Distraction (Westbrook Series Book 1) (9 page)

"What was wrong with the old paper?" Trevor asks me.

"Nothing. It was just kind of stale and predictable. Nobody takes it seriously, but I think it
could
be really cool. We want the students to
want
to read it, instead of using it as scrap paper for their projects. I think it has the potential to be
amazing
."

I am surprised by how much I've said. I guess it's kind of hard to mask your enthusiasm when you're truly passionate about something. It makes me wonder how long Sam and I will have to hide our relationship, or whatever this is that is going on between us.

"That is pretty
awesome
, lil sis. That paper needs a makeover desperately. Nobody read it back when we were there, did they Kyle?" Sam has a surprised look on his face as he says this. It's as if he is looking at me like he just learned something impressive about me that he didn't know before. He nods his head in my direction and smiles, which of course, just completely unravels me.
It always does
.

I almost didn't even notice that he had called me
lil sis
. To tell you the truth, it didn't really bother me this time. I guess he has finally proven, once and for all, he does
not
in any way, shape, or form, think of me like a little sister. My face heats up again as I recall the way he first kissed me. I take another deep breath and let the air out slowly, trying my best to simmer down.

"That sounds like something you would enjoy doing, Trevor. Do you know what kind of time commitment is involved to participate, or if there are any additional requirements, Laila?" asks Mrs. Maddox. I can tell she is a little on the over-bearing side. Trevor doesn't seem to mind this time, because he is looking at me, waiting for me to answer.

"I think it's kind of a
we'll take all the help we can get
kind of thing. We don't exactly have volunteers beating down the doors to get involved. The editor will be there every day, and the rest of us will contribute
what
we can,
when
we can. There are a lot of people on the newspaper staff who are already involved in other activities. The editor says it always works out, though. They get the job done. The only requirement is to take Mr. Fredrick's Journalism class. As long as you are enrolled in it for the fall semester, or have previously taken it, you're in."

I look at Trevor and hesitate before asking. "Do you want the editor's number, Trevor? I think Brandon would be happy to add you to the list. Just give him a buzz.  Let him know that you will most likely play soccer and baseball. I mean that is if you are interested, of course. He's really good about working around people's schedules." I don't know why I am being so helpful and so forthcoming with information.
Do I really want Trevor to be on the newspaper staff with me?
This might end up being a little too much togetherness, when I think about how easily he riles me up.

"Yeah. That would be
really
cool. Thanks." His dimples are pulled in tightly across his golden cheeks, and his green eyes are locked with mine. His eyes linger a little bit longer than they should. He seems very sincere, but it is making me uneasy, knowing that Sam is sitting on the other side of the table watching this whole exchange.

Does Sam see the way Trevor is looking at me?
I glance his way and sure enough, Sam's eyes are boring into Trevor. He noticed and it is very clear that he is not very happy about it.
Things are starting to get sticky
. It is hard to fight back another sigh.
Why is there still so much food on everybody's plates? This has to be the world's longest breakfast.

Luckily, the conversation shifts for a while. Our parents are busy talking about real estate, and in which neighborhoods the Maddoxes are house hunting. Sam and Kyle are talking about something on campus.

I have pretty much tuned them all out while I try to silently reassure Sam. I smile when I know he is looking and no one else is. He is doing the same thing with me. The exchanges are subtle enough that they don't get picked up on anyone's radar.

Just when I thought we were finally through with the awkwardness, Mrs. Maddox shifts her focus back to us. I say
us
as if there actually is an "us". I mean a Trevor and me "us".
Why does thinking of Trevor in that way make my heart stop a little?

"So, Laila. Do you have any plans this afternoon?"

I look up at Mrs. Maddox with fish bowl eyes because I had just shoved a fork full of food into my mouth right before she asked me. Thankfully, she continues, sparing me the embarrassment of having to chew and swallow my food before I can answer her question.

"Would you mind taking Trevor up to your school and show him around this afternoon? He's pretty eager to take a lay of the land so he isn't . . . How did you put it, Trevor? He doesn't want to be totally
clueless
, on his first day." Mrs. Maddox laughs as she holds her fingers up in quotes.

"Ma,
seriously
. I didn't say that. Plus, I can ask Laila myself. I'm
seventeen
for
crying out loud
. You don't have to organize my
play dates
for me anymore. Plus, we have all summer to do that. I'm sure Laila has better things to do than to cart me around town on a Saturday afternoon." Trevor tosses his napkin onto his plate, and shifts his chair back away from the table as if he is annoyed.

This reminds me that Mom and I have appointments scheduled at our favorite Brookville
Salon to get our nails done this afternoon. I'm a bit relieved that I can say no without feeling guilty about it.

I look at Trevor with sympathy. I can certainly understand Trevor's frustration with his mom. She is more than just a little bit over-bearing. She might be down right suffocating the poor guy. I can't imagine my parents ever doing that to me
. Thank God.

"Laila, you know what? Why don't we skip our manis and pedis? I can call Raja and push them back a week. I'm
sure
she won't mind. You go ahead and take Trevor up to school. You can even take the Murano, if you want. I put a full tank of gas in it yesterday." She pauses and looks at the two of us before smiling again.
I just want to crawl under this table and die
. "That should be fun for you guys."

My mom actually winks at us.
Oh. My. God.
Could she be any more embarrassing?
The good news is that I got out of spending the day with my mother. The bad news is it won't give me any extra time to spend with Sam.
Even worse, I am stuck with Trevor all day
.

I can tell that Sam is getting very anxious now.  He keeps wiping his face with his napkin, and is setting it down on his empty plate repeatedly even though there is nothing on his face.

"Okay. I mean yeah, sure. I could do that. If you want to, Trevor," I add, hoping he will miraculously remember that he has plans and won't be able to. Trevor's lips curl up into a flirtatious smile, dimples and all. The way he is looking at me again is making the butterflies in my stomach do crazy eights. I don't even want to look at Sam's reaction right now because I know this has got to be killing him.

"You know what? I could probably come along, too. I mean, I know my way around the soccer and baseball fields pretty well since I played there myself," Sam offers. He keeps looking between Trevor and me nervously.

"Hey,
yo
." Kyle smack's Sam on his arm hard in order to get his attention. "I thought you were going to go to the driving range to hit a few buckets with me and the guys today?"

"You guys don't need me. Plus, you know as well as I do that
no
amount of range time is going to make my swing any better. Plus, I want to help lil sis out." Sam looks at me with a forced smile. He is trying his best to appear relaxed, but I can tell he is uncomfortable.

It looks like I will get to spend time with Sam today after all.
Wait a minute
. It won't be with
just
Sam, though. It will be with Sam
and
Trevor.
I'm not sure I like this idea
. Breakfast has been uncomfortable enough. I'm not sure how much more aching my stomach can take.

"Well, I can't argue with that. You really
do
suck, don't you?" Kyle snickers while slugging Sam again on the arm.
I swear the two of them act more like brothers than friends
.

"Sam, that is a
wonderful
idea, and so completely selfless of you to offer. Isn't he just a
gem?"
My mom asks Mrs. Maddox, while smiling appreciatively at Sam.
Yeah right. He is so selfless
.
If only she knew.

I catch Trevor rolling his eyes when he hears my mom. I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

Sam flashes me a quick smile and subtly winks, which makes my smile fall. I try to muster up another smile so he doesn't worry, but my stubborn lips barely move.
I am really dreading this, but I don't see a way around it
.

Chapter Nine:
Stained-Glass Window Daydream
 

I'm sitting with my legs propped up on one of the upper rows of the hot metal bleachers. I’m in the visitor's section, next to the high school's soccer field. It's another scorcher today, making yesterday's unseasonably mild temperatures seem like a distant memory. I can feel the sun practically searing right through my skin, but I don't mind.

Even though it feels like my calves are pressed up against hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven cookie sheets, I don't move my legs. I embrace the sting, hoping it will burn away the uneasiness that has been swimming in my stomach since breakfast this morning.

I take a deep breath, allowing myself to inhale as much of the stale, dusty air as I can. I lean all the way back on the bench and tuck my bare arms behind my head. The metal singes my forearms as I stare up at the clear blue sky, but my body doesn't even flinch.

It is a quiet summer day at Westbrook High. It is so quiet I can hear my own heavy breathing, along with the occasional sound of a distant car passing. The birds are chirping just enough to remind me that I am outside, not locked inside an oven. I try to remember another time at school when it was this calm and peaceful, but I can't.

Eventually, I find myself drifting off. I am startled by the sensation of strong hands running lightly across my abdomen. For some reason, I don't sit up to see who it is. My whole body freezes, like a raindrop dripping from the gutter when it's ten below outside.

Whose fingers would be grazing my stomach like this?
Strangely enough, I don't open my eyes to see. Instead, I reach up and search with my hands. I can't feel anything but the hot, dry air through my fingers. I hear a low chuckle, but I can't tell whose voice it belongs to.

Now I am trying desperately to pry my eyelids open, so I can see my visitor, but they are clenched tight, the way a gallon of milk is, before you peel off the plastic seal. I hear whispering, but I can't make out any of the words. Suddenly, as if the seal has finally been ripped off, I am able to open my eyes.

Fully expecting to see the clear-blue sky above me, I am a little taken back when all I see is green. Actually, it's more like I'm looking into a gorgeous stained-glass window with various shades of green arranged into a beautiful work of art. The outer edges are mixed with deep, dark shades of emerald that gradually dissolve into a harmonious sage-green color. At the epicenter of this entrancing array of color are stunning golden flecks that fan out softly, like a glowing candle.

Long, dark eyelashes interrupt my view briefly. I blink a few times, refocusing my eyes. Trevor is leaning over me with his face so close to mine that I can feel his hot breath tickling my neck. I pull my gaze away from those sexy, mysterious eyes. My body is responding, too. It's like an army of butterflies have suddenly been called onto the battlefield inside my stomach.

He doesn't say anything as he stares at me with those incredible eyes. I can't speak, either.  I feel like my lids are getting heavy again. I am doing everything I can to keep my eyes open, but the weight is too much. The green masterpiece slowly fades. The moment my lids fall shut, an endless screen of black replaces my view. I suddenly feel chilled, even though I know it's hot outside. Everything goes still.

"Laila? Laila? Are you awake?" The sound of Sam's soft, soothing voice startles me.

I slowly open my eyes, but the sunlight stabs them, making it feel like a thousand tiny needles are suddenly piercing my corneas. I can hear Sam chuckling, as he wraps his arms around my waist to lift me up.

"Hey, sleepyhead."

I am now sitting with my back pressed up against his chest. He wraps his steel arms around my waist protectively, pulling me in closer. I can feel his heart pounding against my back.  His hot breath is on my neck. It feels so good to be in his arms that I am wondering if I am still dreaming.

He gently taps his soft lips against my neck, sending the butterfly soldiers into a frenzy of action. That's when I realize that these are the same soldiers that were called into action during my dream.
Why am I even dreaming about Trevor?
I let out an aggravated sigh, which Sam either misses or is purposefully ignoring.
Thank God
.

"I've been trying to sneak away for the past forty-five minutes, so we could be alone. That guy does
not
take a hint," he says with frustration, while shaking his head.

"So, how did you manage to escape?" I ask in a teasing tone.

"I wish I had a more exciting tale to tell, but I just pulled the restroom break card out," he says, while nuzzling his nose into the crook of my neck. His nose lingers there, as if he is trying to inhale my scent. Luckily, I remembered to spray some of my perfume on before leaving the house. I just hope it still smells good, mixed with my sweat.

"This is one rather long bathroom break, don't you think, Sam?"

"Yeah. It must be those eggs that your mom made. They just aren't agreeing with me," he jokes.

His kisses on my neck are gentle and sweet, but their power is fierce. My heart is racing and the electricity that is pulsing through my body is jolting. He gently turns me around so my upper body is facing him, even though my legs are still facing the other way.

His eyes are as clear as they were this morning.  The color blends right into the sky. Before I can even blink, his lips are covering mine.
My body is now warm pudding, the instant kind
. Kissing Sam in the scorching, hot daylight is every bit as heated as it was under the cool moonlight. The last thing I want to do is pull away, but I can't help but feel bad for poor Trevor.
We need to go find him
.

"You better go back," I whisper breathlessly, leaning my forehead against his. He nods reluctantly with the same expression he wore last night, when he left me standing in my doorway, after our last kiss. He kisses my forehead before rising. As yesterday, he is gone before I can even catch my breath.

I take another stroll around the soccer field while I wait for Sam and Trevor to return.  I think about how the three of us spent the whole afternoon perusing the school grounds. I admit that I was a little relieved when Sam wanted to take Trevor to the other side of the school where the baseball diamonds are. I really needed this time away to collect my thoughts.

I told them I'd hang back here so I could get some air. Spending so much time with both of them has been rather taxing. All morning, I've been sitting on pins and needles, watching Sam and Trevor interact.

It's really weird
. Despite some of the looks I swore were exchanged between the two of them at breakfast, they seem to be getting along fine. Sam isn't acting territorial, and Trevor seems to be lightening up on me. I suppose he is getting to know Sam better now, and is no longer convinced that he is some sort of older, creepy pervert.

This eases my mind a little, but it doesn't change the fact that Trevor is making me feel things that I should be saving for just Sam. I think about my dream earlier, and wonder what it all means.
How can I possibly have any feelings for Trevor now that I am finally with Sam?
It's not like Sam doesn't tear up my insides when we are together.

Just how torn up would I get if Trevor kissed me?
These are not thoughts you should be having about your friend.
Is this nature's sick form of a joke?
I really need to keep Trevor in the friend zone, or things are going to get messy very quickly. After that dream, I wonder if it isn't already too late. My subconscious is already swimming in unauthorized areas.

As I make my way around the home bleachers, I pull my phone out of my handbag, to see if I missed any calls or texts.

Avery Brooks: Date 2-night with the green-eyed hottie!!!

When did they even have time to talk?
I've been with Trevor for most of the morning. I suppose there is a slim chance she is referring to some other
green-eyed hottie
.

Avery Brooks: Ok, and to answer your question earlier. YES! I do like him. For the record, Trevor does NOT look or act like he is in high school. Who knows? Maybe the guys on the east coast are just more mature. Anyway, you have to come over so we can get ready together. Speaking of dates, are you going out with Sam tonight???

Unfortunately, her second text squelches my initial hope that she was referring to someone else. That achy, hollow feeling in my stomach from this morning is back.

All thoughts about Trevor beyond friendship must go away for good now, because Avery has officially flagged him. I never realized it before, but I guess we do the whole marking our territory thing in the girl world, too.
Trevor has officially been peed on.

This should be a relief because it frees up my mind so I can focus on Sam, but I am feeling anything
but
relief, right now.
I know I have no right to be jealous and I even hate myself for it, but the thought of Avery getting lost in Trevor's stained-glass window eyes, makes me want to scream inside.

Me: Wow! This is BIG news! Should I call the NY Times? The headline would be Avery Brooks Finally Goes High School. LOL
:)
J/J. I'm really happy for you. Not sure what his plan is for tonight exactly, but I have my own hot date with Paul Rudd. I think I'm just going to do a low-key chick-flick night with the girls at my house. Was going to ask you to join us, but it sounds like you will be having your own romantic comedy date. :)

I am surprised at how easily the lie slips off my tongue. I don't like to lie, and especially not to my best friend. However, I can't let her know how I really feel about her dating Trevor. I'll learn to be happy for her, eventually, because that is what best friends do. I just need some time to get used to the idea.

Even though I wasn't really planning on having a chick-flick night, I fire off some text messages to Kylie and Allie right away. I honestly do not think I can stand watching Avery transform from naturally gorgeous to
take his breath away hot
before their date. Plus, she will probably be talking about him non-stop.

Me: So, how do you girls feel about a hot date with Paul Rudd and me tonight? I could really use a chick-flick night, especially after how everything with Devon went down or did NOT go down last night.

Avery Brooks: Bummer
:(
I was hoping to get your advice on what to wear. You know I hate missing Paul nights even if it is to be with a guy who is just as hot or maybe even hotter. If I text you pictures of outfit options, will you help me choose? You probably know Trevor better than I do. I want to look sexy, but not slutty.

Since when does she need fashion advice from me?
I really should be more supportive.

Me: Impossible. I mean the slutty part. You always look great. :)

Avery Brookes: Thanks, Laila. You couldn't be a better BFF!

No, I'm pretty sure I could.
I
should
be supporting you, but instead, I am being undeniably selfish. I want to have my Sam, and . . .  I don't even know exactly what it is that I want with Trevor. In the dark recesses of my mind, I realize how ridiculously attracted I am to him. I also know that this might become a bigger problem than it already is. I can already feel the guilt seeping into my system as I try to smother these thoughts.

Allie Summers: As much as I'd LOVE to hang out with you and Paul tonight, I can't :(
I promised to babysit my nieces for my aunt. She has a hot date and it's her 1st one since the divorce.

Me: That sucks
:(
I mean that you can't come over, but I am happy to hear your aunt is dating again. Hopefully, it will be a good first one. I know she has had a pretty rough time.

Allie Summers: Yeah. I'm really glad to see her getting out of the house and doing something for herself for once. She is always putting everyone else first. If for some reason her date goes south and I can get home early, I'll give you a buzz, ok? Give Paul a big hug for me. :)

Me: I'll do even better. I'll give him a hug and a kiss for you. :)

Allie Summers: LOL
:)

Kylie Bradshaw: Sorry, Laila. I can't. I'm working a double shift at the diner. Hope you girls have fun! :)

Me: Yikes. Hope you at least make some good money. We'll miss you!!!

Kylie Bradshaw: That is the plan. Come hell or high water, I'm getting my car by the end of this summer!!!

Me: I have no doubt. :)

I toss my phone back into my bag, wondering what I am going to do tonight.
Wait a minute. I completely forgot Sam is in town. Maybe we can go out on that date tonight.
My heart starts to skip a little as thoughts of a potential date with him replace my jealousy.