Unraveling (Second Chances) - By Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,43
at home. Mi casa es su casa.”
I pulled out the chair across from him.
“I really hope you know what you’re getting into, taking Karlie shopping. She never goes, so when she gets the chance, she gets kind of crazy,” Jared grinned crookedly.
“I think I can handle it,” I said.
He took a sip of Mountain Dew. “I’m sure you can, you’re always so composed.”
Maybe on the outside, I wanted to say.
“Yeah, that’s me, cool as a cucumber,” I said, instead. Oh gosh, did I really just say that?
Jared chuckled. “You’re funny.”
“I wasn’t trying to be,” I said.
“Oh, I know,” he winked.
The sound of feet bounding down the steps had me turning around.
“Hey Katy! I’m ready! Thank you so much for taking me with you! I know you didn’t have to!” Karlie said as she appeared.
“Squirt,” Jared interrupted her. “Pipe down, before you scare Katy away for good.”
“Sorry!” she blushed, grabbing a lightweight sweatshirt from the coat rack and pulling it on.
“Come here, Karls,” Jared said, standing and pulling out his wallet.
“No, Jared,” Karlie backed away. “You don’t need to give me any money.”
Jared rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry about it, Karlie. I want you to get some nice things. You never get to go shopping. Take it,” he held out the wad of bills.”
“No, Jared, that’s your money,” she shook her head.
“Don’t argue with me Karlie Elizabeth, I mean it,” Jared growled, looking at his sternly.
“Fine,” she took the money from him. She counted out the bills and her eyes widened. “Seriously, Jared, I can’t take all of this!”
“Yes, you can. Buy something nice,” he leaned against the pale orange painted wall.
“Really? Are you sure?” She looked up at him.
“I wouldn’t offer it, if I wasn’t,” he grinned.
“You’re the best big brother ever!” Karlie stretched up to her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome, squirt,” he said, as she ran out the door.
We heard a squeal and then, “Oh my God! Katy! Is this your car?”
Jared chuckled and rubbed his face. “Despite her girlyness, Karlie is way more into cars than I am.”
“I can tell,” I said.
“What time do you think ya’ll will be back?” he asked.
“Um… probably after dinner. I think Piper wants to eat at some restaurant in the mall.”
“Okay,” he said, “just don’t stay out too late. It’s a school night for Karlie and she needs to go to bed.”
“Don’t worry, Jared, I’ll have her home at a reasonable time,” I laughed.
“Sorry,” he blushed, “I worry about her like I’m her dad.”
“It’s okay,” I assured him.
“Thank you for doing this, Katy,” he said, warmly, reaching out as if to touch my cheek. He let his hand drop to his side, sadness filling his eyes. It hurt to know that my reluctance was what put it there.
“Really, Jared, I’m happy to do it. Karlie is awesome,” I smiled, trying to ignore what I saw in his eyes.
“Katy!” we heard Karlie yell.
“I guess that’s my cue to get my butt out of here,” I told him.
“Be careful,” he said. “I’ll see you later.”
~***~
“This is seriously, the coolest car, ever!” Karlie’s voice spiked a couple of notches. “It’s like a spaceship!” She petted the dashboard.
“Thanks, it was a gift from my mom. I would’ve been happy with something less extravagant,” I mumbled, shrugging my shoulders.
“What!? No!” She gasped. “I’d die and go to heaven if this was my car. It’s beautiful,” she rubbed the leather seat.
“It’s definitely nice, I’m not complaining,” I smiled over at her and turned into the mall parking lot.
It took fifteen minutes to finally find an empty parking spot in one of the garages. Any mall was packed on the weekends, but in a college town it was a hundred times worse.
I called Piper and she said she was in Macy’s so Karlie and I headed in that direction.
Karlie was in awe by everything we passed, and I felt sorry for her. She was in more need of girl time than me.
“Oooh! Oooh! Katy! Look at this jacket! It’s so pretty!” she was stopped, gaping at one of the various mannequins stationed throughout the department store.
“That would look great on you,” I told her, honestly. It was a yellow, hooded Anorak jacket.
“You think? You don’t think the yellow would clash with my hair?” Karlie asked.
“Not at all,” I fingered the soft fabric. “You should try it on.”
“Okay!” she turned and began scanning the rack next to the mannequin for a jacket in her size.
We were supposed to meet Piper in the fragrance department, but at