Don't Tell Jessie

Published by Evernight Teen ® at Smashwords

www.evernightteen.com

Copyright© 2016 Traci Jo Stotts

ISBN: 978-1-77339-103-8

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Amanda Jean

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To my friend, Ginger. You’ll never know how much our friendship means to me.

DON’T TELL JESSIE

Traci Jo Stotts

Copyright © 2016

Chapter One

Mr. Miller adjusts the thick brown frames on his nose for the fourth time since starting his lecture on the United States Constitution. I know I should be listening to him explain the importance of the amendments, but my focus is on Derek Stevens. He’s so hot. I’ve had a crush on him since the sixth grade when we were partnered up for the science fair.

It’s not like I’ve been daydreaming about him every day for the last six years. It just so happens that three weeks ago, Lisa Downs dumped him for some college guy. Rumor has it the guy is actually a professor. Every female in school, teachers included, have been extra flirty with Derek since the news broke. Apparently, I was absent on the day they taught Flirting 101, because the only time I attempted to flirt I walked into an open locker and gave myself a fat lip. Nick Sokolovich, the foreign exchange student I was trying to impress, hadn’t noticed my hair flip, but Lisa and her fellow cheer-bitches had. That was our sophomore year, and Lisa still gives her demonstration of the perfect hair flip every time she sees me. Bitch.

Are there any questions regarding the assignment? Mr. Miller asks with a fifth adjustment of his thick glasses.

Assignment? What assignment? This is great. I’ve spent the last forty minutes of second period looking at Derek’s neck and perfect jawline and have completely missed the instructions for a paper worth a quarter of the final grade. There is no way in hell I am going to raise my hand.

Hey, Stef. Can I get your notes?

Stefan Jones, my best friend, rolls his eyes and nods.

We gather our books and file out into the hallway. Derek walks in front of us, giving me a fabulous view of his tight jean-clad butt. I force myself to focus on getting from Government to English class without inflicting bodily injury. Fortunately, Derek goes to weightlifting for third period with the rest of the football team so I’ll be able to listen to what the teacher has to say.

Wipe your mouth, jeez. Stef drops his backpack on the desk. Here’re the notes—or should I wait until I have the notes for this class to go with them?

You’re so funny. I have a lot on my mind.

You have one thing on your mind. And you might wanna give it up. It ain’t gonna happen. He nods his head to the front of the classroom where Lisa sits with her group of airheads.

Thanks for the ego boost. I sit down and snatch the notes from his hands. It’s not like I’m gonna ask him out, anyway.

He doesn’t deserve you. He’s into bitchy blonde chicks who freely give blowies in the middle of a party at the crossroads. Stef’s lip curls in disapproval.

Jealous much? I ask with a snort of laughter.

Oh, please. I’m much better at it than she is! I just have more class.

Clearly!

Ms. Peterson calls attention to the class, and although I know he was joking, I can’t stop thinking about what he said. It’s not going to happen.

The rest of the day is spent on autopilot. I drive home, dropping Stef off on the way. He lives three houses down from me.

Thanks for the notes. Text me if you want to come over for dinner.

Doubt it. Mom’s makin’ tacos. Maybe tomorrow. He waves and heads up the sidewalk.

I have to cook dinner. It’s one of my chores. Most of the time I eat alone, but it’s still a must that I prepare healthy meals. My dad’s an electrician and his company has contracts with the surrounding mines, so he’s usually gone for days at a time, but he always calls to check on me.

Hi, Sissy! Come here, girl. I lift my big black cat and cradle her like a baby. My mom was sick for so long we couldn’t have any pets. After she passed away, my dad brought Sissy home to comfort me, and she takes her job seriously. I’m never alone.

After I eat and finish my chores, I sit on the couch forcing myself to ignore the TV remote and start homework. I check my phone to see if I’ve missed my dad’s call. I have one new message.

Stef: Hey. Tacos were the bomb. Doin’ homework. You?

Jessie: Same. I had chicken and broccoli. You win.

Stef: See you at 7:50 <3

Jessie: <3

I set my phone down to focus on getting my homework done. One of the things I love about Stef—he takes fantastic notes. I make a quick outline for the Government project before the phone rings. He makes it quick but promises to be home tomorrow for the game. My dad jumped into his work when mom died. I know he needs to keep busy to get through it. The counselors said the first year is the hardest. He still makes time for me and tries not to miss the important stuff. I lock up the house and head to my bedroom. I lie in the dark juggling random thoughts of my mom, Stef, my dad, and football. Thinking about football brings on thoughts of Derek. I smile as the picture in my head of his kind eyes carries me off to dreamland.

Wake up, sleepyhead.

No. Five more minutes.

You don’t have five more minutes! Stef takes the pillow from under my head and hits me with it.

Oh, shit! I overslept again? I crawl out of bed clumsily and stumble into the bathroom. I’m so glad messy buns are in, because I don’t have time to do anything else! I brush my teeth and throw on whatever I grab from my closet. I change in front of Stef, not shy that he sees me in my bra and panties. Not because he’s gay but because we’re that close. We used to take baths together until we were told it was no longer appropriate.

No. Put this top on instead. That one doesn’t match. Wear the brown boots.

Oh em gee! Do you ever like what I pick out? I ask with a mouth full of Scope.

Of course I don’t. Stef holds up the shirt I was going to wear and tosses it away like it’s toxic.

We make it to school without time to spare. He goes to Trigonometry first period, and I have History. Stef is almost out of earshot when he yells over his shoulder, No drooling today, huh?

My cheeks blush when I see Derek walking into the classroom right in front of me. I make a mental note to kill Stef later. I walk to my seat and look up to see Derek sitting one chair over. This is not his table—not that they’re assigned or anything—but he always sits by the window.

Hey. It’s the only word I can force out of my throat.

Hey. He gives me a grin. His blue eyes are intoxicating; I fear if I don’t look away now I’ll stare at them the entire class.

I sit down and look at the teacher like she’s going to deliver the most interesting lecture ever. I’m almost positive Derek is looking at me, and it’s freaking me out. I refuse to look in his direction. It’s bad enough I can smell him and want to inhale his scent like they do to the freshly washed towels on laundry detergent commercials.

The Donner party was not the only group in history that turned to cannibalism, but they are the most known, Mrs. Linn begins.

I would never eat a person. Sandy looks around for others to share her disgust.

Terrence wouldn’t have a problem bitin’ that ass! Mark, the center on the football team, high fives Terrence.

I got a bone for you to chew on, Terrence retorts.

I can’t believe the teacher didn’t hear Mark’s nasty comment, or maybe she did and doesn’t want to deal with it. I wait for Sandy to storm out of the room or get Mrs. Linn’s attention, but she smiles at Terrence and gives him a wink. I laugh. I notice Derek turn to stare at me so I cover my mouth with my hand.

Your friends are nasty, I whisper.

You seem to think they’re funny. Derek chuckles.

There are multiple side conversations going on while the teacher continues with her monotone version of the deadly voyage. To be fair, it’s game day and everyone is psyched to beat Belltown.

It was more shocking than funny. I’m trying to whisper even though nobody is listening.

It sounded like a funny kind of laugh. Just sayin’. Derek is nudging my foot with his. I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience. We grew up together so we’re not strangers, but this is just too much for me to handle.

Okay, it was a little funny. I nudge his foot away from mine. They’re still nasty.

I didn’t say it! Derek nudges my foot again. I look at him, and he’s smiling even though he’s trying to be serious. I wasn’t the one who laughed, either!

Why did Stef have to excel in math? He could be sitting here with me or at least be a witness to the fact that Derek is flirting. He is flirting, right?

I take a deep breath to control the giggles that are building in my chest. You obviously enjoyed the fact that I laughed, which makes you guilty by association.

So, we’re both warped youths. This means we can be friends. Derek slides his cell phone in front of me. Enter your number.

What’s this, your electronic version of a little black book? No, thanks. I play hard to get when inside my head I’m already licking his neck like a melting popsicle.

You’re funny. But if you don’t want to be my friend… Derek slowly slides the phone away.

I grab it from his hands and quickly enter my name and number into his contacts before the teacher turns around. Just as I hand it back to him, I notice Mark has been watching me. I squint my eyes warning him not to call me out in front of the entire class. He turns to face the teacher in silence. Good boy.

The bell rings, and before I can sprint to the door, Derek leans in to whisper in my ear. You have a cute laugh. I can’t wait to hear it again.

Thanks. I grab my books and walk directly to Stef’s locker.

A lifetime later, Stef is standing in front of me with his head tilted to the right. Whoa! Have you been hanging out in the second-floor bathroom? You look high as hell!

Shut up! I just had the most bizarre first period ever. You’re not going to believe it. I hug my books to my chest like they’ll keep it from exploding all over Stef’s locker.

We walk to second period, and as Derek will be there, I won’t be able to tell Stef what happened. By the way he’s looking at me, I’m guessing he has a clue. What did you do?

Let’s just say, you were wrong. You said it ain’t gonna happen, but he asked for my number. I lean in close so no one around us can hear me. And he thinks I have a cute laugh.

We sit at our desks, and I cannot miss another lecture from Mr. Miller, so I push Derek and his adorable smile out of my mind. Stef just gives me his signature eye roll and begins jotting down notes.

Nixon Valley High School has a very strict policy of not having cell phones in class. But when my pocket vibrates in sync with Derek’s cough, I am compelled to check it.

Derek: Goin 2 game 2nite?

Jessie: Yep

Derek: Wanna get 2gether after?

Jessie: Depends…

Derek: On?

Jessie: If you win

Derek: Cool. Meet me at the field house.

Mr. Miller and the rest of the class look at me trying to see what I’m snickering about. My face turns bright red and I bury my head in my arms on the desk. When I think the color of my face is back to normal, I raise my head and glance over to see Derek looking over at me with a shit-eating grin.

You’re goin’ to pay for that! I mouth to him.

Can’t wait, he mouths back with the cutest grin I’ve ever seen.

Chapter Two

Okay, spill it, Stef demands as soon as we are in the privacy of my car.

When I sat down in Mrs. Linn’s class, he was sitting at my table. I try to keep my cool, but I really want to scream it out my window.

He sits by the window, though, Stef says with growing interest.

He asked for my number, I explain while pulling out of the parking lot.

So, that’s why you were snorting like Miss Piggy in Miller’s class? He’s smiling, but I can tell he’s about to spew negativity all over the interior of my Corolla.

You know what? Don’t be a Debbie Downer. He asked me to meet him after the game tonight. I worry about having a perma-smile brought on by the thought of him.

Text me when you get home. I want the details. Stef raises his eyebrows and opens the door. Do you need help getting dressed? He wrinkles his nose at me.

Shut up! I reach out to hit him, but he’s too quick.

My dad’s truck isn’t in the driveway, so he must still be on his way home. I unlock the door to see Sissy waiting for me as usual. I love game nights because it means bonding time with my dad and concession-stand food. I lie on the couch and click on the TV flipping through the channels, stopping at an infomercial for a magic stain remover. I should be freshening up for the game. I wonder what we’re going to do afterwards, although it won’t matter. I just hope it’s not hours of awkward silence.

Hey, JJ. I’m home. Are you ready to heckle some bad-call-making refs? my dad calls from the doorway.

I hadn’t realize how much I’d missed him the last five days. Hi, Daddy! You know it! I wrap my arms around his waist and hug for a long time.

Are you okay? When I’m in need of extra affection, my dad always picks up on it. His hand pets my shoulder.

I’m okay. I really missed you.

"I missed you too, JJ. Maybe we can watch Rocky IV after the game. We can bring home some popcorn and grab a soda?" I pull away from him when he mentions after the game.

Dad! I can’t. I mean, I want to, but I have plans. I have … a date! I can’t believe how hard it is to talk to my dad about a date. I’m seventeen, for crying out loud. He trusts me at home for days at a time. I cook and take care of the house. I’m practically an adult.

A date, huh? He raises his bushy eyebrows. And who is this mystery man?

It’s Derek.

You’re dating the quarterback? He knows Derek. He’s friends with his dad, Tommy.

"Daddy! Don’t tease me! I’m not dating him. He only asked me today. Stef doesn’t think much of it." I shrug.

Oh, don’t you worry about Stefan. He’s just protective of you. He gives me a pat on the arm and picks up his bags.

I’ll start your laundry before we go. I reach for his rucksack, but he pulls it away.

You should go freshen up. Your hair is kind of a mess. He points to the massive ball on the top of my head and laughs. You didn’t have your hair up like that all day did you?

I hadn’t think about my horrible hairdo until now. Yes, I did, but he asked me out any way! My voice squeaks.

My dad walks down the hall towards his room just as my phone vibrates on the coffee table. I’m thankful for the timing.

Derek: Excited for tonight

Jessie: Me 2. I love beating Belltown.

Derek: Not what I meant

Jessie: I know ;) CU after

I let out a squeal and run to my room. I get a glimpse of myself and laugh. My hair is a disaster. Before I can do anything, I text Stef.

Jessie: OMG. Look at this…

I send a screenshot of the quick conversation and take my hair down waiting for his reply. I know it’s going to be cold tonight so I pull my Nixon Valley sweatshirt on and pair it with my favorite jeans. I can see Stef’s wrinkled nose, but I’m not going to get fancy for a football game. Not the way my dad and I watch football.

Stef: I do believe you’ve successfully flirted! WTG! <3

Jessie: Thanks, LOL! My dad made it home. =)

Stef: Have a good time. Text me after or tomorrow.

Jessie: K <3

Dad! Let’s go! I want to get chili cheese nachos before kickoff! I call down the hallway.

"You’re going to eat that before your date? Brave girl." He’s tightening his belt around his slimming waist. My dad has a thick build, but I can tell he hasn’t been eating when he’s away from home. I’ll have to talk to him about this later.

I’ll buy gum. Let’s go. I nudge his shoulder toward the front door.

****

Nixon Valley may be small, as most rural Nevada towns are, but we sure do know how to support our team. The stands are packed and the tailgaters are backed in along the visitor’s side of the field. My dad offers to get food while I get our seats. As we walk past the field house, my heart beats in my ears. I’m sure I’m blushing, so it’s a relief when Mr. Freeley from the hardware store stops and talks to my dad.

Hello, James. Jessie. He shakes my dad’s hand, but my hands are full with an old ratty comforter for the bleacher so he gives me a wink and a click of his tongue. I was hoping I’d run into you. We are expanding the store in the spring, and I sure would appreciate it if you’d submit a bid.

I leave them talking and make my way up the steps hoping my favorite spot is