Chapter 17: LOVE INTEREST

On the first Tuesday of January, I drove to high school with Kayden by my side. I'd been driving on our land since I turned thirteen, but I had to take a test the following week for my license to drive around on my own. We'd taken Dad's old truck because Kayden wouldn't allow me anywhere near Susie. My need to practice was greater than the embarrassment of turning up in that old thing.

Ziggy Ally came over to me as I closed the door. He shoved his hands in his pockets and watched Kayden drive off. I turned to look at him, and he smiled. I'd always thought he had a great smile.

"Hey, Valerie. Happy New Year." He offered a bashful grin, and it had appealed to me that I'd made him feel awkward.

"Hi, Ziggy. Happy New Year. Did you have a good time on New Year's Eve?"

"Yeah, it was pretty cool. You?"

"Yeah, and no. My brother was home, which was cool, but some other stuff got in the way of me relaxing," I answered honestly.

"Ah. The ex-boyfriend-soon-to-become-superstar thing, huh?"