The Time Trials by Jon McConnell & Dayna McConnel

Author:Jon McConnell & Dayna McConnel [Jon & McConnel, Dayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tiny Fox Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Valerie, the architect of this little outing, had purposely planned the day so that she could pick up her designer dress last, not wanting to have to lug the garment bag through any other stops. Finn looked at his sporty friend, hair slicked back in a ponytail and wearing a pricey pair of athletic shoes, and tried to imagine her in a formal dress. It wasn’t easy to picture.

Then he visualized his own closet, full of flannel, denim, and vintage t-shirts so thin you could almost poke a hole in the cotton by looking at it. What was he going to wear to this stupid dance? He forced the matter out of his head. No use worrying about it now. After paying for lunch, he had exactly $43.65 to his name.

“We’ll be right back.” Valerie and Edison made a strange pair as they disappeared into a designer boutique, the large windows of which boasted intimidatingly beautiful gowns that would have cost Finn’s parents several months' rent.

Finn, made uneasy by the stream of obviously wealthy customers coming and going from the shop, opted to wait outside. He eased himself down to the ground to the right of the door, back pressed against the storefront, and pulled his Walkman out of his messenger bag. He waited for Everly to go inside, but instead she lowered herself next to him.

Finn froze. She was so close to him.

Onion rings. Great choice, genius.

But they’d been close before, sitting just like this in front of the gazebo. Closer, even, when he’d accidentally taken her hands in his during his earnest appeal to save everyone on the Titanic.

But today was somehow different; Everly seemed more human, more accessible. Maybe it was the jeans, or the change in setting. Or maybe it was the way she was looking at him. She looked almost...nervous.

Everly tucked a lock of her white-gold hair behind an ear. “Thanks.”

Finn cocked his head. “For?”

Everly’s shoulders rolled in a shrug. “For being willing to go onstage. I know it’s not your thing.”

Finn gave her shrug right back to her. “Not a big deal. You said it would be quick.”

Everly issued a small nod as she nudged his foot with hers. “You found one.” Her smile was knowing. Finn tracked her gaze to the outsole of his shoe.

Oysters, no pearls.

He’d forgotten he’d done that—crossed out the first two words. But he hadn’t forgotten when and why: he’d done it after the post-challenge interview, Everly’s glowing comments filling him up and drowning out those of the lacrosse players who slung derisive remarks his way.

Finn was the best of us today.

He felt himself redden and he wanted to look away, but Everly’s eyes caught his and seemed to snag on them.

Finn’s throat jammed, and he swallowed hard to clear it. As he clamored for what else to say, a breeze kicked up, sending a bundle of dried leaves skittering down the sidewalk and the smell of Everly’s hair into Finn’s face. Everly visibly shivered, and Finn seized the opportunity.

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