Derailed by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page B

off the drugs.
    For some reason, Jake and I never got along. He was only one year below us in school, and he was actually the same age as me. I was young for my grade. The animosity between us only got worse when Ben asked me out sophomore year. I think Jake was worried I’d take up all of Ben’s time—and he was partially right. We spent a lot of time together, but he also spent time with his band and his other friends.
    Lost in the nostalgia, I hadn’t realized how late it was getting. I had about fifteen minutes to get over to Kelly’s. Changing into a strapless sundress that had caught my eye during the unpacking process, I grabbed my keys and phone before heading out the door. I skipped past my car, opting to walk the few blocks, even if it meant being a little late. I hardly ever drove in the city and had grown used to walking most places.
    “Hey, you made it.” Kelly smiled as she opened the door.
    “Listen, I’m sorry about last night.”
    “It’s okay. Besides, we’ll be even after tonight.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Gavin’s out back with Tom.” She looked away, trying to stifle a laugh.
    “What? So this is some kind of set up?”
    “It’s all Tom’s idea. I already told you he’s convinced the two of you are perfect for each other, and the impression you made on Gavin doesn’t help.”
    “Impression?”
    “I told you he can’t stop talking about you.”
    I sighed. “Poor guy. That’s what happens when new girls only show up in town every five years.”
    She laughed. “He was going to call and ask you out, but Tom convinced him to wait and come here instead.”
    “Because Tom knew what my answer would be?”
    “Exactly.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Remind me again why you want to marry him?”
    “Very funny. He means well.” She pursed her lips.
    I laughed. “Fine, but I’ll be careful not to worry you again so he can’t guilt me into things.”
    “See, you learned an important lesson.”
    I laughed again lightly and finally took the time to look around.
    “I love your place. You’ve really made it your own.” She’d sprinkled the otherwise traditional kitchen with green accents anywhere she could, from the seat cushions to her Kitchen Aid mixer.
    Kelly beamed. “Thanks! I’ll have to give you the grand tour later, but I think the kitchen is my favorite room anyway.”
    I followed her out to the deck where Tom and Gavin stood at the grill, each holding a beer.
    Gavin’s face lit up when he saw me. “Hey, Molly, it’s great to see you again.”
    “Hi, Gavin.” 
    “So, how have you been?”
    “You do realize we just saw each other two days ago, right?”
    “Hey, a lot can happen in a few days. Like, didn’t you get a job?”
    “It sounds like you are already well informed about my time.” I bit down the stalker comment that wanted to come out.
    “Not one for small talk, I see. You really make a man work for it, huh?”
    I shrugged. “Just saying.” I took a seat at the table, snagging a chip and dipping it in salsa.
    “You didn’t ask, but my past few days have been good.” He sat down next to me.
    “Oh?” He had more nerve than I expected.
    “Yeah, I couldn’t stop thinking about this girl I met and wondering if she’d let me take her out.”
    I groaned to myself. Did he really have to do this so early in the evening when I couldn’t just slip away? I certainly wasn’t going to make it easy on him.
    “Good luck with the girl. You’ll have to let me know how it goes next time I see you.”
    “And when will the next time I see you be?” He drowned a chip in the salsa.
    “I’m not sure. I guess whenever Tom and Kelly decide to get us all together.”
    “And what if I don’t want to wait that long?” He abandoned his chip to look at me.
    “Hey, be careful. That girl you like might think there is something going on with us the way you’re talking. There’s no reason to give the wrong impression.”
    “There’s every reason to give that