Trick or Treat by Richie Tankersley Cusick Read Free Book Online Page A

Martha realized he was serious. Of course it would be … he’s the school star … so what on earth am I doing here?
    Martha knew she wouldn’t be able to eat a thing, not with her stomach jumping around the way it was — but she didn’t want to look silly and not take something. Blake stood behind her, so close she could smell the faint scent of his aftershave. He was talking about a test he’d just taken, but he might as well have been speaking a foreign language — she was so nervous, she barely heard a thing.
    “What’s the matter, aren’t you hungry?”
    Martha jumped as his lips brushed her ear. Unlike her own tray, his was crowded with food, and they were nearing the end of the line. In desperation Martha grabbed several small bowls, and they clattered onto her tray.
    “Don’t tell me — diet?” Blake grinned, nodding at the pitiful lunch she’d selected. “You don’t need it, Martha — not with your body.”
    “No, I’m not —” Martha rummaged in her purse for money. “I mean — I’m —” In dismay she watched all her change spill out onto the floor and roll in all directions. She started to bend down to retrieve it, but Blake took her by the elbow.
    “Relax. My treat. You’re the kind of date to take to dinner — you sure wouldn’t cost much.”
    “Oh — I —”
    “Hey, I’m kidding.” He straightened, dumping a handful of retrieved coins onto her tray. “New kid in town — stomach all in knots — I wouldn’t be hungry, either.”
    Martha managed a weak nod as he grinned at the cashier and handed over his money. When they got back to their table he sat down and regarded her with interest.
    “So now that I’ve bored you with all my troubles, how’s your day going?”
    “Oh, you didn’t bore me,” Martha said quickly. She watched him shake a carton of milk and fill his glass. “And my day’s going okay.”
    “Just okay, huh?” He leaned back in his chair. “I hear you’ve got a terrific advisor.”
    “Oh — Mr. Chambers.” Martha smiled, twisting her napkin in her lap. “There seem to be lots of you around.”
    “Yeah, but Greg turned out good ,” Blake chuckled. “Not like the rest of us.”
    “That’s not what he says,” Martha countered. “He’s really very proud of you — I mean, he should be — all the things you’ve done and …” She lowered her eyes. Great, Martha, fawn all over him, why don’t you?
    Blake shrugged off the compliments. “I love sports. I’m lucky I can do what I love. That’s all.”
    “I was never good at sports. I’m too clumsy.” Martha smiled in spite of herself, and Blake leaned towards her across the table.
    “You don’t look clumsy. You look … what’s the right word?”
    Martha glanced away, her cheeks going hot. She wished he wouldn’t stare at her that way … his eyes so dark … so warm….
    “Martha. What a surprise.”
    As someone touched her back, she jumped, tipping over her water. Blake grinned and rose halfway.
    “Conor. Right?”
    Oh, damn! Martha squirmed in her chair as Conor looked down at her, the corners of his mouth twitching.
    “Blake Chambers.” Blake held out his hand and Conor shook it. “Here, sit down and join us.” Blake motioned to an empty chair, but Conor took a step back.
    “Thanks, but I’m kind of in a hurry. Nice to meet you, though. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
    Martha went a deep, furious red. She put her napkin up to her face.
    “Is that your lunch?” Conor asked innocently. “Since when do you eat cottage cheese?”
    Martha wished she could die. Just crawl under the table and quietly die. Blake was watching her — her and the uneaten bowls of cottage cheese on her tray.
    “I always eat cottage cheese. I love cottage cheese, as a matter of fact.”
    “That’s funny. Your dad said it makes you sick.”
    Martha threw him a look of pure hatred.
    Conor smiled back. “See you later. Good meeting you.”
    “Yeah, you, too.” Blake watched Conor walk oft,