Learning to Breathe by J. C. McClean Read Free Book Online Page A

had barely scratched the surface with his interrogation but I knew that I could easily forget myself and slip up – I was determined not to let that happen.
    “So,” I began – keen to take the heat off me for a moment, “What about you? What’s your story?”
    Danny chuckled. “Nice deflection! Okay, I’ll humour you. What do you wanna know?”
    “As much as you wanna tell me.” I told him with a half smile.
     
    Danny then proceeded to tell me his life story – well the abridged version anyway – and I found myself intrigued. He was quite open with details about his life in Dover Springs and I was curious as to how he could be so comfortable sharing it all with me. Then again, maybe it was normal for people here to tell you everything about themselves and I was just the exception to the rule.
    Suddenly , Danny interrupted my thoughts.
    “Hey, you okay? You seemed like you were miles away.” He frowned at me in concern.
    I shook my head. “Sorry, I was listening – I promise.” I threw him a small smile and he grinned at me.
    “ Yeah right, why do I feel like there’s more to you than meets the eye? What’s the big secret that you’re so desperate to hide? Who are you Darcie Gilmore?” He looked at me thoughtfully and I told myself not to get all defensive again.
    Instead, I smiled slyly at him. “Wouldn’t you like to know? Ever considered that it’s all in your head and that I’m just your average girl?”
    He shook h is head and laughed. “There’s nothing average about you Darcie – trust me on that!”
    I laughed off his flirty comment and decided to change the subject to one I had been curious about all night.
    “So, how come you’re not getting wasted with your buddies over there?”
    Danny shrugged. “Someone needs to be the sober one.”
    I studied his face carefully and couldn’t help but think that he was holding something back – then again, was it so crazy to believe that he was just one of the rare teenagers who didn’t drink?
    I decided not to dwell on it and nodded. “Yeah, I know what you mean – Harriet was meant to be my ride home but she was very easily persuaded to have a drink!”
    I laughed and gestured over to where she was now standing next to Simon, chugging back another beer.
    Danny chuckled. “Yeah, never rely on a lift from Harri – she likes to party too much.”
    “Yeah, well I’m not much of a hardcore partier – I hope she doesn’t hold that against me!” I forced a laugh and Danny looked at me curiously.
    “Not a big drinker then?”
    “Not really. I just have the odd one now and then – why?”
    He shrugged. “No reason – it just means that you’ll probably have to help me round them all up later to make sure they get home okay.” He winked at me and I laughed.
    “Great – well, what’s in it for me?” I raised my eyebrow expectantly.
    I watched as he looked deep in thought for a second. “A lift home – I think that’s pretty fair.”
    “Okay, deal.” I chuckled as we shook hands in agreement.
    “So,” I began, changing the subject again. “Can I ask you something?”
    Danny nodded. “Yeah, you wanna know about the scars, right?”
    I nodded, slightly taken aback. “How’d you know? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” I added, afraid that I had offended him.
    He shook his head. “Usually people would ask about them straight away but not you. ”
    I shrugged. “It’s none of my business.”
    Danny chuckled. “It’s okay. I had an accident a few years back … ended up with a cut on my forehead, and damaged nerves in my lip. It’s no big deal – just makes my smile look all weird so I have to work extra hard with the ladies!” He laughed but I couldn’t help but see a tinge of sadness in his eyes. I wondered if it really bothered him that much.
    “I highly doubt that!” I scoffed. “You seem quite capable with the ladies Mr Smooth!”
    Danny raised an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?”
    I