The Holiday Hoax by Skylar M. Cates

Author:Skylar M. Cates [Cates, Skylar M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

NOAH HAD saved us a table near the keyboard player, and we collapsed onto the hard wooden bench. The guitarist was good, the singer a little pitchy, but overall for a free band, their sound was decent.

“I like them,” JD said. “I can’t remember the last time I heard some music.”

Recalling his remark about being a “science geek,” and knowing that JD had been in the closet until now, I wondered how much he’d gone out at all.

“Glad you’re having fun.”

The air smelled of fried food, and the kitchen appeared smoky as the door swung open and a waiter brought some appetizers to us, good greasy onion rings and mozzarella sticks. I hoped the place wouldn’t catch fire. That would be a lousy way to end what had been a good night. I was having fun too, I realized, being there with JD. I didn’t feel the need to try and impress him like I’d had to do with Tyler.

I took a sip of my soda. The band began another song, louder than the first one.

“I’ll be right back,” Courtney shouted over the music. “I want to talk to Noah for a second.”

“Okay,” I shouted in return.

JD nodded. He drummed his fingers on the table, smiling. But as soon as Courtney left us, he turned and looked at me.

“Thanks.”

“For what? Stale soda and my annoying sister?” I tried to joke. The song changed to a softer melody, and we could stop shouting.

JD dipped an onion ring into some mustard. “For that, and for taking me home when everything went bad.”

“Well, it’s nothing.” I flushed. “You’re doing me a favor too. Remember? Tyler—”

“Come on, Evan.”

“What?”

“Don’t pretend it’s about Tyler. I know you invited me home because of what you witnessed between me and Shawn. You might have not wanted to tell your family the truth about Tyler, but you could have done it. We both know they would have been cool with it. You asked me home because that’s how you are, Ev.”

“Well…” My stomach flipped in excitement at his shortened use of my name.

“You’re a good guy, and nobody’s ever done anything so nice for me before.” He shifted and bent toward my ear. “Thank you,” he whispered.

I was startled. The warmth of JD’s soft breath touched my earlobe, and it tingled there. I played with the edge of my napkin, tearing the corner a little. “Don’t keep on thanking me. It might have started out as my being nice, JD, but I’m honestly happy you came.” I swallowed hard. “I like having you here. You must know that I—”

“Hey!” A shout from behind us cut me off. “Evan Goodman, right?”

Ice raced down my spine. I knew that voice.

Reluctantly, I turned. It was Michael Dobson all right. One of the many kids who’d made sure to make my middle school years hellish. He hadn’t been the leader, but Dobson had eagerly joined in the name-calling and pranks that were supposed to be “just fun.” He’d moved away in high school, and another dumb jock had taken his place.

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