Rock My Heart (Luminescent Juliet #4) by Jean Haus Read Free Book Online Page A

the
Child and Family Services.” I already volunteer for their suicide hotline on
Sundays, but I have less credits at school this
semester. I can volunteer more than one day at the center.
    Misha and Chad sneer at me while Jeff smiles—perhaps
a bit too wide. “That sounds like an excellent plan, April.”
    I force a curt nod. With his constant praise, Jeff
sometimes reminds me of my grade school teachers. Problem? I’m not in grade
school. Gabe’s only reaction is the slight rise of his eyebrows. Jason stares
at his hands clasped in his lap.
    Jeff shifts toward Gabe. “And who have you decided
to help?”
    Gabe stretches his legs then crosses his ankles, his
gaze settling on me. “I’m going to help April complete her cousin’s bucket list.”
    A loud gasp rings out in the room.
    It takes me several seconds to realize the gasp came
from me.
    “That sounds like a wonderful idea, Gabe.” Real bone
a fide enthusiasm fills Jeff’s voice.
    Misha’s lip curls so far the hoop in the center of her upper lip almost touches a
nostril. Chad appears stupefied. Jason stares at his clasped hands. I gradually
shut my mouth, as confusion rolls around my brain. Why would Gabe want to help me ? That he’d announce such a thing is
rather presumptuous. Oddly, I’ve never thought about completing the bucket
list, and suddenly the idea is very intriguing. But with Gabe? That thought is
intimidating, as in shaking hands with the enemy intimidating.
    Confused and irritated with Gabe’s arrogance, I work
hard to keep my face neutral for the rest of the session. I barely acknowledge
Jeff telling us that the assignment next week is to report any progress on our
act of kindness. Finally, he does his final monologue and dismisses us.
    Still in a fog, I wander out of the building. On the
sidewalk, I absently ask Jason if he’d like a ride home. He declines like usual
as Gabe passes us. I follow him to a beat up, old pickup truck.
    Numerous thoughts, words, and rebuffs swirl in my
head, but as he reaches for the door handle, “What are you up to?” comes out of
my mouth.
    He lowers his hand and turns, cocking his head,
giving me a picture of his harshly lined profile. “Up to?”
    “Why would you want to help me? You can’t stand me.”
    Those full lips turn down as he turns around. “I
never said that.”
    “And now you want to help me?” I say incredulously,
ignoring his response. “Is this your new ploy to get me to quit?” There’s a
desperate whine to my voice that has me internally cringing.
    He shakes his head and draws in a visible breath.
“I’m truly trying to help… and deal with the issue of you being in group head
on. I like to deal with issues head on, and maybe gain some courage for
myself,” he admits in a sullen tone.  
    Though I realize his idea for courage came from me
the other night at the party, I’m still confused. “Maybe I don’t need your
help.”
    “So you don’t want to fulfill your cousin’s list?”
he softly asks.
    “She was—fifteen,” I say, feeling out of my element
more than ever from the gentle timbre of his voice.
      “Fifteen year-olds-can’t
have dreams?”
    “Of course they can.”
      “But they’re
too immature for you?”
    “Seriously, I’m going to meet Michael Thomas?” My
tone drips with cynicism due to the fact the man is a famous actor.
    “Maybe. Nothing is impossible. The band is going to
California over the next few months. Plus most of the list is easy.”
    “Several of them are ridiculous!”
    He looks over my shoulder. “You might want to tone
it down. We have an audience.”
    Glancing behind, I notice not just Misha but Jeff on
the sidewalk in front of the counseling office, watching us. At this point, I
could ignore Misha , however Jeff, the sunny counselor
and reporter to Dr. Medina, I cannot.
    I turn back to Gabe, drawing in a deep gulp of air.
    He spins his keys on his index finger. “You have
somewhere to be? Work? School?”
    “No,” I