Read Online Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles - Free Book Online

basketball fundraiser at the high school. I had helped her with getting it set up and as we were bringing everything into the gym, Kiera was carrying a big pan of enchiladas that she had made. She tripped over a power cord and her pan went flying. She caught her balance, but it was too late for the enchiladas. All we could do was watch as the pan flipped over and landed on one of the players that was sitting at a nearby table.” I giggled a little at the memory and Kiera and Carter started to snicker. Oliver glanced at them and returned his gaze to me, his hint of a smile never fading.

    “Well, that basketball player, having a great attitude, wiped some from his face and tasted it. We were shocked as he looked up and smiled at us and said, ‘Great job, girls; but, next time, can I have mine on a plate instead of my lap?’ After we helped him scoop the enchiladas off of his jersey and back into the pan he stood, sauce dripping from him onto the floor, and announced that Kiera Blake made the best enchiladas in the world—even when they were served in your lap.” I laughed at the memory.

    “I was so embarrassed—and thankful I had made two pans,” Kiera said, shaking her head, but still giggling and still shoveling food into her mouth.

    “Yeah, your enchiladas did great that night,” I reminded her.

    “And, I still stand by that. They are the best in the world, but a pain to get out of a basketball jersey,” Carter said, taking another bite.

    “It was you?” Oliver asked.

    “Yep.” He smiled. “It was a good day. We won our game, the fundraiser did great, and I became close friends with these two.”

    “Yeah, who would’ve thought enchiladas had the power to do so much?” I joked.

    Oliver smiled and then chuckled a little.

    “I guess it’s funnier to us,” I said, a hint of laughter lingering.

    “No, it is funny,” he said. “You girls have interesting ways of meeting boys.” He winked at me and gave me a quick half-smile. My cheeks warmed. “But I’m wondering why it took enchiladas for Carter to notice you two.”

    “Whatever, dude,” Carter chuckled.

    The amusement trickled away. Carter was finished and, with a big smile, a stretch, and a little pat to his tummy indicating he’d enjoyed himself, complimented Kiera on her enchiladas. Then he went on, “I was talking to Ashton today and we’re planning on going out tomorrow night to celebrate and blow off some steam after our first week back at school.”

    “That would be fun,” Kiera said, scooping in another forkful of food.

    I glanced at Oliver, waiting for his response.

    “Would you girls want to go? The Lunatic Stallion has “Eighteen and Over Night” tomorrow night. It’ll be fun,” Carter said, pleading hopefully. Kiera nodded quickly at me with excitement.

    “Um…I was planning to go home to my aunt’s tomorrow after school, but I guess I can go Saturday morning instead.” I glanced at Oliver again. He caught my glance this time and smiled at me. With a fluttering stomach and my heart racing up into my throat, I worked up my nerve. I took a breath to steady myself and quietly asked, “What about you, Oliver? Would you like to go?”

    I felt his knee graze mine under the table and tingles ran through me. Holy crap! Just his knee touching mine sent excited shivers up my spine . “Sure, if you’re going,” he said. My heart skipped a beat and the blood rushed to my cheeks once again. “Sounds like fun,” he said, giving me his mind-blowing smile.

    “Cool,” Carter said, seeming pleased with his plan.

    Kiera began cleaning up and Carter offered to help. Sweet, I don’t have to . Oliver and I sat at the table quietly for a few moments while Kiera and Carter chatted and cleaned the kitchen.

    Oliver broke our silence. “Did you all go to high school together?”

    “Yeah, but I met Kiera a couple years before that.” I didn’t need to mention the disaster of a dance class I met her in. “ Kiera and