CHAPTER 9 A QUICK BITE IN TOWN

“How’s the ocean?” Mr. Daniels asked, padding to the kitchen counter in the baggy bathing suit he always wore around the house. Sleepily he poured himself another cup of coffee.

Matt had gotten up early, before eight o’clock, and feeling energetic, he had slipped out of the house without waking his parents and taken a long walk along the beach. “It’s wild,” he told his father, pulling open the refrigerator door and removing a carton of orange juice.

“Very descriptive,” Mr. Daniels said sarcastically, standing at the counter, sipping coffee, staring out the kitchen window at the orange sun in the clear sky.

“No. I mean, the waves are wild. Very high. Coming in at different angles,” Matt said.

“Don’t drink from the carton,” his father scolded. “Get yourself a glass.”

“I only wanted a sip,” Matt told him, returning the carton to the fridge, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Did Todd call?”

Mr. Daniels glanced up at the kitchen clock before replying. Nine-thirty. “No.”

“I was supposed to meet him last night, but we never hooked up.”

“He didn’t call,” Mr. Daniels said, yawning. “You want to play some tennis today?”

“Maybe later,” Matt replied. “I want to go bodysurfing this morning. It should be awesome with the waves so wild.” He walked over to the wall phone and picked up the receiver.

“Who are you calling?” his father asked, scratching his bare chest.

“Todd. He’ll probably want to go to the beach with me.”

“Hey, look—a hummingbird!” Mr. Daniels exclaimed, pointing out the window.

Matt replaced the receiver and started to the window. “Where, Dad?”

“In that flower. Oh. Too late. You missed it.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t just a big fly?” Matt joked. “I had flies in my room last night as big as bluejays!”

“I’ve got to get those screens fixed,” Mr. Daniels muttered, shaking his head. Carrying his coffee cup, he slid open the glass door and slipped out on the deck. “Isn’t it a little early to call people?” he called in from outside.

“No. Todd always gets up early,” Matt said, picking up the receiver again. He found the number of Todd’s beach house on the pad on the counter and quickly dialed it.

The phone rang five times before Todd’s mother picked it up.

“Hi, this is Matt. Can I speak to Todd?”

“Hi, Matt,” she said breathlessly. “Sorry. I was out back in the garden.” She took a few seconds to catch her breath. “I don’t think Todd is awake yet. He came in very late. I’ll go check.”

“What a lazy bum,” Matt said, glancing at the wall clock. Todd was always a morning person. Since when did he sleep till quarter till ten?

He heard a clunk as Todd’s mother put down the phone. Then he heard her footsteps receding as she left the room to get Todd. After a long wait, Matt heard footsteps approaching, then Todd’s voice, hoarse and sleep-filled. “Hello?”

“Todd? Were you still asleep?”

A pause. “Yeah. I guess.” A yawn.

“Sorry, man. Where were you last night? April got attacked by a bat.”

“Huh?”

“It flew right in her hair. But she’s okay. Where were you?”

Todd cleared his throat. “I met a girl.”

“Yeah?” Matt couldn’t hide his surprise. Todd was always so shy and awkward with girls. “That’s why you’re so wrecked this morning?”

Todd yawned. “She is awesome, Matt. I mean, she’s hot.”

“Yeah? You met her on the beach?”

“Uh-huh. She was lost. So we started walking on the beach. You know. I was helping her find her house. And we were talking and everything. She’s beautiful, Matt. I mean, like a TV star or something.”

“Hey, not bad,” Matt said. “Go on, man. Details. Details.”

Todd groaned sleepily. “I can’t wake up this morning,” he said, his voice still hoarse. “I don’t know what my problem is.”

“Who cares?” Matt interrupted. “What’s this girl’s name?”

“Jessica. It got really hot and heavy, Matt. I mean, there we were on the beach. You know. In the fog. And she started really coming on to me. I mean, really.” He coughed. “You should see the hickey on my neck.”

Matt whistled in reply. “Wow.”

“Yeah,” Todd agreed. “She’s incredible.”

“Well, let’s get to the beach,” Matt said. “We can do some bodysurfing, and you can tell me more.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Todd said sleepily. “I mean, not this morning, okay? I really don’t feel too well. I’m so sleepy. I don’t know. I feel kind of weak or something.”

Matt laughed. “Maybe you and Jessica overdid it, man.”

Todd didn’t laugh. “I think I just need some more sleep,” he replied seriously. “Tell you what. I’m supposed to meet Jessica in town tonight. Why don’t you and April come too.”

“For sure,” Matt agreed enthusiastically. “But come on, Todd. The waves are excellent this morning. The water will wake you up.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Todd said, sighing wearily. “I’m just going back to sleep, okay?”

He had hung up before Matt could reply.

Matt replaced the receiver, trying to imagine Todd making out on the beach with a beautiful girl. Todd rarely had the nerve to ask any girl out. It had taken him months before he was comfortable enough to have a long conversation with April, Matt remembered, even though the three of them went everywhere together.

Well, way to go, Todd! he thought. He wondered if this Jessica was as fabulous as Todd described. She must be awesome, he thought. Todd sounded like a total vegetable!

Leaning against the counter, his hand still on the receiver, Matt wondered who he could call to go bodysurfing with him. April had already told him that she had to spend the day taking care of her sisters.

Maybe Ben is around, he thought. He can’t be at the arcade this early in the morning.

He looked up Ben’s number in the slim local phone directory and dialed. He let it ring eight times, then hung up, disappointed.

“Hey, Dad—” he called out to the deck. “Want to play some tennis?”

• • • • •

Todd and Jessica were already side by side in a booth at the Pizza Cove when Matt and April arrived a little after eight o’clock.

“They sure look cozy,” April whispered, waving to Todd across the crowded little restaurant as she squeezed past the line of kids waiting for tables. Jessica, she saw, had her arm around Todd’s neck in an affectionate hug.

Todd blushed as April and Matt slid into the seat across from them. “Hey, guys.”

“Hi, I’m Jessica,” Jessica said, brushing her coppery mane of hair behind her slender, pale shoulders. She was wearing a green midriff top that revealed ivory skin above and below.

April spotted a dark lipstick stain just beneath Todd’s ear. Jessica certainly seems to like Todd, she thought. She seems sort of sophisticated for him.

She scolded herself for thinking that. I’m just jealous because she’s so great-looking, she thought.

“I already ordered a pizza,” Todd said, grinning across the table at Matt.

“Are you from Shadyside too?” Jessica asked.

April and Matt answered yes at the same time.

April found herself staring at Jessica’s fingernails, long and perfect and painted a dramatic dark purple to match her lipstick. Leaning close to Todd, Jessica absently ran her hand up and down his arm.

Wow—is Todd enjoying this! April thought.

They chatted about the beach, about the town, about their parents. April told about how Courtney buried Whitney up to her chin in the sand that afternoon, and then poured water on her head before April could stop her, and how both little girls became hysterical because April had so much trouble pulling Whitney out.

As April talked, Jessica rubbed Todd’s arm and playfully sifted her fingers through his curly hair, smiling at him and leaning close.

Matt and I were a little like that when we first started going together, April thought. And then she found herself thinking that it wasn’t like that between them anymore.

The pizza arrived, steamy hot on a round metal platter. April, Matt, and Todd hungrily pulled off slices and deposited them on their plates. “I had a big dinner,” Jessica explained, unable to hide her disdain as the platter was slid across the table to her. “I couldn’t eat a bite.”

“Just one slice?” Todd urged.

“No. Really,” Jessica replied, looking a little ill. Just then her brown eyes opened wide. April realized she was staring at the front of the restaurant. She turned and followed Jessica’s gaze.

Gabri, trying to maneuver his way through the crowd in the doorway, waved to April from the street entrance. “Hey—there’s Gabri!” she cried, motioning for him to join them. She turned to Matt. “He’s the boy I told you about last night.”

Matt had a mouthful of pizza and a gob of cheese running down his chin. He nodded but didn’t raise his head.

Gabri made his way to the table and stood in the aisle, his dark eyes trained on April. “Are you okay? You ran away last night and—”

“I’m so sorry,” April said. “I’m really embarrassed. I acted so babyish, I know. But I’m just terrified of bats.” She pushed Matt to get him to move closer to the wall and scooted over, gesturing for Gabri to squeeze in.

Gabri was dressed in baggy gray shorts and a white polo shirt. His dark eyes lit with pleasure at April’s invitation, and he flashed her a warm smile as he slid in beside her.

“This is Matt, and Todd, and Jessica,” she said, nodding in the direction of each. “Do you know Gabri?” she asked Jessica.

Jessica shook her head. “No,” she said, her hand resting possessively on Todd’s shoulder. “Are you a townie?”

“Yes,” Gabri told her. “I’ve lived here all my life.”

“Have some pizza,” Matt said, pushing the tray toward Gabri.

“No. Thanks,” Gabri said, smiling warmly at Matt. “I just ate.”

“Gabri saved my life last night,” April gushed. “He was so brave.”

Gabri raised his hands modestly, as if fending off her compliments. “No. Really. Come on.”

“Tell us what happened,” Jessica urged, glancing at Gabri.

“Well, if Matt hadn’t been half an hour late, it wouldn’t have happened,” April said, giving Matt a sharp poke with her elbow. He made a disgusted face.

“Please—don’t keep us in suspense,” Jessica said, holding Todd’s hand, squeezing it.

April told them what had happened on the beach the night before. She could tell that Matt wasn’t enjoying the story at all. He’s jealous, she decided. Jealous of how Gabri rescued me. Maybe he’s even jealous that I was walking with Gabri on the beach at night.

“That’s so scary!” Jessica declared when April had finished. “I’m terrified of bats too!”

“Nothing to be afraid of, really,” Gabri said, leaning across the table toward Jessica. “Bats don’t really bite. That’s just myth.”

“They’re just so creepy,” Jessica exclaimed, holding on to Todd, making it hard for him to finish his pizza slice.

Gabri told them that in a way, he was envious of bats. He talked about how he’d always wanted to be able to fly. “It must be neat to have that freedom, to be able to spread your wings and soar,” he said.

He’s really good-looking, April thought. He has the greatest smile. She pulled another slice of pizza onto her plate. “Matt, could you pass the garlic powder, please?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said somewhat grumpily, obviously annoyed that April found Gabri so interesting.

She took the glass shaker from Matt and was about to sprinkle some garlic powder on her pizza—when to her surprise, Gabri grabbed her wrist.

“Please,” he said, immediately loosening his grip. “I’m sorry, April, but I just hate the smell of garlic. I think I’m allergic to it or something.” He let go of her, his expression embarrassed.

“No problem,” April said, reaching across Matt to set the garlic powder down at his end of the table. She turned to Gabri with a puzzled pout. “I’ve never heard of anyone being allergic to garlic.”

He shrugged. “It’s no big deal.”

“I’m allergic to garlic too,” Matt interrupted, tapping April’s shoulder to get her attention. “Especially when it’s on your breath.”

Everyone laughed except Jessica.

“It’s so hot in here,” she said, fanning herself with her hand. She lowered her face to Todd’s. “Are you finished? I’d love to take a walk on the beach to cool off.”

Todd nodded and hurriedly swallowed his last bite of pizza. “Yeah. Okay. Let’s go. Anyone else want to come?”

Annoyance briefly crossed Jessica’s face. She stood up, tossing back her long hair, pulling down the hems of her magenta short shorts.

April saw Matt’s eyes bulge.

Okay, okay, she thought. So Jessica is gorgeous.

She gave him a sharp jab in the ribs. “Don’t drool on your pizza.”

“Huh?” He pretended he didn’t know what she was talking about.

“Catch you later,” Todd said happily, allowing Jessica to pull him to the door.

“Yeah. Later,” Matt repeated, still staring at Jessica’s long, slender legs.

“Nice to meet you,” Gabri called after them.

But Todd and Jessica were already out the door.

• • • • •

“I like your friends,” Jessica said, holding on to Todd’s arm as they made their way along the shore.

It was a warm, clear night. The low moon surrounded by twinkling stars made the sand glimmer. The beach surface was cream-colored, furrowed by shifting blue shadows.

“It’s so crowded tonight. Not like last night,” Todd said.

Enjoying the warm night, people swarmed over the beach—couples, groups, strollers, joggers, little kids out past their bedtime, collecting shells in the bright moonlight.

Jessica kicked off her sandals and pulled Todd toward the water.

Green-purple waves leapt to the shore, then flattened out with a gentle whoosh, rolling up the sand, puddling at their feet.

“Where are you going?” he asked, pulling back.

“How about a swim?” She gazed at him enticingly, her bare shoulders gleaming like ivory. She tugged him gently back toward the water.

“No way,” he said, shaking his head.

She pressed her lips into a dark pout. “Don’t you want to swim with me?” Her expression turned mischievous. “You don’t need a swimsuit.”

He laughed. “It’s not that. It’s the undertow.”

“Oh,” she said, her eyes narrowing, her expression still playful, still tugging him by the hand. “You mean you’re chicken?”

“Yeah. That’s it,” he confessed. “I’m chicken. I mean, I’m not really that good a swimmer.”

“Sure you are,” she whispered, the wind catching her hair, sending it soaring behind her.

“No. Really. I’m not,” he insisted. “And I hear the undertow on the beach at night is unbelievable.” Watching her face fill with disappointment, he quickly added, “Besides, I just like walking with you.”

He’s getting over his shyness, Jessica thought, pleased with herself, with the way things were going.

He hasn’t much personality, but he’s kind of sweet.

The nectar is sweet, that is. Very sweet.

Her thirst suddenly became overwhelming.

“Let’s walk on the dunes,” she said breathlessly, squeezing his hand. “It’s too crowded down by the shore.”

He agreed without hesitating and, putting an arm around her bare waist, led her up the sand, the rhythmic, regular wash of the waves following behind them as they half walked, half skipped.

Soon they were alone in the soft valley between two mounds of sand, walking barefoot in the tall grass. Breathless and eager for each other.

Jessica kissed his lips first, her eyes burning into his. Then, her lips quivering in anticipation, she felt her fangs descend as she lowered her mouth to his neck.

She closed her eyes dreamily and was about to bite when the scream rang out.

“Help me! Somebody—please help!”

A girl’s scream. So shrill. So terrified.

So near.

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 642