And I know you said no alcohol, but I’ve got this great dessert recipe I wanted to bring…It has crème de menthe in it. Just a little. Not enough to get anybody even a buzz from eating a huge piece. Would that be okay with you? If not, I could always bring Rice Krispies treats instead.

Janie Hannagan

P.S. I’m a little worried about Friday’s big test—trying to study and get ready for the chem fair is taking up a lot of time. Can I set up a meeting to talk over some formulas with you?

Thanks. J.

She presses Send and keeps the computer booted, turning up the volume a notch, just in case he’s online and gets back to her quickly.

“What are you doing?” Cabel says suddenly.

“Flirting with Durbin.”

“Oh.” He turns back to his pacing, and then stops again. “You know, I think I finally understand how it felt for you. Remember when you stopped by my house and Shay was over?”

“Ah…yeah. It’s burned like a cross into my brain.”

“I didn’t want you to see that. Not because I wanted to hide it from you. But because it would hurt.”

Janie smiles at him. “I know. Sucks, doesn’t it.”

“It’s driving me nuts,” Cabel admits. “If that bastard hurts you, I’ll kill him. I’m still not sure about you putting yourself in a position like that.”

“Good thing I don’t work for you, then.” She knows it’s harsh.

He stops pacing. Looks at her. “Damn. You’re right.” Starts pacing again. “So, do you think Durbin is hot?”

“I can see why girls are attracted to him.”

“Are you attracted to him?”

Janie sighs. “Oh Cabe. Shay is hot, rich, sexy, popular. A cheerleader.

Were you attracted to her?”

“No. She was a facet of my job.”

“Exactly.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

Janie hesitates, wanting to be truthful. “Durbin is attractive. I can’t deny that. But when he did the eyelash thing, it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. He creeps me out, Cabe.” Cabel nods absentmindedly as he walks. “Okay. That makes me feel better.”

She smiles. Gets it—it was the same with Cabel and Shay. And is proud of him for the new way he’s approaching it now. “I love you, you know,” she says. It’s getting easier to say.

He comes over to where she’s sitting and massages her shoulders lightly. But his voice is grim. “I love you too, Janie.”

“And I’m getting really good at protecting myself,” she adds. “My self-defense class kicks ass.”

He tugs her hair. “I’m glad you’re taking that class. You’re really getting buff, you know that? It’s very sexy. As long as you’re not beating me up.”

“Don’t make me hurt you,” she murmurs. “Hey, can I stay tonight?”

“Wow, I don’t know, jeez, I’m, like, really busy and shit….” She grins.

And then she hears the binking sound of an e-mail arriving.

Janie,

LOL! Bring the dessert. And the bottle.

And a resounding yes to everything else you asked me, and more.

I could do tomorrow (Tues.) after school, for us to go over the formulas in question. The rest of my afternoons are tied up until around 7 p.m., but if you don’t need much equipment, you could always stop by my house after 7 either tomorrow or Wednesday.

Dave Durbin

“He is so freaking smooth,” remarks Cabel. “He knows tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and there’s not only a big basketball game, but also the pep rally after school and the Valentine’s dance from seven to ten.

He’s not expecting you to make it then.” Cabel thinks for a moment.

“When you write him back, call him Dave. He’s begging for it.” With that, Cabel walks away.

Janie purses her lips, and hits Reply.

Dave,

How’s Wednesday around 8? I know right where you live. Thanks!

J.

She hits Send, and waits less than a minute before she has a reply.

Looking forward to it.

Dave

Janie shuts down the computer and finds Cabel in the living room, watching some old western on the movie channel. She slides in next to him.

“I’m going to his house Wednesday at eight,” she says. “Will you spot me?”

He snakes his arm around her neck and tugs gently. “Of course,” he says. “I’m going to alert Captain to it, too.”

“’Kay,” Janie says, snuggling close.

After a while of watching TV, the volume on too low to actually hear the story line, Cabe says, “I wish we could go out tomorrow night. I’m so tired of this routine, hiding out all the time. Our biggest excitement is lifting weights or deciding between green beans and broccoli.” Janie sighs. “Me too. Do you think we’ll ever be able to go out on a date?”

“Yeah. Maybe this summer. For sure in the fall. Once we rid ourselves of the web of lies we leave behind at Fieldridge High.” It’s a sober moment.

Janie nods.

Rests her head on his shoulder.

He tousles her hair.

“Hey Cabe?” she asks as they climb into bed.

“Yeah, baby?”

“Do you mind if I practice on your dreams tonight?”

“Of course not. You don’t have to ask me.”

“I feel weird about not asking you if I’m planning it in advance,” she says.