The Black Sheep (22 page)

Laughing, she raises her glass to me. “I learned from the master.”

I decide to teach her something else by walking away without lowering myself to her level. If she couldn't learn as much from this experience as I did, it's her loss. Black Sheepism is totally wasted on some people.

Carrie deposits me at the door of the jellyfish gallery and says, “Try not to screw it up this time.”

One successful date with Luke and she's all superior. I start down a path marked with tiny votive candles that leads to the sea nettle tank.

“I wanted to make sure you could find your way,” Mitch says.

“But will anyone be able to find the buffet table you stole these from?” I ask.

He shrugs. “It's a romantic gesture. The end justifies the means.”

“I would have settled for an apology.”

He looks at me incredulously. “I thought you'd be the one apologizing.”

This is a two-way street and I'm willing to do my part. “You first.”

“Fine,” he says, shaking his head. “Then I'm sorry you accused me of using you.”

“You call that an apology?”

He leans against the nettle tank and crosses his arms. “I call it the truth.”

“You've got to admit, it looked suspicious.”

“I don't care what it looked like. It wasn't true and it wasn't fair. And you didn't let me explain.”

I can see that he is hurt as well as angry, and that nearly paralyzes me. “I'm sorry,” I say. “It got so that I honestly couldn't tell what was real and what was fake anymore. I was…upset.” That's putting it mildly, but it's a start.

“Why couldn't you just
tell
me you were upset?”

“Because I don't do that. My way is to stew about things for a while and then explode.”

“That's not going to work,” he says. “I'm not a mind-reader.”

I notice he says “going,” as if there is a future between us. It gives me the courage to continue. “I know. I'll try harder.” Just in case he thinks I'm too eager, however, I add, “You could afford to communicate better, too.”

He thinks about this before nodding. “Yeah, I guess I could. I'll try harder, too.”

And that's it. I can tell by his smile that we are boyfriend and girlfriend again. If I'd known it would be that easy, I'd have done it sooner.

“I have a romantic gesture, too,” I say, handing him a package.

He unwraps the binoculars and laughs. “It's about time.”

“I figured you'd need them to come otter-watching with me.”

He wraps his arms around me just as Meadow's voice rings out. “Kendra?”

It figures we can't have a moment alone. “In here!” I call.

She races into the exhibit and hops with excitement. “You're never going to believe who just showed up! Logan Waters! He said you invited him.”

I feel Mitch's arms stiffen ever so slightly. It might be nonverbal communication, but it's pretty clear just the same. “Okay,” I say. “We'll be there soon.”

“Not soon—
now
!” she exclaims. “What if he leaves?”

If he leaves I'll be disappointed, but after all, this is real life and Mitch is my boyfriend. “Don't worry,” I tell Meadow. “You go keep him entertained until we get there.”

She runs out, hollering over her shoulder, “Hurry! You guys can make out any time.”

“Don't you want to go?” Mitch asks when she's gone.

“Not yet,” I say. “With my parents around, we won't get much time alone and—”

Mitch's lips are on mine before I finish, and the world quickly slips away. Before long, I realize that we are being bathed in a mysterious warm glow that's brighter than the votives should be. Maybe that's just what happens when you kiss the guy you're meant to be with forever. Maybe I'm having an out-of-body experience.

Or maybe it's just a nasty flashback.

“Judy, turn off that camera,” I say, opening my eyes as I pull away from Mitch. “The show is OVER.”

The light turns to focus on her as she addresses Chili's camera. “You saw it here first, folks. Kendra and Mitch are together at last. But will their love stand the test of time and distance? Tune into to
American Lovebirds
, the Reality Network's new show about the making of a relationship to find out. We'll follow our young couple as they—”

“Cut!” I say, stepping in front of Chili's camera. “My contract is done, Judy. That's a wrap on Kendra Bishop.”

Black Sheep Rule Number Twenty-five:
Never make the same mistake twice
.

“KB, come on, you love the camera and the camera loves you,” she says. “Besides, Judy's got a gap to fill. The network wants a love story.”

“I've got an idea,” I say. “Hit me, Chili.” He turns the camera on me. “You saw it here first, folks: a Hollywood producer falls for a small-town newshound. Can Judy Greenberg and her Teddy Bear make a go of it? Will Ted sacrifice his integrity to become a paparazzo? Or will Judy go legit? Tune in to
American Lovebirds
to find out.”

“Great idea!” someone says. We turn to see Terrance Burnside at the gallery entrance.

I whisper to Mitch, “Our place has been desecrated.”

“My personal life is not for public consumption,” Judy tells Terrance.

“You promised to deliver a show, Judith,” he reminds her. “I can tell you from personal experience that the network president doesn't like to be disappointed.”

I lead Mitch away to rejoin the party, clutching his hand even tighter as we approach our parents.

“You must be so proud of your daughter,” Max says to Mom when we join them. “She could have a future as an environmental attorney.”

A look passes between my parents when they see Mitch holding my hand. Dad's Adam's apple bobs before he responds to Max. “If that's what she wants, it's fine with us. It's a long program, so I'm glad she's saving for college.”

Mom smiles at me sweetly. “I hope there's something left for tuition when she's paid her credit card bill.”

“Hey, look,” I say, escaping with Mitch to the dance floor, “Meadow's dancing with Logan. We'd better get over there and chaperone.”

Judy rushes past, dragging Ted behind her. “We've got to get out of here. Somebody hail us a cab!”

Bob is right on their heels with the camera. “Zooming in!” he calls.

Terrance brings up the rear. “Bob, stay on Judy and get into the cab with them,” he calls. “Chili, you find out where Ted lives and get a crew over there. Talk to the neighbors and see if you can get any dirt. This is going to be great! When
American Lovebirds
airs, no one will even remember
The Black Sheep
.”

“I'll remember it,” Mitch assures me, as the door closes behind them.

“Me too,” I say, smiling up at him. “Always.”

Thanks to Jennifer Besser, Jenny Bent, and our usual cast of supporters.