Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)

“Invite you to play with his friends.”


“Why not? I’ve got game.”

Jack’s expression turned smug. “Yeah, Larissa. He’s got game.”

“They’re grown men,” she told the teen. “Some of them are dangerous. This is basketball with blood.”

“Only sometimes,” Jack pointed out. “Percy, we play three days a week. If you want in, you’re welcome to join us.”

“I’m in,” Percy told Jack. They exchanged a high five.

It was a part of the male psyche she would never understand, she thought. The need to be so competitive about everything. On the bright side, at least Percy and Jack were connecting.

She accepted the inevitable and picked up her fork. “How was your meeting at the college?” she asked Jack.

Jack’s expression shifted to a scowl. “The athletic director is against starting a football program at the school.”

“Then he’s stupid,” Percy announced. “Football isn’t my thing, but even I know that it brings in the big bucks. Right? Money that pays for other stuff in the school. You know, like the library. Important to the students, but not exciting, like a football game.”

Larissa blinked at him. “You’re right. That’s very insightful.”

Percy sat a little straighter in the chair. “I’m an insightful guy.”

“I see that.”

“Don’t get too cocky, kid,” Jack told him. “Not until you’ve proved yourself on the court.”

“You’ll see.”

“Uh-huh.” He turned back to Larissa. “I’m with Percy. They’re idiots. They have the support of the regents and you know the alumni would be on board. The amount of money they could pull in is staggering, but you can’t push a rope. If they don’t want it, they shouldn’t do it.”

“Is that what you told them?”

“Among other things.”

“I’m sorry the meeting was frustrating.”

He shrugged. “I told them what I thought and now they’ll make their decision. I’m out of it.”

She wondered if he really was or if that was wishful thinking on his part. Jack wanted to get involved and pull away in equal measures. Conflicting emotions with a significant cause. No one could go through what Jack had and not have those events change a person. Some people would have gotten angry or depressed. Jack had moved on, but with emotional protection carefully in place.

He’d been nearly eighteen when his brother, Lucas, had died, but he’d been much younger when his twin had gotten sick. She would guess his life had been defined by Lucas’s illness. She knew his personality had been molded by it. While other kids were free to act out or be irresponsible from time to time, Jack never could. Lucas needed all the family’s attention. Jack had learned to do the right thing, to stay out of trouble and not call attention to himself.

Larissa understood and respected his boundaries. She knew he was a good guy and that was enough for her.

Conversation shifted to what was going on in town. The Máa-zib Festival was the following weekend and Larissa was excited to see all the activities.

“I don’t get it,” Percy said, after finishing his third serving of food. “There’s a dancing horse?”

Jack leaned back in his chair. “That’s what has you confused?” he asked. “Did you hear the part about some guy getting his heart cut out?”

Percy waved off the comment. “That’s not real, man. It’s like the movies. A fake knife and red food coloring. But the horse dancing is actually horses dancing? I didn’t know horses could do that.”

“I’ve never seen it,” Larissa told him. “We’ll have to go check it out.”

Percy started to say something but the word turned into a huge yawn. Larissa glanced at the clock. It was barely after eight, but she would guess the teen hadn’t slept much in the past few days. He’d been making his way back to Fool’s Gold and then last night he’d been in an unfamiliar place.

She stood. “Okay, go on.”

“What?”

“To bed.”

“It’s too early,” Percy protested. “I’m not a baby.”

“No. You’re exhausted. At least go lie down. You can watch TV or something.” And fall asleep in fifteen seconds, she thought, holding in a smile.

Percy yawned again. “Okay. Maybe I’ll go watch a show.”

He rose and reached for his plate. After carrying it to the kitchen, he returned and patted Dyna.

“Thanks for everything,” he said, staring at the cat.

“You’re welcome,” Larissa told him. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

He nodded and headed for the stairs. Jack got up and started clearing food. Most of the cartons were empty but a few still had a bit in them.

“Worth saving?” he asked.

“Might as well. Percy will eat them for a snack. Or breakfast.”

“I’m sure he will.” Jack grinned. “He’s a good kid. You have a knack for finding good people.”