Page 59 of The Enemy Plot
“Relax!” Alice says, rubbing my back. Then, she whispers in my ear. “It’s just for fun. Remember what it was like to have a teenage crush? Let her be happy. She’s a good kid.”
I growl in response, focusing on my food again. Fine. I know what it’s like to have an adult crush, so maybe I can understand.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. I’m not dating him, since he doesn’t really seem interested. But it’s fine. I don’t need a guy.”
“You definitely don’t.” Alice nods, and I relax a little.
“Agreed,” I say, trying to hide the relief in my voice.
“Friends would be nice, though. But how can I make real connections if I can never go to any p—”
“Lola,” I warn, slamming my glass down again.
She rolls her eyes and brings her attention back to her plate. “Fine.”
After dinner, Alice helps me do the dishes, which transports me back to Sycamore Springs. As we wash and dry together, the sense of normality hits me again. Lola went to her room, so as soon as Alice puts down the last plate, I snake my arms around her waist and kiss her neck.
“Deacon,” she says through fits of giggles, but she leans into me.
I haul her into my arms and sit her on the counter. She laughs harder as I nip at her neck before capturing her mouth in a hungry kiss. Her legs lock around my waist, closing the small gap between us.
“Ew, that’s so gross,”Lola says.
Alice slips off the counter, and I take a large step back, hitting my calf on the chair behind me.
“I thought you were in your room?” I stammer.
“I have a question for Alice about my French homework.”
“Oh,” Alice says with a grin, catching her breath. “Absolutely.”
Lola shows Alice her notebook, and Alice explains a few things. Since I never took French, I have no idea what they’re talking about.
“Thanks,” Lola says before giving Alice a quick hug. “I’ll go lock myself in my room now, so you guys can be as gross as you want. Just remember the walls are kinda thin.”
My eyes widen, and Alice puffs in laughter.
“Bye!” she peeps before skipping back to her bedroom.
Alice is still laughing, and I force myself to chuckle along. Tonight has been great, but raising a teenager also means no intimate time with my date. And even if Lola jumped ten bases from where we are, I’m starting to wonder how we’ll ever get there.
“Sorry about that,” I say, shaking my head. “Still figuring out this teenage parenting thing.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she says, waving a hand in dismissal. “You know, I may not have any experience withparenting, but I was a teenage girl once, and I think you should consider letting her go out more.”
My body tenses, and she places a hand on my shoulder, probably sensing it.
“I know how you feel about parties, but it’s probably not what you think. Friendships are a huge part of a teenager’s life. Maybe you could let her go to a sleepover at a friend’s house or something. Ask to meet her friend’s parents first. Just a thought.”
I release a sigh. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’m absolutely not ready yet. I don’t think that’s what Lola needs right now.” My tone is firm, and I hope she doesn’t take it the wrong way.
She nods, offering a small smile. “Of course. I understand, and you should do what feels right.”
I nod. “Should we watch some TV?”
“Sure.”
We settle on the couch, and I put on a show neither of us is interested in watching. Instead, I immediately turn and place a soft kiss on her lips. She giggles, kissing me back, but before we can go any further, her phone rings in her pocket.