps and places her hand on her sternum,her mouth hanging open.

“I had no idea you could be so sweet. That’sa great idea! We can get her a dress and…oh! You’ll wear a suit and–”

“Wait a minute. Who said anything about asuit?”

“You’ll wear atux,andyou’lldance with her.”

“Ellen –”

“This was your idea. Man the fu–,” her gazeflicks to Mikey nervously then back to me. “…heck up, GageHunter.”

“I changed my mind. You come up withsomething.”

“No way. We’re doing this. I’m so happy!”

She claps and jumps up and down like anexcited child.Me in a tux? And dancing? No fucking way.

“It’s so good to see you focusing on one girlfor a change.”

“Oh? What girl is that?” Aunt Nita walks upwith a raised brow.

Ellen folds her lips, takes Mikey, and rushesoff.Great.

“What’s going on?”

I try to sound nonchalant. “She’s justhelping me to plan a birthday party.”

“For who?”

“Her name’s Raven.”

“Raven…Millie’s waitress? Mikey’sbabysitter?”

“You know her?”

“Yeah. Talked to her a few times when I wentto the diner. Also know she’s just seventeen. What the fuck are youdoing, Gage?”

“Nothing…yet. It’s her eighteenth birthdaynext week and I can tell you that afterwards, you’ll be seeing alot of her.”

“And you haven’t fucked her?”

“No.”