The Line (4 page)

Listen, it doesn’t matter what you say, as long as you continue talking to him
.

Deciding to play it safe, she answered, “No, I was just tapping.”

“Sounded like a cadence to me. In fact, that sounded quite a lot like the Cavaliers…”

“No…what’s a cadence?” Lucy cut him off innocently, knowing perfectly well she had been tapping out a Cavvies inspired rhythm.

“It’s a…never mind.”

With the conversation stalled, Lucy panicked for what to say next.

What would Mandy and Gina do?

Although it wasn’t something her friends would do or say, Lucy heard herself blurting out, “Swedish fish!”

“What?” asked the Cute Boy.

“Would you like a Swedish fish? They’re really good,” Lucy said lamely.

“Sure. Mind if I sit next to you? I mean, you’re not saving a seat for your boyfriend or something are you?” Cute Boy asked, hinting he was definitely hoping there was not someone coming to sit next to Lucy.

“No, just me and the fish. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

The Cute Boy moved down a row and sat right next to her.

“Sam Powell,” he said holding out his hand.

“Lucy Karate,” she said, noting how her own hand was dwarfed in his.

The bass drummer desperately wanted to learn more about Sam Powell, but the house lights went down and the movie started. As the previews played and only in a way she had been while sharing a seat on the bus last year with Nevada, Lucy became hyper aware of the young man’s presence next to hers.

You know, really taking a risk would be reaching over and holding his hand…

Baby steps, okay? I am sitting next to him. Isn’t that enough?

Well, you need to chat him up – there’s something about him that’s definitely familiar.

This close to Sam, Lucy knew there was no way she was going to concentrate on the film. She wracked her brain, trying to come up with where the cute boy sitting next to her was from…and then the truth hit her like a bucket of cold water. Sam wasn’t just any Sam. The young man sitting next to her was none other than the captain of South Washington’s drumline!

Okay, deep breaths, he obviously doesn’t recognize you. You can still get out of here without anyone from your Line knowing what you did.

Any semblance of concentration Lucy currently had was broken when Sam reached over and began softly stroking the back of her hand. Goosebumps shot up her arm and treasonous thoughts snuck into her head.

So what if I date him?

Umm…have you looked up Benedict Arnold in the dictionary? Maybe they’re going to print your face instead of his.

How would anyone from my Line know, and furthermore, who cares if I want to date another drummer?

You’re not actually considering seeing him again, are you?

That question was easily answered when Sam stretched his arm around Lucy’s shoulders.

You were saying…?

Leaning into Sam’s strong arm, it seemed like Lucy blinked and the movie was over.

“How’d you like it?” Sam asked as they walked into the lobby.

“Umm, well I think it was a lot better than a lot of the stuff that’s out there. I like the director a lot. I hope she does more things soon.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Lucy gulped at the very obvious awkward silence. Sam finally spoke up, “Can I walk you to your car?”

The junior immediately thought of the Pearl drum logo that was clearly visible on her bumper. She had put it there proudly when she had seen her name listed under the bass category in the band room earlier in the year. Sam would no doubt recognize the logo and wonder how it got there if she wasn’t a drummer.

What would be so wrong with telling him the truth?

If I was Captain of South’s Line, I wouldn’t be seen near anyone from Forrest Hills. I especially would not want to date someone from their Line.

But why don’t you make that his decision?

Because I really want to see him again!

So, you’re going to pretend to be someone you’re not? Not entirely cool.

Well, so far, being ‘cool’ has gotten me approximately zero boyfriends and a whole lot of lonely weekends.

I get it. So, what about the sticker…?

“I’d like that,” Lucy finally responded, summoning all the courage she had and desperately trying to send subconscious signals to Sam she wouldn’t mind seeing him again – sometime soon and preferably in a romantic environment.

They walked to the parking lot. Sam immediately saw the logo and questioned doubtfully, “You sure you’re not a drummer?”

Lucy casually smiled and answered, “The car used to be my brother’s.”

And by ‘used to,’ I mean, ‘will one day be’ my brother’s.

“Really? Was he ever on drumline?”

Lucy smoothly replied, “As a matter of fact he was – he played quints two years at Forrest Hills.”

“You go to Forrest Hills?” Sam’s eyebrows went up and the tone in his voice instantly changed.

“Yes, and I suppose you’re going to tell me you go to South Washington?” Lucy questioned in what she hoped was an honest tone.

“Actually, I do – as a proud member of the senior class.”

Lucy sighed and even though she felt like kicking her tire in frustration, she said neutrally, “Well, I have to get home. My parents are expecting me for dinner.”

She slowly opened her car door; waiting, hoping desperately Sam would try to stop her. He didn’t. Damn silly school rivalries. Lucy resisted the urge to peel out of the parking lot, and drove within the speed limit, stopping at a red light, trying not focus on what just happened.

You could’ve asked him out.

I think I’ve come far enough from my comfort zone today, thank you very much. Do I need to remind you I literally just made that resolution?

Hello? What did you have to lose back there? You’ll never see him again!

Until October when our Lines face off against each other… Believe me, this way is safer for everyone involved.

Safer? Maybe. More fun? Definitely not.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard a car beeping next to her. It was Sam! He had his window rolled down and motioned for her to do the same thing. Lucy tried to look nonchalant as she hurried to get her window down.

Sam yelled, “What’s your number?”

Lucy smiled and answered, “My cell phone – 678-555-0317.”

As he drove away, Sam called out, “I’ll call you soon – I owe you some Swedish fish!”

Lucy drove home in an even better mood than when she started. Walking into the house, she saw a note in the kitchen from her Mom saying Nevada had called. As if her heart hadn’t been through enough today, this latest development definitely got it pumping again.

* * *

CHAPTER THREE: ALLEGRO

Lucy took a deep breath. Nevada called. So what? It’s not like she’d never talked to a guy on the phone before. She and Fred once talked for three hours on one very rainy Saturday and then there was the infamous “asleep” phone call she and Tom had shared their freshman year.

Okay, I don’t want to seem like I’m totally desperate, so I won’t call back until tomorrow…okay, later tonight, okay, as soon as dinner is over
.

And?

And, what?

Aren’t you going to ask him out?

Why?

Isn’t that the ‘risky’ thing to do?

One day at a time. Isn’t trying to date the captain of my rival drumline enough
?

Shaking her head, Lucy wondered what she awoken in her subconscious. Grabbing her phone after dinner, Lucy walked outside with the family dog, Pam, a fawn pug. She nervously punched the numbers in for Nevada’s cell, then hung up, clearing the phone. Wiping sweaty palms on her khaki shorts, she punched the numbers in again…and deleted the numbers again. She was about to redial for the seventh time when her phone started ringing. Lucy almost dropped the phone. Glancing at the screen, she saw a local area code, but didn’t recognize the number.

“Hello?” she asked tentatively.

“Is this Lucy?”

Lucy heard a guy’s husky voice on the other end, but she wasn’t sure who it was. She answered tentatively, “Yes.”

“Hey Lucy – it’s Sam, from earlier today.”

“Oh hey.” Lucy wanted to play it cool, even though her heart was (again) erratically pounding in her chest. She briefly wondered if she was too young to be at risk for a heart attack.

“Listen, I feel kind of crappy about how I was earlier today. I mean, just because you go to Forrest Hills, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re automatically evil or anything.”

“And just because you go to South doesn’t mean you’re automatically a loser or anything.”

“Touché. Well, anyway, I was wondering if you wanted to maybe get some ice cream next Monday? Kind of a ‘we got through the first day of school thing.’”

“Scoop It Up?”

“How did you know?”

“Hey, even though I go to Forrest Hills, I may know something about the best ice cream in town.”

“No arguments here. However, I’m not sure if they have Swedish fish as a topping.”

“That’s okay.”

“So, pick you up sevenish?”

“Sounds good. Call or text me after school on Monday to get my address.” Lucy’s head was spinning. She doubted seriously she could wait that long to talk to him, but didn’t want to risk doing something everyone else could see like friending him on facebook. Although she longed to do some subtle online stalking, she couldn’t risk him finding out about her real life and given the number of silly tagged pictures she had from band camp, she couldn’t take the chance. Hoping he wouldn’t see through her attempts to avoid the most obvious chance to get to know each other, she asked casually, “Are you ever online at all?”

“Sometimes. What’s your screen name?

“It’s um, bassgirl17.”

“Do you play the guitar?”

“I’m, um, just starting to learn.” Lucy answered quickly, wondering where she had acquired the ability to lie with such ease.

“Awesome. Did you know I was in a band? Besides marching, I mean.”

“No. Let me guess, you’re the drummer?”

Sam chuckled and answered, “Actually, yes, but we just got together, so, no gigs yet. All we’ve done is come up with the name.”

“Which is?”

“Runaway Truck Ramp.”

“That’s awesome.” Lucy’s phone beeped in her ear. She looked at the screen – it was Mandy, and continued, “Well, hey, I actually have to take this other call. Talk to you soon?”

“You bet.”

“Take it easy, Sam.”

“You too, Lucy.”

The junior switched over and answered Mandy’s call, who, as it turned out, had a quick question about an AP US history assignment. After getting off the phone with Mandy, Lucy did a happy dance with Pam, who looked at her as if she was crazy.

Why didn’t I think of this whole risk thing earlier?

She hoped she would see Sam online soon. Given she could actually edit her thoughts, Lucy knew could be more witty and dateable online. The green-eyed brunette began walking back to her house when the sudden reality of the situation came crashing in.

Hold your horses, Luce, you already know this guy is the CAPTAIN of your rival Line. If any of the guys on your Line ever found out, you would NEVER hear the end of it. In fact, knowing them, they will probably kick you off the Line just on principle. It was one thing to think he was cute, but actually dating him?

Hello? Do I need to remind you for the first time in my life someone asked me out! I mean, someone who I’ve only met once asked me out.

I guess. It seems like playing with fire.

Well, it’s a risk I’m willing to take. Plus, of course, this would never be a problem for any of the guys. If Tom wanted to date a majorette from S.W., the guys would probably think he was a hero or something.

So, what are you going to do?

Lucy’s mind started trying to figure out ways around this problem as she walked back to the house and completely forgot about calling Nevada back.

The junior was distracted as she walked into the band room on Friday. This was the final practice before school started – before the magic of the summer finally wore off and the reality of classes, tests, quizzes, and projects set in. Lucy knew she could handle the stress, but when her schedule included intense band practices two days a week, games on Friday, drumline sectionals on Wednesday and the possibility of trying to start a relationship with the Captain of the rival drumline, things could get a little chaotic. Molly noticed right away something was up, and asked, “Hey Luce, you okay?”