Chance Of Rain Read Online Free PDF Page B

nothing in particular. Every now and then, I shook my head and said, “Uh-huh.”
How could you do this to me, Bri?
    When we got to the theater, Blake rushed to get the car door for me, but I was too quick.
    As we walked to the entrance, I got a wolf whistle from someone driving by. I guess I’d put a little more effort into getting ready than I’d thought. I laughed to myself when I noticed Blake’s chest puff up with pride a little, as if he were saying, “Yeah. She’s with me.”
    Before clocking in, I went to the restroom. As I washed my hands, I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was swooped up in a loose bun; a few long ringlets escaped here and there. I was wearing a strand of pearls and a crisp, long-sleeve white shirt that was cinched at the waist. I had it neatly tucked into a fitted black skirt that stopped just above my knees. I decided to wear my shoes a little higher tonight and my eyeliner a little darker.
Maybe I’ll get some good tips
, I thought with a chuckle.
    I made my way to the Star-Lite Café, a tiny coffee shop in the theater lobby. Patrons could grab a bite while waiting for their movie to start. My job was pretty easy; I handled the cash and was the hostess. I greeted everyone who came in and seated them with menus. When it got crazy, I took an order or two to help out, which was OK with me, because that was when I make my tips.
    “Dang. Lookin’ good, Devoe.” I looked up from the hostess podium to see Danny, who helped in the kitchen. He had shaggy blond hair and reminded me of a surfer. I
used
to have a little crush on him. It figured he’d notice me now.
    Before I knew it, I was swamped with customers and wishing just a little that I’d worn my shorter heels.

    Every time my phone vibrated, I got excited, hoping it was Bri with a juicy detail about her date. It was always my mom, though, checking up on me. Guess she found her charger.
    I looked at the time and saw that it was almost ten.
Closing time! Yes!
That was the great thing about being busy—the night flew by.
    “Excuse me, miss.”
    What now?
    “Can I get a cup of coffee?”
    I quickly finished stacking the menus and looked up to see
him
leaning over my podium, smiling at me. My entire face smiled. I couldn’t help it; I was so happy to see him.
    “Trent!”
    “Hard at work, I see,” he said with a grin.
    “Yeah.”
    Crooked nose, crooked grin. Who was I kidding? I was attracted to him. I felt a strong urge to reach out and run my fingers through his disheveled hair. He had on jeans and a T-shirt, but he was also wearing a dark jacket that made him seen bulkier through his shoulders.
    “I’m afraid you’ll have to get your coffee to go.” I pouted. “We’re about to close.”
    “Ash,
we
need to get ready to go
now
,” Blake said, glaring at Trent.
    I jumped. Blake had a way of sneaking up and startling me sometimes. My smile vanished. I’d forgotten I’d gotten a ride with him.
    “Hey, Blake,” I said, trying to sound as friendly as I could. “This is Trent. Trent this is my
friend
, Blake.” They shook hands but didn’t smile. I felt the testosterone in the air.
    “Let me grab him a coffee first,” I told Blake. Then I turned to Trent. “Blake’s my ride home. My friend Bri, who usually gives me a ride, is off tonight,” I said almost apologetically. I tried to smile. “I’ll just be a second.” I turned to Blake. “Then we can go.” I headed toward the kitchen.
    “Hold up, Ashley,” Trent said. “I’ll take you home, and we can get a coffee somewhere else.”
    Yes!
I didn’t want to hurt Blake’s feelings, but I wanted to go with Trent so much that it hurt.
    “Oh, thanks, Trent. That would be great,” I tried to say coolly. “Now Blake won’t have to go out of his way.” I attempted to play it off like Trent was doing Blake a huge favor. “I’ll see you Monday at school then, Blake. Thanks again.”
    Blake seethed as he looked at Trent. Then he turned to me with hurt in his