Ashlee's Rival Love Read online

  He grabbed my arm and twirled me around. “You can’t. If you walk away they’ll know we were arguing. Just smile and keep moving.”

  Reluctantly, I began to sway with the beat. The kids continued to stare.

  “That’s better,” Tanner said. “We still have more work to do.”

  “What sort of work?”

  “I told you.” He moved closer to me. “They need to see a Westie and Carlie dance together. It will break the ice.”

  He had asked me to dance because he wanted to prove something, not because he wanted to dance with me. It shouldn’t have bothered me, but it did. “There are plenty of Carlton girls who would love to help you.”

  “Maybe, but they’re not the school’s co-president. We’re supposed to set the right example. Everyone watches what we do.”

  He made a good point. It was worth a try, even though I hated to admit it. “Okay. But it’s just for the school.”

  His jaw hardened. “Of course. Why else would you dance with me?”

  I became aware of the music echoing through the gym. It was a rock number and Tanner began to dance like he had written the song. I made an attempt to join him, but all I could do was bounce like a jumping jack.

  He smiled as if he knew what I was thinking and took my hands. His grasp was firm and reassuring. “You’re a good dancer, Ashlee. Show them what a Carlie can do.”

  Sometimes Tanner could be sweet and supportive. I concentrated on the beat and started to relax. Tanner danced differently than Carlton boys. I had a hard time figuring out what he was going to do next. He seemed to sense my dilemma and slowed his pace until I was able to follow him. “Are you ready for some real dancing?” Tanner asked.

  I nodded and he twirled me around so fast I almost lost my balance. We both laughed and he flung me away from him again. This time I was ready and gracefully made the turn.

  “I told you that you were good.”

  “Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself.” I scanned the gym quickly. The kids watched us with unfriendly eyes. “I don’t think this is having the effect you were hoping for.”

  Tanner clenched his jaw. “They just need to get used to us.”

  “I hope you’re right,” I said. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Jake striding across the gym toward Sarah. He stopped and said something to her. Then he took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. What had made him change his mind and ask her to dance? It didn’t matter. Sarah’s smile covered half of her face. She followed Jake like a lost puppy. “I’m glad Jake asked Sarah to dance.”

  “Yeah. I can always count on him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Jake saw no one was going to join us, so he decided to help out. Sarah’s a good choice. She’s a Carlie and his co-president.”

  “Maybe he asked Sarah because he wanted to.”

  “I’m sure he did. She’s a nice girl, but she’s not his type.”

  “Jake is lucky Sarah agreed to dance with him.” My voice rose. “And what do you mean she’s not his type?”

  “Hey, don’t get angry. I like Sarah. They make a great couple. But he’s sworn off red heads. Now he goes for tall blondes, sort of like you.”

  “Like me?”

  “Yeah,” he grinned. “Only he doesn’t like to argue so you’re not his type either.”

  Jake and Sarah circled around us, completely absorbed with each other.

  Tanner was wrong. Jake could have asked any girl to dance, yet he’d asked Sarah. “Jake looks like he’s enjoying himself. I think you’d better remind him she’s not his type.”

  Tanner chuckled. “Okay, maybe this time I was wrong.”

  “You wrong? I didn’t think that was possible,”

  He bent his head back and laughed. “I’ve admitted that sometimes I am.” He glanced behind me. “Look who’s joined us.”

  I peered over my shoulder. Sam and Gina were behind us. He was showing her one of the popular Carlton steps.

  The music changed and another song blared across the gym. I was glad it was another rock number. It would have been weird slow dancing to a romantic song with Tanner. Other council members drifted onto the floor. Some Westie’s and Carlies danced separately in a corner. The only mixed couples were from the council.

  Tiffany left the group she was with and strolled over to Ben Stark, a Carlton boy, and asked him to dance. He nodded and escorted her onto the floor.

  Even though the music filled the room, there was a hush around the gym. Everyone stared at Tiffany and Ben. They were the first mixed couple to dance who weren’t both council members. At least Ben wasn’t.

  Tanner squeezed my hand. “Isn’t she wonderful?”

  Tiffany glowed with the attention she received. Some of the council members gave her a thumbs-up sign.

  Little by little the Westie and Carlton kids began to dance together.

  Tiffany had done what I had tried to do all night, and failed. I wouldn’t have minded if anyone else had succeeded. She whirled by me, a triumphant expression on her face.

  I had to try to be a good loser. “I know you’re proud of her. She did what we failed to do.”

  Tanner gave me a long look. “We didn’t fail. We wanted to get the kids to dance and we did.”

  “Tiffany was the one to get the schools to mix with each other.”

  “Yes, but we were the first ones to dance together, and it was hard. It wasn’t that the kids wouldn’t mix. No one wanted to be the first couple to do it. No one likes to be first.” Tanner’s expression softened. “But I knew I could count on you.”

  I searched his face. His eyes were sincere.

  “What’s more, I enjoyed dancing with you.” He grinned mischievously. “Except for the little argument. But what can you expect from a girl who gets caught in her locker the first day of school?”

  I had to smile at that. We were actually getting along and it was great. “Thanks for making me feel better. I enjoyed dancing with you too.”

  “This proves that we can be friends.”

  “Yes, it does.” I pulled away from Tanner. I sensed he wanted to be with Tiffany but he didn’t want to be rude and leave me. “Since we’ve made our point, and we’re not arguing right now,” I grinned, “it might be a good idea for us to separate.”

  He smiled. “You’re right. It will be the first time we’ve parted on friendly terms.” He squeezed my hand and quickly made his way to Tiffany.

  I strolled over to the punch bowl and watched the couples on the floor. Most of the mixed couples eyed each other warily without saying a word. Still, they danced together.

  Tanner was right. We were the first ones to dance together. But no one would remember that. On Monday morning everyone would say Tiffany had saved the dance.

  Chapter Five

  I rang the doorbell to Tanner’s house and refolded the volunteer list I had in my hands. I was anxious to go to Chancy’s to meet Sarah. I could almost taste their chocolate shakes. However, I had promised Principal DeGraff I would drop off the list to Tanner.

  I rang the bell again and this time a little girl with dark pigtails and hazel eyes opened the door. She had to be Tanner’s sister. “Hi, I’m Ashlee Stone. Is Tanner here?” I asked.

  She smiled a toothless grin and opened the door wider. “Yeth, ya wanna come in?”

  “Thanks. What’s your name?” I asked.

  “Amy.” She spun around and dashed down the hallway. “I’ll geth Thanner.”

  I chuckled, and glanced around, admiring what I could see of his house. On one side of me was a curved staircase. On the other side was an antique coat hanger with an oval shaped mirror. A swag of dried lavender and wild roses formed an arch over the top of the doorway.

  “Hereth Thanner.” Amy skipped towards me, pulling Tanner behind her. “I know Athlee.”

  It was strange to see him in his house. I had only seen him at school and wasn’t sure how to act. I didn’t know if I should hand him the papers and run, or hang out for a
while.

  “Hi Tanner, I just stopped by for a minute.”

  A flicker of surprise flashed across Tanner’s face. “Ashlee,” he motioned me to follow him. “Come on in.”

  Amy clapped her hands and giggled. “I talked to Athlee,” she said, scampering down the hall.

  “Amy seems happy to meet you.”

  I followed Tanner into the family room. “She’s cute. I didn’t know you had a sister.” Our heels clicked against the polished hardwood floor. The room reminded me of a spring garden with its pastel colors and potted plants.

  “Yeah, she’s the only one I have.” He grinned. “And sometimes she’s more than enough.”

  “You’re lucky. I’ve always wanted a sister. Sometimes it’s hard to be an only child.”

  Tanner studied me for a minute. “I’ll bet you’d make a great sister. But being an only child has made you a good leader.”

  I surprised myself by telling him how I felt about being an only child. It usually made me uncomfortable to talk about anything personal. Although he was being nice and he had paid me a compliment. “Thanks. You were missed at the council meeting. How was the field trip?”

  “I wish we would have gotten back in time. It was cool. We got to see the old mines and samples of the ore they took out.”

  “I’ve only been there once, but I enjoyed it.” A familiar tune filled the room. It was Magenta playing their newest hit. “This is my favorite band.”

  Tanner motioned for me to sit down. “Yeah, mine too. I have her album on my smart phone.”

  He surprised me. Magenta was an all female group. A lot of guys wouldn’t listen to them. “I went to one of their concerts last year. It was great.”

  “Was that the one in Denver?” he asked.

  “Yeah, it was last fall.”

  “Tiffany and I went to it. She’s a real fan now, but she never used to be. I sort of got her excited about them.”

  “Magenta’s a cool group.”

  “You and Tiffany have a lot in common,” Tanner said.

  I hoped not. I didn’t want to be anything like her. Since she had danced with Ben a week ago, she had been the talk of the school and every time I had passed her in the halls she had raised her nose in the air and walked past me without even saying hello. “She’s become a celebrity this past week.”

  “Yeah, but it hasn’t gone to her head. When kids congratulate her she says it was you and I that saved the dance. That’s just like her. Always thinking of someone else.”

  It was amazing how Tiffany could fool Tanner. A week ago I overheard her say if she were his co-president, the school would be united. She added, that poor little Ashlee did try, but she didn’t have the ability to be a leader.

  I shrugged and handed him the paper. “Principal DeGraff asked me to bring this list over. It’s the volunteer sheet for the council members. That’s what we discussed at the meeting today. She wanted you to have a copy.”

  Tanner scanned the list. “It looks like everyone’s willing to help this year. Did the meeting go well?”

  I nodded. “We are all more comfortable around each other and we got a lot done.” We talked a while longer then I glanced at my watch. “I’d like to keep talking with you but I have to go. Sarah is waiting for me at Chancy’s.”

  “Are you sure you can’t stay and have something to drink? We could listen to the rest of Magenta.”

  I shook my head. “Thanks, but I’m late already.”

  Amy ran into the entryway and pulled on Tanners arm. “Thath’s Athlee. Thee wanna thalk with you.”

  Tanner patted her head. “Yes, I know. We’ve already talked.” He opened the door. ”Thanks for dropping this off.” He paused. “Do you realize we’ve been together fifteen minutes and we haven’t argued?”

  I chuckled. “Then, I better leave before we start world war three.” I hurried out to the car and jumped in. We were learning how to get along and be friends, but I was still confused about him. I wasn’t sure how I felt. He was nice but we were so different, and I still didn’t trust him. He had had all summer to return my calls and he hadn’t. I sighed and turned into Chancy’s parking lot. Tanner was just my co-president. There wasn’t another way to describe him.

  Chancy’s boomed with activity. From the doorway I was greeted with the fragrant smell of hamburgers and french fries sizzling in the kitchen. Sarah waved to me from the back of the room. She was absolutely beaming. I rushed to the booth and slid in.

  She pushed a chocolate shake toward me. “Here, I ordered for you.”

  I sampled the whipped cream on top. “Thanks, what are you so happy about?”

  She clasped her hands together and gazed at the ceiling. “I think I’m in love. He asked me. He really asked me.”

  “You must be talking about Jake. What did he ask you?”

  “Yeah, Jake stopped to say hello and the next thing I knew he told me about Melanie. He admitted he was afraid to get involved with me. But he was jealous when I danced with other guys last week. He knew then that he couldn’t ignore me any longer.”

  “I’m so happy for you. You both looked great dancing together. He’s a nice guy.”

  “He’s wonderful. He apologized for being so rude. Then he asked me out tonight. We’re going to a movie.”

  “That’s great. You must be so excited. Have you thought about what you’re going to wear?”

  “No. Can you stop by my house and help me pick something out?”

  “Sure. You can borrow my new blue sweater if you want.”

  “I’d like to, but aren’t you going to wear it tonight? I thought Eric Sandler asked you out.”

  “He did, but I couldn’t go. I’m behind on my homework. I have two papers due on Monday and a biology test to study for.” I sampled one of her french fries. “I’m glad Jake has come to his senses and asked you for a date.”

  She giggled. “That isn’t all he asked me. I haven’t told you the best part.”

  “Don’t keep me in suspense. Tell me.”

  She crossed her arms and hugged herself. “He asked me to the Fall Frolic. It’s not until November but he said he was afraid another guy would ask me.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s not like they are beating down my door, but I’ll let him think what he wants.”

  I had heard about the Frolic. It was the biggest formal dance of the year. “That’s great. He really likes you. And I can understand why he’s worried. You’ve had a date every weekend since school started.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “You have too. You went out with Tim, then last Saturday you went to that party with Rob Miller.”

  “Yeah, Rob is nice and the party was fun but I didn’t know anyone there. I was the only Carlie and it took a while to get to know everyone. They mostly talked about how great Tiffany had been at the dance.”

  “I’m glad she danced with Ben, but you and Tanner did the hardest part. It’s helped too. I’ve seen some Westie’s and Carlie’s talking in the halls.” She paused. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you. When you and Tanner were dancing you looked like you were enjoying each other a lot more than co-presidents should.”

  I slammed my glass down, spilling some of chocolate on the table. “What are you talking about? We were barely able to tolerate each other.”

  She grinned. “It didn’t look like that to me. Jake and I danced close to you after Tiffany asked Ben to dance. You were staring at Tanner like you were ready to kiss him.”

  I swallowed hard. It was the last thing on my mind. “Get real. I was just grateful. I felt like we had failed. But he told me that we didn’t. We were the first mixed couple to dance.”

  She raised her brows. “I guess I was wrong.”

  I didn’t like the way this was going. “Why are you saying this? You know how I feel about Tanner.”

  Sarah’s expression grew serious. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “It’s okay. Tanner said he enjoyed dancing with me. But he was just
trying to cheer me up. Besides, we had that argument on the dance floor.”

  Sarah gave me a skeptical glance. “No one realized that’s what you were doing. Everyone thought he was teaching you a new dance step.”

  I took a long sip of my shake and set it aside. “We better go.” I slid out of the booth. “You have to get ready for your date. And I want to hear more details about Jake.”

  The morning sun danced through the canopy coverlet above my bed. I stretched lazily and stared at the pink fabric. I wondered how Sarah’s date with Jake had gone. The phone rang, cutting into the silence. It was probably Sarah. I turned over and picked up the receiver.

  “Hello.”

  “Ashlee? This is Tanner.”

  I sat up in the bed. “Hi, Tanner. What are you doing calling me?” I slapped myself on the forehead. That sounded so stupid.

  He chuckled. “I need to talk to you. Can I come over?”

  “Sure. When do you want to come?”

  “I can be there in thirty minutes.”

  “Okay. See you then.”

  After he clicked off I listened to the buzz and stared at the phone in a daze. What did he want to talk about? Whatever it was, I didn’t have time to think about it. He was coming in half an hour and I had to take a shower and get dressed. I jumped out of bed, grabbed a towel, and ran to the bathroom. Ten minutes later I blow dried my hair with one hand, and brushed on some blush and mascara with the other. Then I slipped into my favorite jeans and denim shirt.

  “Ashlee, breakfast is ready.” Mom’s voice drifted up the stairs.

  Breakfast, I had forgotten about it. I didn’t want to eat anything, but Mom would insist. My stomach had been doing somersaults since Tanner called.

  Reluctantly, I headed down the stairs.

  Mom placed a platter of blueberry muffins and scrambled eggs on the table. Dad set the newspaper down beside his coffee.

  “Mom, I’m really not hungry,” I said pulling out a chair. I remembered the time I fell off the chair while talking to Tanner on the phone, and grinned.

  “Nonsense, you can eat a muffin.” Mom handed me the platter. “You look happy today,” she said. “What do you have planned?”