Read Online The Game Changer by L. M. Trio - Free Book Online

Why?” I ask a little too quickly.
    He starts to laugh.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “Well, I’ve known Luke a long time, and I’ve never seen him just be friends with a girl.”
    “I guess there’s a first for everything. Besides, we’re neighbors. It’s different. We see each other every day.” Why am I trying to justify my relationship with Luke to him?
    “I’m just saying, I’m not used to seeing him be friends with a girl. So, if there is anything more going on, I’ll back off.”
    “Billy, I have no idea what you’re talking about. And, back off of what, being friends with me, too? I think I can handle more than two friends.” Now I’m starting to sound a little annoyed, or maybe I’m just flustered for some reason. Besides, who would ever think there would be something going on between me and Luke? Luke is way out of my league. I am nothing like Alexa, or the other girls I see hanging around him. Luke considers me as a friend, I’m sure of it.
    He starts to laugh. “Relax, Jesse. Do you want to continue or not?”
    “Yes,” I answer, still feeling flustered by the thought of it.
    When I meet up with Deanna, she has a smile on her face and I figure her conversation with Timmy went well. “Give me the details,” I say.
    “We’re going to meet up at the inlet on Saturday to watch the fireworks,” she answers excitedly. I am excited to go to the inlet, too. I’ve heard so much about it.

Chapter 11
    ( Jesse)
    The excitement of the weekend is in the air. The streets are full with blaring music coming from the cars driving up and down Ocean Drive while their rowdy passengers yell from the windows as girls and guys walk along the street.
    I like the way the town feels. I guess, since I’m new to the area, the crowds don’t bother me yet.
    “Yo, girls! Come here for a sec!” a guy that looks to be about our age calls out to us as we cross the street in front of their car that is stopped at a red light. “C’mon, I don’t bite. Look, I just want to invite you to a party we’re havin’!” he pleads as he holds a blue flyer out of the window. Deanna, Lori and I keep walking while Cathy runs back and grabs it from his hand after promising that we will show up.
    “We’re not really going, are we?” I ask nervously, not used to being in situations like this. Deanna laughs and gives me a pat on the back.
    “It’s fine, relax. This will happen all night.”
    “Do you ever go?”
    “Sometimes... it’s fun.”
    It’s the same scene once we reach the boards. There are people everywhere; hanging out, inviting each other to parties. We catch up with Billy, Matt and Sean at 7 th street on the boardwalk. There has to be about ten to fifteen other people that I have never met before. They are getting ready to head over to a party on Atlantic Ave. 
    Instead of joining them, Deanna and I sneak away for awhile to do some shopping. She’s looking for something to wear for Saturday. Along the way, we have more than a few guys trying to pick us up.
    “This is crazy. I’m not used to this,” I say to Deanna as we head into one of our favorite boutiques.
    “I know, I can tell... you look like you’re in a panic.” She laughs.
    “No, I’m not!” I lie, giving her a shove. She shakes her head, trying to hide her amusement.
    “We’re not really going to meet up with any of those guys, right?” I ask, referring to her telling half of the guys, ‘sure we’ll meet up with you in a few minutes.’
    “No, you can calm down now. I just said it so they will leave us alone,” she says sarcastically, while holding up a pretty red halter top in front of her. “Do you like this?”
    I nod my head in agreement as I follow her into the dressing room area. I know she is playing around with me, she knows the anxiety I get meeting new people. I’m just finally beginning to feel comfortable with Cathy and Lori.
    “De, do you ever date any of the guys you meet up here?” I ask from outside the dressing