Read Online Across the Creek by Jeremy Asher - Free Book Online Page B

friends. Everyone seemed nice, but Jesse noticed a certain confidence in their eyes. The kind of confidence that came with a life of few struggles and possibly money, both of which were not afforded to Jesse growing up.
    Sarah led Jesse into the open-style adjoining kitchen, which gave the tiny apartment a spacious feel. She introduced him to a group that was gathered behind the kitchen counter. They seemed different from the rest. Their clothes were more casual and they seemed younger than the people in the living room. All were shy, bar one: Rachael Miller. “Can I get you something to drink? A beer or a margarita?” she asked.
    “No, thank you.”
    “Are you sure?”
    Jesse nodded. “I’m positive.”
    “So, Sarah tells me that you own a pet store.” Rachael lifted herself onto the kitchen counter next to where Jesse was standing. Her mini jean skirt covered only the necessities. And her tight t-shirt left little for the imagination. Jesse knew Rachael’s type well, and given a different time and place, he’d probably be inclined to ask her out.
    “It’s just a small shop in Old Town that I run with my brother and aunt.” He watched Sarah out of the corner of his eye as she made her way through the crowd, checking on everyone, making sure they felt at home.
    “I think that’s so cute.” She smiled at him, stringing gum in, out, in, out from her mouth. The smell of alcohol and grape bubblegum turned Jesse’s stomach. Her thick makeup reminded him of one of those hundred-year-old houses that been painted about fifty times over.
    Jesse’s gaze wandered back to Sarah. Her long curls bounced every time she turned her head, and two tiny dimples complemented her electric smile. Glancing back at the kitchen, she spied Jesse watching and gave a subtle wave before walking deeper into the crowd.
    Jesse couldn’t take it anymore. The alcohol-flavored bubblegum and the slurring conversation—he had to get out of here. “Rachael,” he said, interrupting whatever she was saying at that moment, “could you tell me where the bathroom is?”
    “Sure, doll, it’s just down that hall,” she said, pointing through the crowd. “It’ll be the second door on your left.” She spoke loud enough that Jesse was pretty sure everyone at the party now knew where the bathroom was. “You want me to show you?” she asked, stringing the gum from her mouth again.
    “No thanks,” he replied. “I got this one.”
    “Just don’t be gone too long. I might need another drink soon.” She held up her glass and shot him a wink. Again, he was pretty sure the rest of the party had heard her.
    Jesse looked for Sarah on his way, but he found only rows and rows of frat boys and the sound of prattle about stocks, bonds, and sports cars. Robbie would have a ball with these yuppies. He had a way with the highfalutin types.
    Pictures lined the walls of the hallway. Most of them were of Sarah and a thin older man: her father. Most of them looked like they were no more than a few years old, but one was of her when she was looked to be about twelve. It brought back memories that had been filed away in the deep recesses of Jesse’s mind. Long, curly blond hair, soil-stained gown, and bright yellow rain boots. Even then he had found her intriguing.
    “What are you looking at?”
    Jesse turned and saw Sarah standing just a few feet away. “I was just looking at your photos. These are really cool. Where was this one taken?” He pointed to one with ocean waves crashing in the background.
    “That’s me and my dad in Hawaii,” Sarah said.
    “Hawaii? That had to be a fun trip.”
    “My cousin was getting married there, and my dad and I attended the ceremony. It was quite beautiful.”
    “I bet.”
    None of the photos included Sarah’s mother, Jesse realized, and he remembered how difficult things had been between them when she was little. Judging by her complete absence on the hallway walls, things must not have improved after he had left