Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles Page B

couldn’t really see me. “It’s called a blinker,” I yelled, “learn how to use it!” I guess he heard me because he gave me the finger. I returned the gesture and sped past him down University Boulevard on my way back home.

Chapter 8 - Enchiladas

    I got home in record time, tossed the tortillas on the counter, and rushed to my room while Kiera stared after me from the kitchen.

    I fumbled around with myself a bit, fixing my hair, and adding a little lip gloss. I was turning into such a girly-girl. Then I went to help Kiera in the kitchen.

    “I think I’m too nervous to eat,” I confessed, as I helped her finish rolling the second pan of enchiladas. I knew we had enough tortillas. She had only used three from the new bag for the unneeded second pan.

    She was still having little giggle fits over the tortilla avalanche story. It was a little funny now, but I mainly focused on Oliver’s cool touch and strong arms saving me, not the mess of tortillas. The thought of his hands on me gave me a funny feeling inside—like excitement and nervousness rolled together.

    “I hope it goes better than the last time we were all together.”

    Her giggles stopped. “Me too,” she replied quietly. I could tell she was getting nervous as well.

    Just as the oven timer buzzed to inform us dinner was ready, there was a knock at the door. We both took a deep breath and smiled nervously at each other.

    I answered the door to a very happy Carter, but only Carter. My heart sank. He had changed his mind.

    “Hey, Laney,” Carter said as he stepped inside. “Oliver said he’d be here in a few minutes.”

    “Oh.” My excitement immediately returned. As I turned back to close the door, I was surprised by my handsome Knight standing in the doorway with that same mischievous smile he had sported at the grocery store.

    “Sorry if I kept you waiting.” His voice was as smooth as velvet. He came in, shutting the door behind him.

    “You’re fine,” I breathed, locking my eyes with his. I would’ve given him anything and everything right then and there.

    “Wow, dude. How’d you get here so fast?” Carter blurted out from just behind me. I blinked and looked at the floor. I shook my head a little trying to shake some sense into myself.

    “You walk slow,” Oliver said with a hint of laughter.

    “Dinner’s ready,” Kiera announced from the kitchen. “Oliver, are you sure you don’t want any?”

    “I’m fine. Thank you. I’m here for the company,” he said, meeting my eyes again. “Shall we?” he said, gesturing to the kitchen table. He gently put his strong hand on the small of my back and guided me to the table. His touch caused my knees to weaken and an excited shiver ran through me. He pulled a chair out for me. Can he be for real? He took a seat beside me.

    Carter tried to follow his lead, but Kiera wasn’t paying attention and had a seat in the last unoccupied chair. It was impossible to keep from smiling at how oblivious she was to his gesture and his obvious interest in her.

    I was right; I was way too nervous to eat. Kiera, on the other hand, seemed ravenous again. We couldn’t help staring at her. She was starting to act like she had the other day with the Chinese food. That was odd; she had been fine all week, but now that the four of us were together again…hmmm. I glanced at all three of their faces as I rolled the thought around in my head and then mentally shrugged. Maybe I had just never noticed that she ate like a pig. I took a couple of small bites hoping nothing got stuck in my teeth. It was good, but I was really much too nervous to eat.

    “Are you not hungry?” Oliver asked.

    “Not really,” I said, sitting back in my seat.

    “So, why are they famous?” Oliver asked me as he folded his arms and rested his elbows on the table.

    “Oh,” I giggled, “It’s a funny story.”

    He smiled, waiting for me to continue.

    “Well, during our junior year, Kiera was in charge of a