Page 5 of #Lovestrong

4

Declan

"You got plans tonight, douche?"

I roll my eyes as I shuffle toward the coffee pot. Why can't my parents ever take Darcy with them when they go on vacation? That's the best thing about going to college next year— I'm staying on the west coast and my evil twin sister is heading to the east coast.

"Going out with the guys. Speaking of guys, you lined up who you're giving the clap to tonight?" I keep my back to her and smile at my own insult.

"Fuck you," she says with a huff. "Just because you're a virgin doesn't mean all of us have to be prudes."

I turn around and sip my coffee. "Yeah, and just because you’re popular doesn't mean you have to be a whore, but here we are." She acts like I'm ashamed that I haven't had sex with every pretty girl who’s batted her eye lashes at me. I'm not. My friends used to rag me about it, but they got over it. I'm not interested in boning everything that walks. I've got more important things to worry about.

Darcy hops off her chair and pretty much stomps from the room. I roll my eyes and shake my head again as I open the back door and step out onto the deck. It's already warm, the sun shining bright and not a cloud in the sky. Tonight's going to be awesome. Now only if Jackson would stop inviting every wallet-sniffing, gold-digger in our graduating class out with us, I'd be able to really relax.

That's half the reason I don't date anymore. Being the son of a senator has its drawbacks. Jackson and I have been friends since before my dad's rise to political stardom, so he's the only person whose loyalty I don't question. Everyone else is kept at arm's length.

My cell phone vibrates in my pocket and I fish it out, a cool breeze making goosebumps rise over my bare shoulders and arms.

"Hi, Mrs. Deb. Everything okay," I ask as I put the phone to my ear and sip my coffee.

"Declan, honey, I hate to bother you, but Gary and I were wondering if you could do us a favor tomorrow afternoon," she says in a rush.

"Of course, Mrs. Deb. You know I love helping out."

She chuckles and someone says something in the background, but I can't make out what. "I'll tell him, Gary, sheesh. Anyway, Declan, honey, our grandbaby needs to grab her school books, but you know Gary and I are going to be swamped tomorrow. Could you take her over to Sycamore so she can get what she needs? I'm sure it won't take her long, and I'd be happy to give ya gas money."

"I got the gas, Mrs. Deb. I wouldn't say no to another pie though," I say hopefully. "Or maybe a pint of that homemade pistachio ice cream Mr. Gary makes."

"Boy, you're gonna give yourself diabetes with all the sweets you eat during the summer. Ice cream it is. Can ya pick her up around nine, that way maybe she'll be in a better mood around dinner?"

My eyebrows pull together in confusion. "Why wouldn't she be in a good mood? You and Mr. Gary are the bomb. I always look forward to those little dinner parties you throw the football team."

It's not a lie either. Every season, at least twice, they close shop early and cook a big meal for just the guys on the football team. It's never been a bad event. I've spent every year for the last three looking forward to those dinners.

Mrs. Deb is silent for a moment before she sighs loudly. "Now, don't you go pestering her about it, Declan, but she had a difficult year last year. Bad things happened back home, and well, she's just not the same. She's having a hard time coping is all."

"Mrs. Deb, you know I won't say anything. What happened though, if you don't mind me asking?"

"That's not for me to tell anyone, honey. Lena needs to share that information when she's ready."

"I understand. I'll be there tomorrow at nine. Promise. And I'll try to put her in a good mood for you."

She chuckles again and thanks me before hanging up. As I walk back into the house, I curse under my breath. Maybe I should've asked Mrs. Deb what grade her granddaughter was in. Not that it would've changed my mind about helping, just that dealing with a freshman is different that dealing with a junior.

I set my mug in the sink and head back to my room, excitement about tonight finally bubbling in my chest. I love holidays, any holiday. It's always a great excuse to be with my friends and make some badass memories. Plus, it’s our last summer of high school. It's going to be the most epic month yet.