One Tiny Secret - By Adam Kunz Page 0,5

knows how to push my buttons.

“Hey, I meant to tell you earlier, but I really like your hair cut like that,” he comments, folding down the corner of the paper so he can look at me. “I know your mom loves when it’s long, but that style suits you. And I don’t care what anyone says. You don’t look like a boy.”

“Dad!” I reply, feeling a little self-conscious as I run my fingers through my short wavy blonde hair.

“Just kidding. In all seriousness, I do like it.”

“Thanks, but you know my hair’s been this way for more than a week now, right?”

“I know. Like I said, I’ve been meaning to tell you. And I also see you’re still wearing those earrings.”

“I can take them off if you don’t like them,” I say softly.

“No…keep them on. I like them. ’Tis the season anyway, right?” he replies with a half-smile.

My phone vibrates on the table and I check it to see a text message from Rory asking if he needs to pick me up. The next message that follows is from him as well, saying that he’s already outside. I giggle to myself because HURRY UP is in all caps.

“Do you need a ride to school?” my dad asks, interrupting my musings.

“As much as I’d love to be chauffeured in that wonderful sheriff’s car of yours—which, by the way, draws no attention whatsoever—I’m going to have to pass. Besides, Rory’s already outside waiting.”

I scarf down the rest of the food on my plate and go to take a sip of the coffee. I have to stop because it’s so freakin’ strong. I practically spit it out the moment it touches my lips. Even though I added a ton of creamer and sugar, it still isn’t enough to take away the intense coffee flavor.

“Damn, Dad. What did you put in this?”

“Like I said, I had a rough night. It might just be a tad stronger than usual.”

I laugh. “Just a tad?”

My phone goes off again and that’s my cue to leave. I give my dad a quick peck on the cheek and head for the foyer.

“Have a great day. Make good choices,” I hear him say as I fling open the front door.

“Will do,” I reply before leaving the house.

Rory is standing by the passenger side of his car with the door open, motioning for me to get in. He has his “butch” black-and-purple lumberjack flannel on with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of black denim jeans. The purple Converse shoes add the final touch. I can’t really knock the guy’s style because I’m sure if he wasn’t gay, he’d be quite the chick magnet. His swimmer’s bod would definitely help. I’ve lost count of how many girls have asked me if I’m sure he bats for the other team.

“Will you hurry your ass up? Your chariot’s waiting,” he jokes, exaggeratedly gesturing to the open door.

“Such a gentleman you are,” I reply, pinching his left cheek and then tapping it before settling into the car.

“I try,” I hear him say as he closes the door.

I notice that a certain someone isn’t in the back seat. “Hey, where’s Alex?”

“She said she wasn’t feeling up to school today,” he chuckles. “She did give me this to give back to you, though.”

Rory hands me my Algebra notebook and I send him a questioning look. “Let me guess…she got drunk last night during band rehearsal and didn’t have time to copy my homework. She’s hung over, isn’t she?”

“Maybe,” he replies.

“I swear. That girl’s something else.”

“What do you expect? She’s the pastor’s daughter. She’s got ‘wild child’ blood coursing through her veins,” he says, putting the car in drive and pulling away from my house.

There’s always been one thing I’ve never been able to stand about high school: the sound of the damn tardy bell. I’m pretty sure there’s never been anything more annoying. Luckily, I have independent study first thing in the morning. I just ignore the bell altogether as I stroll in sipping my grande pumpkin spice latte. I had to succumb to buying my own cup after the travesty that was my dad’s brew earlier.

The sight of Gunnar Benson running down the hall toward me catches my attention. A lot of girls would probably freeze up at the sight of him, but not me. I just continue sipping my coffee while taking in the show. Sure, he’s the complete package, but I like my guys to be a little rougher around the edges.