Chapter 7 iBelieve He's a Dog
"Keeley," he gently whispered and drew her hand toward him. "I've liked you since the first time we talked," he confessed. "Please tell me you feel the same way." He placed a chaste kiss against the back of her hand.
Keeley's eyes widened with surprise. "You...you do?" she stuttered.
He smiled at her astonished face. "Yes. You drive me crazy," he murmured affectionately. He tugged her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her waist. "All I can think about is you. I can't concentrate on anything else."
She stared at his chest, not being able to look him in the eye. "Really?" she asked faintly. Her heart was beating so loudly, she feared he could hear it.
"Really," he confirmed. He gently placed his hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. "I like you, Keeley. Be my girlfriend."
Keeley's breath hitched at his words. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Her voice seemed to have deserted her.
He leaned toward her, watching her face intently. "Keeley?" he prompted.
She slowly nodded, still too stunned to speak.
He let out a sigh of relief and cupped her cheek. His thumb gently traced her bottom lip, making her shiver at the contact. He gently drew her face upwards as his descended. Right before their lips touched, she whispered, "Brent...-"
The Darth Vader theme song woke Keeley up with a start. She groaned and closed her eyes when she realized Brent and the almost kiss was all a dream. It had felt so real to her. The ominous song played again and Keeley let out a string of curse words. She knew exactly who was calling her. Before she went to bed that night, she had programmed her number into Talon's phone and assigned Darth Vader's ringtone to his name.
"'Ello?" Keeley muttered into the phone. She threw an arm over her face and tried to retain the image of Brent leaning down to kiss her.
"Your brother is fuckin' annoying," Talon mumbled, his voice sounded sleepy and deeper than normal.
"Hmmm?" Keeley asked, still thinking about her dream. Talon's words barely registered in her brain.
"Your brother keeps calling and texting. He wants you to pick him up from some chick's house," he told her grumpily. "I think her name is Laura or something."
"What?" Keeley asked as she tried to shake off the haze and concentrate on what Talon was telling her.
Talon grunted. "Pick up your damn brother," he muttered impatiently.
Keeley sighed and rolled out of bed. It figured that even though Zach was mad at her, he would still call her to drive him home. "What time is it?" she asked him as she rummaged in her closet and pulled out a zip-up sweatshirt.
There was a slight pause before Talon answered. "2:30." He groaned. "Why the hell is he calling you to pick him up? Can't he get home by himself?"
Keeley shrugged her shoulders in response but then realized he couldn't see her. "He's drunk." She quickly put on the sweater and tromped toward the corner of her room where all her shoes were piled up.
"So?" he asked callously.
"So, he can't drive. I'm his sober driver," Keeley explained. She pulled on a pair of Uggs and grabbed her wallet from her desk.
"Seriously?" Talon asked in disbelief. "He calls and you just do his bidding?"
Keeley frowned at his tone. "I'm his sister Talon," she said simply as if that explained everything. She opened her door and crept down the hall, making sure to be quiet so she wouldn't wake up her parents.
"Is he your younger brother or something? Are you one of those overprotective older sisters?"
"No," she whispered. Keeley grabbed her mom's car keys off the kitchen table and tip-toed toward the front door. Tucker rushed after her, thinking he was going for a walk.
"Then why are you his personal chauffer?" his deep voice demanded. "It sounds like you do this all the time."
Tucker whined when she opened the door and wouldn't let him pass her. Keeley shushed him but Tucker just whined again and pawed her leg. "Go to my room," she ordered him in hushed tones. He gave her one last look before trotting back the way he came.
"I thought you'd never ask," Talon drawled. "I knew all that protest was just an act, baby doll. No one can refuse my charm," his voice sounding too smug for Keeley's liking.
"I was talking to the dog," Keeley hissed as she silently closed the door behind her and walked toward her mom's car. "Although, there is an uncanny resemblance."
Talon's deep voice chuckled at her insinuation. "And how would you know? You've never seen me," he baited her.
"Maybe not physically but I have definitely noted personality similarities between you and Tucker," Keeley responded with a little sass.
"Oh really? By all means, tell me more baby doll," his voice was laced with amusement.
"Well, like Tucker, you need to have your ego stroked. You both need to be put in your place when you misbehave, which is often. I've noticed that you and Tucker love the chase and when you get your bone taken away you sulk and pout like a two year old."
Talon's only response to her harsh comparisons was to laugh. Keeley shook her head. Unbelievable. He really was made out of Teflon.
"Shut up, dude!" a voice yelled in the background. Talon must have covered the phone with his hand because all Keeley could hear was a few muffled noises. A few moments went by of white noise and then she heard a door close.
Keeley hesitated before calling out, "Talon?"
"Here. Sorry, my roommate kicked me out," he informed her. "I had to go out to the common room."
Keeley raised on eyebrow in surprise. He left his room so he could continue talking to her? "I'm surprised you didn't kick him out," she replied lightly, not sure how to respond to his statement. She turned on the car and switched him to speakerphone.
"I kind of owe him one," Talon admitted.
"Ahhh...the Gumby girl from last night," Keeley concluded. She pulled out of the driveway and made her way onto the main street.
"Who I fully satisfied, by the way. No penis pump required," he pointed out bitterly.
Keeley let out a small laugh. "I know. She sent me," she paused, "well you, a picture of her boobs and an invitation for another round."
"And you didn't tell me?" he cried out in indignation.
"Would you like me to forward you the text?" Keeley asked wryly.
There were a few moments of silence like Talon was actually considering it. Then he said, "Nahh. They were on the small side anyway."
Mentally, Keeley rolled her eyes as she remembered Shawn said the same thing. Seemed like no matter the age, men had the same thought process. "Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Keeley asked him, still unsure as to why he kept talking to her after he relayed her brother's messages.
"Shouldn't you be?" he countered. "Back to my previous question," he paused, "Why are you picking up your brother at 2:30 in the morning?
Keeley huffed. "Why do you care?" she asked defensively. She didn't like a practical stranger insulting her brother and their relationship.
"Sue me. I'm curious," he stated, not apologizing for prying into her business.
"Haven't you ever heard curiosity killed the cat?" Keeley asked as she pulled onto Laura's street.
"Good thing I'm a dog then huh?" Talon answered dryly.
His answer was so unexpected Keeley burst out laughing and let out a very unladylike snort. "Well, at least you admit it." Keeley parked the car a couple houses down from Laura's house. "Unfortunately as stimulating as this conversation has been, I gotta go."
"You there already?" his tone seemed a little sad.
"Yah," Keeley sighed. She hated having to deal with drunk people when she was sober. They were annoying and obnoxious. Keeley sidestepped a pile of puke and grimaced when she saw a kid sleeping on someone's front lawn.
"You don't sound too thrilled," he noted. "I can empathize."
"You can?" she asked surprised. Keeley assumed he was the type of guy to love partying and drinking.
"Of course. I wouldn't be thrilled to say goodbye to me either," he replied cheekily.
Keeley rolled her eyes. His ego held no bounds. "Goodbye Talon," her tone indicating their conversation was over.
He chuckled. "Night baby doll."
With a frustrated sigh, she weaved her way through red plastic cups littering the Laura's lawn. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a kid peeing in a neighbor's bush and wondered how long it would take for the cops to arrive. With a sense of urgency she marched into the house searched for her twin.
"Keeley!" one of Zach's friends yelled out to her. He stumbled over to her and gave her big hug. "How'va been?" he yelled into her ear. His breath reeked of beer and rum.
"Hey Andy," she greeted him while holding her breath. She pulled out of his grasp and took a big gulp of fresh air. "Have you seen Zach?"
His eyes were glazed over as he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the kitchen. "Let's do shots!" he yelled over his shoulder, ignoring her question. "Look 'hose here!" Andy shouted to a group of football players in the corner.
"Hey everyone," she said as they approached. These guys had been over at her house countless times in the past four years to hang out with Zach. She didn't really converse with them except for the occasional "hi" and "how are you" but from what she could tell they were nice guys.
"Here Keeley," Andy said and shoved a cup of beer into her hands. "Drink up. What'avu you been up to lately?"
She murmured her thanks but didn't take a sip. "I had my first shift at The Surf Shack today."
"The one on the pier?" one of the guys named Cory piped in. He didn't wait for her to respond before eagerly saying, "I love that store! Do you think you can get me a discount?"
Keeley shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Maybe. I'd have to ask the manager, Shawn."
"Aw dude! You know Shawn?" Cory's whole face lit up as he leaned forward and invaded her personal space. "Do you know Van? He's like a frickin' surf genius!"
Keeley was taken back by Cory's excitement. Van was that good? "Yah, I worked with him today."
"Holy shit!" Cory exclaimed and spit flew in her face. She took a quick step back and subtly wiped her face. This was the reason why she dreaded picking Zach up from parties. People had no control over their bodily fluids. "Do you think you can introduce me to him? I'd love for him to mentor me," he asked, putting her on the spot.
"Uhh..." Keeley wasn't sure how to respond. First of all, Van hated her. Second of all, she didn't know Cory that well and he did just spit in her face. "Maybe. How's the football team this year?" she asked trying to divert his attention.
All five guys high-fived each other and started hollering at once.
"Dude, our team is going dominate!"
"Bulldogs for the win!"
"This year is going to be epic!"
Keeley was surprised they didn't strip off their clothes right then and there and start pounding their chests. Keeley gave them an indulgent smile. "That good?"
"Hell yes!" Andy yelled. "Crosswell is going down this year!" The guys cheered their approval around her. Crosswell High was their high school's rival. There was an annual football game between the two schools and it was the biggest event of the year including prom. The whole school got involved, holding a spirit week with rallies, banners, balloons and posters.
"I'm sure you guys will kick ass," Keeley assured them. She was aware that the noise of the party was steadily rising as people became more drunk. She needed to find Zach and leave immediately before the cops came. "Have you guys seen my twin anywhere?"
"I think he's out on the back patio with Bianca," Cory told her. Keeley must have made a face because Cory laughed and leaned in. "You know he only went out with her to piss you off."
Keeley blinked. "Seriously?!" she asked flabbergasted. The guys all nodded. "What an asshole! To think I watched the first season of Battlestar Galactica with him!"
The guys looked at each other and laughed. "He watches that?" Cory asked with avid interest.
"Shit!" Keeley slapped her forehead. "Don't tell him I told you. He'll have my hide."
Cory and Andy gave each other sly looks. "We won't," they said in unison with a mischievous glint in their eye.
Keeley wagged her finger at them. "Be nice boys," she chastised before waving goodbye and heading out to the patio. She found Zach sitting on a bench swing next to Bianca. His arms were folded over his chest and his head was bent forward, giving off the appearance that he was sleeping. Bianca didn't seem to notice because she was facing forward, chatting animatedly about god knows what.
"Zach," Keeley called out as she approached the duo.
His head popped up and a look of relief passed over his face once he saw her. "Keeley!" He ran over to her, cutting off Bianca from whatever she was saying. He draped his body over hers and whispered in her ear, "Thank god you are here. Please save me!"
Keeley saw Bianca's thunderous face and chuckled. "That bad?"
He pulled away and looked over his shoulder at Bianca. He shuddered and turned his attention back to Keeley. "Worst night EVER. She keeps rambling about the Bachelor and something about someone not getting a rose." Zach ran a hand through his brown hair looking scared and bewildered.
Keeley stifled a giggle and placed her hands on her hips, trying to appear stern. "Then maybe you shouldn't have asked her out to piss me off."
Zach's ears turned red with embarrassment. "You heard about that?" he asked ashamed. He gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry twin. Forgive me?"
Keeley was about to accept his apology when an idea came to her. "On one condition," she said with a wicked glint in her eye.
Zach saw it and groaned. His sister was relentless when she wanted to be. "What do I have to do?" he asked, dreading her answer.
"I get the car when I work at The Surf Shack."
Zach shot her a glare. "Hell no! I need it for football practice."
"Get Andy or one of your buddies to give you a ride," she countered, gesturing to his friends inside. It was completely unfair he got to use the car and she didn't. Keeley planned on milking this for all it was worth.
He shook his head in refusal. "No. It'll make me look weak if I have to get a ride from one of the guys." Zach saw her stony expression and changed tactics. He placed his hands on her arms and gave his best puppy dog face, in hopes of softening her up. "You know how important football is to me, Keels. I've worked really hard to become captain and quarterback of the team. I need to look like a strong leader," he wheedled, his eyes pleading with her to let the car issue go.
Keeley scoffed at his attempt to guilt her. If he wanted to play dirty, so could she. "Fine. You can have the car." She leaned around her brother and called out to Bianca who was hunched over, texting on her phone. "Oh Bianca!"
Bianca's head jerked up in surprise. "What do you want? Can I have my date back now?" her voice dripping with malice. "We were having a great time before you showed up."
Keeley suppressed a grin. "I'm sure you were," she said in a condescending tone. "I just wanted to apologize for interrupting your date."
Zach squeezed her arm in alarm. "Keeley..." he warned.
Keeley ignored him and continued talking to Bianca. "It's just that he wanted to impress you so he was asking me about other reality TV shows that you might watch." She gave Zach a conspiring wink, making sure Bianca could see. "I thought maybe you could tell him about The Real Housewives of New Jersey...." she trailed off.
Bianca squealed with glee. "Oh-Em-Gee! I love that show!" She rushed toward Zach and grabbed his hand. "Well, right now they are on their fourth season and -" Bianca kept on rambling, while Zach shot Keeley a dirty glare.
Keeley stretched out her hand, palm up and patiently waited for Zach to admit defeat. By the time Bianca started telling him about Jacqueline and Teresa's twitter war, he groaned and pulled the car keys out from his back pocket. He dropped them in her waiting hand and sighed heavily. Keeley shot him a victorious smile before interrupting Bianca. "We really have to go but thanks for all your help," she said politely and walked away with Zach trailing close behind.
"Since when did you become so underhanded and mean?" he pouted once they were in the car.
"Since I started talking to a dog," Keeley answered mysteriously.
Zach gave her a puzzled look. "Huh?"
Keeley just smiled and drove her twin back home.
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A/N I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for reading my story. There's thousands of stories out there on Wattpad and I am honored you chose to read mine.
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