“Is Raven like that? Is she one of those girls? Is that why you broke up?” the questions fire rapidly from my mouth like a damn machine gun.
“I don’t want to talk about Raven with you.” He turns the radio up loudly and a tear stings at the corner of my eye. It shouldn’t bother me but it does. I thought we were becoming friends. Maybe I pushed too hard too fast, but I can’t help but wonder what the deal is with them. They act like a couple but not.
We reach town and still have a half hour until we pick up Khloe. My stomach rumbles and Kai laughs at me. We both agree on the Dairy Bar for a burger and milkshake. I go through the drive thru; Kai does not need to be seen in public right now.
I pull in at the park near Khloe’s daycare. It’s cool out but if we sit in the sun, it won’t be so bad. Kai and I settle at a
picnic table and I eat quietly. Kai on the other hand is quite entertaining. He bites into his burger and a guttural groan rips from his throat. I have to choke back my laughter. He devours his burger and half of mine. I was afraid to tell him no, he was eating like a beast.
Kai checks his watch, takes cologne from the glove box of his car, and sprays himself. “Sniff me,” he orders me.
I step in close to him; the top of my head reaches the middle of his neck. Inhaling deeply, I feel intoxicated by the smell of him. “You’re good.” I step away quickly. Then I add, “But you need this. I forgot I had it.” I produce Visine from my purse and tuck it in his waiting hand.
After convincing me that he is fine to drive, I give his keys over and we pick up Khloe.
When she sees that I am in the car, she starts jumping and clapping. Kai has to tell her to sit down three times so he can strap her in her car seat. “Pway Khloe music Kai!” She shrieks once we are on the road.
Kai groans but does as his little sister wishes, turning on what I call bubblegum pop music. I look back and see her trying to sing, it is so cute. Her feet are kicking the back of my seat softly, tapping to the beat of the music.
~**~
The rest of the week and the next Kai and I have fallen into an easy routine of him picking me up before school and driving me home when he is able. We have even hung out on one of my off nights. He said he needed help with his History paper. He even met Mrs. Jennings. She said, “Now that boy is a looker.”
I have started taking care of Percy for her, she had a bad fall a few days ago and she is in the hospital. She may need a hip replacement. I wanted to go visit her but I haven’t had a chance to.
I am watching Khloe again this evening. I can’t help but feel like Kai and I are getting closer.
His mom is great. She is always asking me about school and trying to get to know me better. When she asks me about my mom, I always change the subject or avoid the topic all together.
Kelli left me detailed instructions for Khloe’s schedule this week. I have fixed her an after school snack. She is eating grapes and yogurt while watching The Disney Channel. Her dinner is already in the refrigerator I only have to warm it up and there is a plate for me too. Kai left soon after we arrived. I don’t know where he went, it really isn’t any of my business.
Khloe and I spend most of the evening coloring and building with Legos. It feels strange being here in this huge house just the two of us. After having dinner with Khloe I give her a bath and read to her until she falls asleep. I still have another hour or so until I can go home. Now I am bored and lonely.
Leaving Khloe’s door cracked I start down the hall and wonder where Kai’s room is. I could take a quick peek. I quickly decide against snooping when I hear someone banging around in the kitchen. Going downstairs expecting to see Kai, I am startled by his older brother—Kirk.
Chapter 11
Seeing Kirk Cooper is almost like looking at Kai minus the heart stopping dimples. Kirk has short-cropped sandy brown hair. His build is slightly thicker being he is older. He looks me over and grins widely. “Who are you?”
“I’m the babysitter for Khloe.”
“So you’re Katie?” He asks putting his hot wings into the oven.
“Yeah that’s me,” I answer timidly. I wasn’t aware he still lived at home.
“Are you dating my little brother?” He emphasizes the word little.
“No.”
He walks over to where I am standing awkwardly by the bottom of the stairs. “Good, you can keep me company until my food is ready.” I go over to the counter and take a seat as I watch in disgust as he chugs the milk from the carton. It is running down his cheek. Then he burps, loudly. Gross.
“How old are you?”
“Seventeen.”
“Damn, always too young for me. When you turn eighteen, I could take you out sometime.” He smiles over his shoulder at me and winks, checking on his food.
“A watched pot never cooks ya know,” I tease him.