Read Online Arrows by Melissa Gorzelanczyk - Free Book Online Page B

tomorrow. Maybe you two can make plans.”
    “Maybe.” I felt jumpy from all the questions I wanted to ask. “Anyway, are you and Jen dating, then? You just moved here, right? The girls told me about the hike.”
    Aaryn cleared his throat. “I’m not seeing anyone right now.”
    My pulse was erratic from the stress of Leah, the Jen thing. Lots of things. “Oh. Okay.” I tapped Nell’s diaper. The reggae music on her swing was still on, so I wound my way through the room and turned it off. Maybe Danny would leave the party early if I asked. It would be really good to see him, maybe just sit on the couch and watch a movie while I finished my homework. Something.
    “I’m going to bed before Mom gets home,” Leah said. Aaryn took this as his cue to leave.
    “Yeah, well, great,” he said. “Glad you got home okay.” He stood in the entry with lace curtains framing him. The puke stain had dried into a crusty smear. He extended his hand and my heart did a leap. “Here’re the keys.”
    “Oh, of course, thank you.”
    Leah waved and made her way to the bathroom. After a second of hesitation, I walked over. Even though he smelled like smoke, I felt relaxed around him. He had an honest face, like he wouldn’t bullshit me. His gaze was direct. Curious. “Thanks for tonight,” I said. “I’m glad you were at the party to help Leah. She’s annoying, but I love her.”
    “I know.” He reached for the door. Nell was punching me, eyes glued to his face. She found him very intriguing. “It’s good to see you again, Karma.”

    He left before I could find my voice. I shivered. The dead bolt clipped in place, me with my eyes closed, inhaling Nell’s scent in long, even breaths.
    He was the one who invited Jen.
    With a satisfied nod, I messaged Danny. He’d probably want to ditch that stupid party and be with his girls. He loved my chocolate chip cookies.

Day 10
    “Ready to catch some fish?” Danny said. There was no hint of enthusiasm in his voice. He had dark circles under his eyes and a scrape on his jaw.
    “Oh, we’re still on?”
    “Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?”
    “Uh, no reason. I’m ready.” I had a new plan—make that a very necessary plan—after his near freak-out over me “liking Karma” the night before. First part of the new plan? I had to stay cool. So far, me leaning against the wall with an open copy of Fight Club, not at all wondering if Karma might meander by? Check and check.
    “Before I forget—you were great at practice yesterday.”
    “You think so?”
    I clapped his shoulder. “Definitely. You had some nice moves out there. Best I’ve seen in a while. I told Walt he has to start you next game.”

    He grinned. “Awesome. Thanks, man.”
    When Karma rounded the corner, his mouth went straight. I pretended to be very interested in the view outside.
    “Hey, guys.”
    “Oh, hey,” Danny said. “We were just heading out.”
    “Do you guys have plans after?” Her question seemed rehearsed.
    I could feel her gaze on me as I held the door for them, standing well out of the way. Definitely no eye contact as she passed. The fact that she smelled so good? Well. Nothing I could do about that.
    “I might go to Dmitri’s and do some homework,” Danny said. He was acting weird, stiff-walking, his chest sticking out. “Why, what’s up?”
    “Oh, nothing. I might have some free time later if you want to do something. I miss you.”
    Her eyes had shadows under them, like his, her hair in a messy ponytail. Not that I, you know, noticed.
    Danny sighed. “I’m pretty beat. I got this fishing thing now. A bunch of homework.”
    Karma waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it.” She smiled, shaking her head. “Nell woke up twice last night, little turd. I barely slept.”
    “Tell me about it,” Danny said. “I was at the party until three.”
    “Did you have fun?”
    “We can skip fishing if you guys want to hang out,” I said. Danny blinked, gaze all shifty.

    “We better