Unraveling (Second Chances) - By Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,38

at Holden’s behavior. He whispered something in Karlie’s ear, before kissing her cheek. She blushed and looked at the ground.

“Can we go now?” Holden grumbled.

“Yeah,” Jared said. “Karls, where do you want to eat? This is your special day and all.”

Karlie exclaimed, “Fuddruckers!”

Jared chuckled. “Are you sure that’s where you want to go?” he teased.

“Yeeeees! I haven’t been able to eat a cheeseburger in months, thanks to ballet! Tonight, I will indulge myself,” Karlie did a little twirl as she spoke.

“Whatever you want, squirt,” Jared said. “Are you riding back with me or mom and dad?”

“Actually,” she bit her lip, “I was hoping to ride with Holden.”

“Me?” Holden pointed to himself.

“Yes, you,” Karlie narrowed her eyes.

“Oh, um, sure, if that’s okay with you guys?” he looked at Jared, Patsy, and Dan for approval.

“That’s fine,” Dan said. “Let’s just get a move on, I’m starved.”

We all went our separate ways in the parking lot.

“I really like your sister,” I told Jared as we followed the line of cars out of the parking lot.

He chuckled. “When you’re not running away from her?”

I paled. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it.”

“I know, Katy,” he said, softly, “and that’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. I shouldn’t have run away like that. I’m sure she thinks I’m weird.”

“Katy, you’re not weird and Karlie would never think that. She understands,” he said.

“Good,” I said, “I really don’t want to burn that bridge before it’s even been built.”

Jared chuckled. “Despite your awkwardness, I don’t doubt that anyone could not like you.”

My jaw dropped.

“What?” he asked with a chuckle as he glanced at me.

“You called me awkward,” I crossed my arms over my chest.

His chuckle turned into a full on laugh. “Because it’s true, kitten,” he said. “But you’re the most adorable kind of awkward and I love it.”

Love.

Jared loved that I was awkward.

If he loved that I was awkward, what else did he love about me.

“Stop freaking out, Katy,” he said.

“How’d you-”

“I just know things,” he winked, a grin tugging his lips up at the corners.

~***~

“Oh my gosh!” Karlie moaned. “Nothing has ever tasted this good before,” she bit into her burger again.

Jared chuckled. “I’m glad, squirt.”

“All I’ve had for months is salad and water,” she slurped her Dr. Pepper. “This is like heaven.”

“Why don’t you quit ballet?” Holden grumbled, picking apart his own burger.

“Why don’t you quit MMA?” Karlie narrowed her eyes.

“Because, it’s my passion,” Holden replied, putting his burger back together.

“Well, did you ever think that maybe ballet is my passion? Sometimes,” she took a deep breath, “you have to suffer for the things you love.”

“Whatever,” Holden stared down at his plate of food. “I’m not very hungry.”

“Dude,” Jared snapped at his friend, draping his arm across the back of the booth. His hand dangled dangerously close to my shoulder and I held my breath. “What is your problem tonight? And you’re always hungry.”

“Not tonight,” he said. “And I don’t have a problem.”

“Clearly, you do. If you’re going to ruin Karlie’s night, just leave,” Jared growled, pointing to the door.

“Fine, I will,” Holden threw down his napkin and stood. He grabbed his wallet and pulled out a wad of bills before slapping them down on the table and walking away.

I looked across the table at Karlie and saw her lower lip trembling. “I’m not very hungry anymore,” she said, pushing her plate away.

“Karlie,” Jared said, sympathetically. “Holden is an asshole.”

“Jared!” Patsy gasped. “Language, we’re in a restaurant.”

“He’s your friend,” Karlie said, “Maybe you should make better ones.”

Jared ran his fingers through his hair. “I honestly don’t know what’s up with him.”

“He’s just a jerk, always has been,” Karlie grumbled, gnawing on a fry.

“Just don’t let him ruin your night,” I spoke up. “This is about you, not him.”

“You’re right,” Karlie smiled, picking up her burger again. She took a bite and set it down. Pointing at Jared, she said, “Just make sure you give him a black eye when you train with him Monday.”

Jared chuckled. “Sure thing, squirt.”

“Good,” she smiled. “So Katy, are you coming to Jared’s fight, tomorrow?”

Jared grumbled beside me. “Karlie,” he said, warningly.

“Fight?” I questioned.

“He has a match tomorrow,” Karlie informed me.

“Oh,” I said.

“Karlie, Katy’s not into that scene,” Jared said.

“No, no,” I interrupted, “I’d like to go.”

“Really?” Jared looked at me, shocked.

“Yeah,” I shrugged, “it’s your job. I’d like to see what it’s all about.”

“Okay,” Jared smiled. “I’d like for you to be there.”

“Then I will be,” I beamed.

16

I HAD TEXT PIPER, LAST NIGHT, before I went to bed to tell her we’d have