The Recruit(43)

‘Humph,’ said Taylor. ‘Well I guess that leaves you then, Jaz.’ He swung around to face her. ‘Will you go to the ball with me?’

Jaz laughed. ‘Com’on Taylor, don’t tell me you can’t find a date. I’m sure half the school wants you.’

She reached across to straighten Taylor’s tie as he spoke. ‘That’s actually the problem. So will you save me from them all and go with me?’

She rolled her eyes for dramatic effect, pretending it was a hard choice. ‘If I have to. Okay.’

Taylor leant over and kissed her forehead. ‘Thanks Jazzy, you’re a lifesaver. Catch ya’s later.’ Then he was off again, back to his mates over by the far wall. The ‘cool’ section of the cafeteria.

‘Well, well, well. Your day just got better,’ said Anna. Her eyebrows were dancing across her forehead.

‘Yeah, but really, I’m just a safe option.’

The siren went and they got up holding their rubbish. ‘You’re still his choice, it might mean something, and you’ll get to dance lots with him,’ said Anna.

‘I have a feeling he would have taken you first. Tay just doesn’t think of me any other way.’

‘Jaz, there is a little thing called hope.’

After putting their rubbish in the bin, they walked towards their next class. Jaz threw her arm around Anna and couldn’t help feel a little bit of hope.

*



At the end of the day, Jaz sat with Taylor on the steps outside of school. Her commando boots lined up next to Taylor’s expensive black trainers. They had just had Mr Noble’s class together and were waiting for Anna.

‘Hey, it’s that dude again,’ said Jaz. She recognised the bearded guy from last time. He was leaning back on the car with a cigarette in his hand but she could have sworn he’d been watching them.

Taylor glanced over to where she’d gestured. The man looked down at his feet as if to avoid them. ‘Maybe you have another stalker?’

‘Ha ha, funny. I actually think this guy likes you,’ she teased.

‘Creepy.’ Taylor rubbed his knees. ‘So Jaz…what’s the colour for the ball? Black dress, black tie?’

‘Tay, I might just surprise you and go a lime green,’ Jaz laughed.

‘Oh please don’t. You need a nice blue dress to go with your beautiful eyes.’

Jaz choked. ‘God, Tay no wonder you’re on every girl’s radar, Mr Smooth.’

‘Blame my dad. He was always sweet-talking my mum. How else would she let him play with guns inside?’ he laughed.

‘Hey, Jaz!’

She glanced up at the sound of her name. The voice was familiar and one she realised she had missed it over the weekend.

‘Ryan, you’re back.’ She tried to hide the enthusiasm from her voice. He was wearing his usual, shirt and jeans. Today’s shirt was a khaki colour with buttons, looking very military style. He was turning heads, as always.

Ryan held out his hand for Taylor. ‘How ya going, Taylor?’

‘Good, thanks.’ Taylor shook Ryan’s hand guardedly.

Ryan put his attention back to Jaz. ‘So can I give you a ride to The Ring today?’

‘Sure, that’d be great.’ Jaz stood up and turned to Taylor. ‘Can you say bye to Anna for me, ta. I’ll catch ya later.’

Jaz began to walk off but Taylor grabbed her hand, pulling her back. ‘Jaz, just how well do you know this bloke? There is something about him I can’t put my finger on. Just be careful, okay?’

Jaz hugged Taylor. ‘You’re sweet, but he’s alright, don’t worry. Bye.’

As she was putting on her seatbelt in Ryan’s car she could still see Taylor watching them.

‘Your boyfriend jealous?’ Ryan asked as he started his car.

‘No, he’s not my boyfriend. Tay and I have been friends forever. He just has a vibe about you and he’s worried. But he doesn’t know you like I do, you saved my life. You’re not dangerous to me.’

‘You know he’s got a good reason to be concerned. He has a good instinct. And just because I wouldn’t hurt you doesn’t mean I’m not dangerous,’ said Ryan, keeping his eyes on the road.

Jaz was pondering his words when he pulled into a side street and parked his car. Her pulse throbbed as her senses went into overdrive.

‘What’s up?’ she asked nervously. Yes, she felt safe with Ryan but there was still a big unknown about him, that mysterious part.

Ryan turned in his seat so he was facing her straight on. ‘Jaz, would you like to be a part of something big?’

Taken aback she asked, ‘Like what?’ She shifted so she could face him.