“Mmm, that feels so good,” She let her head fall back. She wondered if he did this with all the other girls he went out with, and if they’d all been treated to such a heart stopping kiss. She lifted her head back up and saw his eyes swallow her up.
“Your feet are so small.”
She looked down at her feet and wiggled her toes. Then she glanced down at his. They were huge. She started to giggle. “Well, compared to yours, they are.”
His expression hadn’t changed. “I love your smile.”
Her smile disappeared in reaction to his compliment. “Thanks, I like yours. As a matter of fact, that was one of the first things I noticed about you.”
His eyebrows shot up curiously. “Really? Tonight?”
“Oh, no,” she said. “Two summers ago, the first time I saw you.”
Now he looked really interested. “You saw me two summers ago?”
“Yup, same summer I hung out with Jesse.” Damn why did she bring that up again?
He stared at her, half frowning. “You went out with him and not me?” He teased.
“He asked; you didn’t.”
A look of disappointment flashed across his face. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember seeing you.”
Sarah smiled. “Don’t worry, I can be pretty invisible.”
Angel seemed almost annoyed. “You’re anything but invisible.” He paused for a moment, and then as if he just remembered something, “So, you said you’re from Arizona, when’d you move out here?”
Sarah straightened up a little, suddenly feeling uneasy. She hadn’t prepared herself to talk about her circumstances. Since she didn’t plan on making any friends, she didn’t think she’d be put in a position to explain something so personal to anyone, especially not Angel Moreno. “I haven’t exactly moved here. It’s just temporary.”
“Really? ‘til when?”
“I’m only here for the semester, then I’ll go back to finish up my senior year at my school in Flagstaff.” She glanced at him and then away, hoping they could get on another subject. But he kept on.
“So, why are you here for this semester?”
She was never good at lying, so making something elaborate up was out of the question. If he ever asked her about it again, she’d probably forget, and mix everything all up. Even a very short version of the truth was uncomfortable. She looked out into the ocean, not wanting to see his expression when she told him. “Well, it’s kind of a long story… ”
“We’ve got time.” he said.
Sarah was silent for a second, “My mom has some problems she needs to iron out, and I have to stay with my aunt now. My best friend’s family offered to let me stay with them so I could finish out my senior year at my own school, but my mom refused, so, I’m here now. But once I turn eighteen this winter, she can’t stop me from going back.”
He looked at her, eyes full of questions, and she prayed none of them were about her mom. She really didn’t feel like discussing that part of her life with him, with anyone.
“Does your aunt know you plan on leaving?”
“No, I haven’t told her. I know she won’t want me to, but Sydney and Sydney’s parents are the closest thing I’ve ever had to family, besides my mom. I have to go back, Sydney’s waiting.” She held her chin a bit higher.
Sarah noticed how intently Angel watched her when she spoke, as if he didn’t want to miss a word.
“Besides, I’ve never really been close to my aunt. We only started visiting her about two years ago, when her and my mom finally started speaking to each other again. Even then, it was only once or twice a year.” She shook her head looking away. “I’d rather be in Flagstaff. It’s where I belong.”
Angel’s expression had changed, she couldn’t put her finger on it, but he seemed genuinely concerned or maybe something else… damn it, the last thing she wanted was pity. Not from anyone, but especially not from him. That’s why she was so determined to save money. Even when Sydney’s family had offered to let her stay with them, they meant rent free, but she absolutely refused. If she was going to stay with them, she’d pay them.
“What about after high school? Will you be with your mom then?”
Sarah kept her chin up. “No, I’ll work and go to school. Sydney’s parents said I could stay with them as long as I need to, and as soon as I can afford my own place, I’ll get it.”